Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a delightful and comforting dish that balances rich, creamy textures with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the tender bite of orzo pasta. This dish is perfect as a cozy meal for any occasion, whether as a main course for vegetarians or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, turkey, or a hearty steak.
The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is irresistible—each bite is filled with creamy goodness, complemented by the slightly caramelized taste of the roasted squash, the freshness of spinach, and the savory notes of Parmesan cheese. The creamy sauce that envelops the orzo adds a velvety finish that brings all the ingredients together in a comforting, flavorful bowl.
This recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different vegetables, herbs, and even protein sources to make it uniquely yours. Whether you want to make it a lighter weeknight meal or a more luxurious holiday side dish, this creamy orzo will fit the bill. In this guide, we’ll break down the recipe, explore variations, and provide you with tips on how to serve and store this delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roasting the squash at this temperature will help it become tender and caramelized, adding flavor and sweetness to the dish. - Prepare the Squash:
Peel the butternut squash using a vegetable peeler, then cut it in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon and discard them. Slice the squash into 1-inch cubes for even roasting. - Season and Coat the Squash:
Place the diced squash onto a large baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and optional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg for extra flavor depth. Toss the squash to coat evenly. - Roast the Squash:
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the pieces are tender and lightly browned around the edges. Stir once halfway through for even cooking. Once done, remove the squash from the oven and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
- Boil the Orzo:
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup of dry orzo and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 7-9 minutes. The orzo should be al dente. Drain the orzo and set it aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for about 4-5 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. - Deglaze with Wine or Broth:
If using, pour in 1/2 cup of dry white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. If you prefer not to use wine, you can skip this step and use vegetable broth or chicken broth instead. - Add the Broth and Cream:
Stir in the 1 1/2 cups of vegetable broth (or chicken broth if preferred) and bring it to a simmer. Then, add 1/2 cup of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free version) to create a rich and creamy sauce. Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine. - Season the Sauce:
Add the fresh thyme (or dried thyme), black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Stir well, and adjust the seasoning to taste. If you like your sauce extra creamy, you can add more cream or a little bit of cream cheese for a thicker texture.
Step 4: Combine the Orzo, Squash, and Spinach
- Add the Roasted Squash:
Once the squash is roasted, add it to the creamy sauce mixture. Stir to combine, ensuring the squash is evenly distributed in the sauce. - Incorporate the Spinach:
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and softens, releasing its moisture into the sauce. - Combine with the Orzo:
Add the cooked orzo pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Stir until the orzo has absorbed some of the sauce and is creamy. - Add Parmesan:
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness and flavor. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, you can use a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan alternative.
Step 5: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the Dish:
Transfer the creamy orzo to serving plates or bowls. Top with any additional garnishes, such as fresh parsley, basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or extra Parmesan cheese. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for added texture. - Enjoy:
This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the flavors are fresh. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or grilled proteins like chicken or shrimp.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Orzo
- Roasting the Squash:
Make sure to cut the squash into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Roasting at a high temperature caramelizes the natural sugars in the squash, creating a deep, rich flavor. - Creaminess Level:
Adjust the amount of heavy cream or coconut milk to achieve your preferred level of creaminess. If you like a richer sauce, you can add more cream, or for a lighter version, reduce the cream and increase the broth. - Adding More Vegetables:
This dish is versatile, and you can easily add more vegetables for added nutrition. Try adding roasted carrots, zucchini, or even mushrooms for additional flavor and texture. - Make It Vegan:
To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the cream with coconut cream or any other plant-based cream, use a dairy-free cheese alternative like nutritional yeast, and skip the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan. - Substitute Proteins:
If you want to add protein to this dish, grilled chicken, shrimps, or tofu can be great additions. Just sauté them separately and mix them in at the end.
Freezing:
While this dish can technically be frozen, the creaminess of the sauce may change in texture once frozen and reheated. If you choose to freeze it, make sure to cool it completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
To reheat, place the dish in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream. Stir until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a flexible and satisfying dish that can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your needs and preferences. Here are some great serving ideas:
1. As a Main Course
This creamy orzo can be enjoyed on its own as a hearty, comforting main course, particularly for vegetarians or those looking to enjoy a lighter but filling meal. The roasted butternut squash and spinach make for a flavorful, satisfying combination, while the creamy sauce adds richness without feeling too heavy. You can pair it with a simple salad or a side of garlic bread to round out the meal.
- Side Salad Pairing: A crisp, fresh salad with a light vinaigrette would contrast nicely with the richness of the creamy orzo. Consider a salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy lemon vinaigrette to balance the flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Fresh, toasted garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and will complement the creamy nature of the dish. The crispy, buttery texture of the bread contrasts with the creamy orzo.
2. As a Side Dish
This creamy orzo makes an excellent side dish for a variety of protein options. It pairs beautifully with roasted or grilled meats, such as:
- Grilled Chicken: The light, smoky flavor of grilled chicken works well with the richness of the creamy orzo. You could even serve the orzo with a grilled chicken breast or thigh for a complete meal.
- Grilled Shrimp or Salmon: If you’re in the mood for seafood, grilled shrimp or salmon provides a light, yet flavorful contrast to the creamy, earthy orzo dish. The fresh, clean flavors of the seafood balance the richness of the orzo perfectly.
3. For Meal Prep or Leftovers
One of the great things about this dish is that it keeps well in the fridge and can be enjoyed as leftovers throughout the week. You can prepare a large batch of Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach for a few days’ worth of meals.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you want to keep it for longer, you can freeze the dish, although the creamy texture may change slightly upon reheating.
- Reheating: To reheat, you can either microwave individual portions or heat it in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is versatile, allowing for a variety of swaps and additions to suit dietary preferences or to use ingredients you already have on hand. Here are some ideas for customizing Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach:
1. Different Vegetables
While roasted butternut squash and spinach make a wonderful pairing, you can easily switch them out for other vegetables to suit your taste or seasonal availability:
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: If you prefer the sweetness of sweet potatoes, they can be roasted and substituted for the butternut squash. Sweet potatoes add a creamy texture and a similar sweetness that works beautifully with the creamy orzo.
- Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts, with their nutty and slightly bitter flavor, can be a great addition to this dish. Their slight bitterness complements the sweetness of the squash and the creaminess of the sauce.
- Mushrooms: Mushrooms, particularly earthy varieties like cremini or shiitake, can be sautéed and added for extra umami flavor. Mushrooms will also add texture and depth to the dish, especially when cooked until golden brown.
- Caramelized Onions: For a sweeter, more robust flavor, caramelize some onions to mix into the dish. Their sweetness will beautifully balance the richness of the sauce and complement the other ingredients.
2. Herbs and Seasonings
Adding fresh herbs or altering the seasoning profile can give the dish a new twist:
- Fresh Herbs: Swap out the thyme for rosemary, sage, or basil for a different flavor profile. These herbs pair beautifully with the sweetness of the squash and can add an aromatic layer to the creamy sauce.
- Garlic and Lemon: For an extra zing, you can add more garlic or a bit of lemon zest to brighten up the dish. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can help balance the creaminess and add a refreshing element.
3. Protein Additions
If you’d like to add protein to the dish, here are a few options:
- Grilled or Roasted Chicken: Grilled chicken breast or roasted chicken thighs pair wonderfully with this creamy dish. You can either add slices of chicken on top or stir it directly into the orzo for a complete meal.
- Shrimp or Scallops: If you enjoy seafood, sautéed shrimp or seared scallops would add a light, flavorful protein element that complements the creamy orzo and squash.
- Crispy Tofu: For a vegetarian or vegan protein option, crispy tofu can add a satisfying texture to the dish. Season the tofu with some soy sauce and spices before pan-frying to give it a bit of flavor.
- Bacon or Pancetta: For a bit of smoky flavor, adding crumbled bacon or pancetta can elevate the dish. This is particularly great if you’re not concerned with making the dish vegetarian.
4. Vegan and Dairy-Free Modifications
Making this dish vegan or dairy-free is simple with just a few substitutions:
- Heavy Cream Substitution: Use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream to make the dish dairy-free. Coconut milk will add a slight tropical flavor, while cashew cream provides a more neutral, rich substitute.
- Cheese Substitution: Replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese like nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor, or use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Many vegan cheese options also melt nicely, giving you the same creamy consistency.
- Butter Substitution: Use vegan butter or olive oil in place of regular butter. Both options will still give you a creamy, smooth texture in the sauce.
5. Gluten-Free Version
To make this recipe gluten-free, you can substitute gluten-free orzo pasta or any other gluten-free pasta of your choice. There are many excellent gluten-free orzo varieties available, made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Make sure to check the cooking instructions as these may differ slightly from regular pasta.
Conclusion
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a truly versatile and flavorful dish that can be enjoyed year-round, whether as a hearty vegetarian main or a comforting side. With its rich, creamy sauce and a balance of sweetness from the squash and freshness from the spinach, it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. The flexibility in ingredients and seasonings means you can adjust this recipe to suit various dietary needs or personal preferences, ensuring that it remains a staple in your kitchen for years to come.
Whether served on its own with a side salad or paired with your favorite protein, this dish offers warmth, comfort, and a burst of flavor in every bite. So next time you’re looking for a cozy meal to enjoy, or need to impress guests with a tasty, elegant dish, give this creamy orzo recipe a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the perfect comfort food, providing a balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. It’s a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit various tastes and dietary preferences, making it a fantastic addition to your meal rotation. Whether you serve it on its own or as a side, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds.
By roasting the butternut squash, you unlock its natural sweetness, and when combined with the creamy orzo and spinach, it creates a dish that is both hearty and satisfying. Top it off with some Parmesan, fresh herbs, and crunchy nuts for a well-rounded meal that’s sure to impress.
Enjoy this creamy, comforting dish with friends, family, or on your own for a cozy night in.
Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is a delightful and comforting dish that balances rich, creamy textures with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the earthiness of fresh spinach, and the tender bite of orzo pasta. This dish is perfect as a cozy meal for any occasion, whether as a main course for vegetarians or as a side dish alongside grilled chicken, turkey, or a hearty steak.
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash (about 2 cups), peeled, seeded, and diced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach (about 2 large handfuls)
- Fresh thyme or sage for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Roast the Butternut Squash:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash in an even layer on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Orzo:
- While the squash roasts, cook the orzo according to the package instructions in salted water. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
- In a large skillet or saucepan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add the heavy cream and vegetable broth to the pan, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until melted and smooth.
4. Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked orzo and roasted butternut squash to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Add the fresh spinach and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring until the spinach wilts and everything is well coated in the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper, if needed.
5. Serve:
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh thyme or sage if desired.