Name: Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 3 cups); 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1½ cups orzo pasta; 3 cups vegetable broth (or water); 2 tbsp butter; 2 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup heavy cream; 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped; ½ tsp dried thyme (optional); Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 19 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that feels both luxurious and totally homey, Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach will absolutely steal your heart. It brings together caramelized, roasted squash, tender orzo bathed in a luscious sauce, and handfuls of bright spinach for freshness. Each forkful delivers balancing notes of sweetness, nuttiness, and creaminess, all punctuated by parmesan and hints of garlic. It’s a vegetarian main that feels special enough for company but comforting enough for a solo night in with your favorite show.

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe works hard to layer in flavor, color, and the irresistibly creamy texture that makes this dish a standout. Nothing is fancy or fussy, just good, honest staples transformed into something spectacular.

Butternut squash: Roasting brings out its natural sweetness, making every bite soft and caramelized.
Olive oil: Helps achieve golden, crispy edges on the squash and adds richness overall.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish just right.
Orzo pasta: The star of creamy orzo, absorbs all the delicious broth and flavors beautifully.
Vegetable broth (or water): Adds depth and more flavor to the orzo as it cooks.
Butter: Gives the base its silky, indulgent feel and a savory backbone.
Garlic: Offers a subtle aromatic kick that underpins the entire dish.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the orzo for bold, nutty flavor and extra creaminess.
Heavy cream: The key for that decadent, restaurant-worthy finish.
Baby spinach: Adds a pop of green color and gentle earthy taste.
Dried thyme (optional): For a lightly herby note that complements the squash.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Brings a gentle warmth if you want a subtle kick.
Fresh parsley (for garnish): Lifts the whole dish with freshness and color at the end.

How to Make Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss your peeled, diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper till evenly coated. Arrange the pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and slide them into the oven. Let them roast for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until each piece is golden around the edges and irresistibly tender.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Toast the Orzo

Meanwhile, grab a large saucepan and melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, letting it sizzle for about a minute until fragrant (be careful not to brown it). Stir in the orzo, toasting it gently for 1 to 2 minutes—this simple step unlocks a deliciously nutty flavor and keeps the pasta’s texture just right.

Step 3: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in your vegetable broth (or water) and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring occasionally, letting the orzo soak up the liquid and flavors for about 10 to 12 minutes until plump and creamy, but not mushy. If you like, now is the time to sprinkle in dried thyme or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Stir in Cheese, Cream, and Spinach

Once your orzo is al dente and most of the liquid’s absorbed, dial down the heat. Stir in the grated parmesan and heavy cream so it all comes together in a rich, silky sauce. Add in the chopped spinach and continue stirring just until it wilts and folds beautifully into the creamy base.

Step 5: Fold in the Roasted Squash and Finish

Gently fold in your roasted butternut squash, being careful not to break up the cubes too much. Give everything a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cheese if needed. Serve piping hot, and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley for that final flourish.

How to Serve Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach: Garnishes

To take your Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach to the next level, shower it with extra grated parmesan right before serving. A handful of chopped fresh parsley brightens things up, while a light drizzle of good olive oil just before eating adds luscious sheen. For a crowd, let everyone customize with a dusting of black pepper or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for pop.

Side Dishes

This dish is hearty on its own, but you can’t go wrong pairing it with warm, crusty bread to mop up every bit of creamy sauce. For a punch of protein, try it alongside grilled chicken or salmon. If you want to keep things vegetarian and light, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the orzo.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party flair, portion the Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach into individual shallow bowls and top each with a swirl of pesto, pine nuts, or even toasted pumpkin seeds. It’s also beautiful served family-style on a big platter, garnished with extra greens. For something unexpected, serve it in roasted squash halves or baked acorn squash “bowls.”

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with leftovers (lucky you!), transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and deepen overnight, so tomorrow’s lunch is something to look forward to.

Freezing

While orzo pasta dishes are best fresh for the creamiest texture, you can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Freeze in individual servings for quick lunches. When thawed, the texture may be a bit softer, but the flavors hold up nicely—just keep in mind that fresh spinach and creamy sauces can separate a bit when frozen and reheated.

Reheating

To bring your Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach back to life, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water, milk, or broth over low heat. Give it a stir every so often until everything is hot and creamy again. You can also microwave it in short bursts, adding a tablespoon of liquid to keep it from drying out. Don’t forget to finish with a fresh sprinkle of cheese or herbs before serving.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, frozen diced squash is a speedy alternative! Just toss it directly onto a baking sheet with olive oil, no need to thaw. Roast until golden brown and tender, then proceed as usual. It may not caramelize quite as much as fresh, but the flavor still shines in creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Absolutely! Swap the butter for vegan margarine, use a dairy-free cream (like oat or cashew) instead of heavy cream, and choose your favorite vegan parmesan. The result is every bit as comforting and flavorful, showing off how adaptable creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach can be.

Can I substitute another green instead of spinach?

Definitely. Kale, chard, or arugula all work well. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and add as you would the spinach—keep in mind that heartier greens like kale might need an extra minute to soften.

How do I avoid mushy orzo?

Keep an eye on the pot and taste the orzo a minute or so before the cooking time is up. Pull it off the heat as soon as it’s al dente and remember that it will continue to soften a bit as it sits in the creamy sauce. Stirring regularly and using the recommended liquid amount helps keep the texture just right in creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach.

What proteins pair well with this dish?

Grilled chicken, roasted shrimp, or seared salmon all make fantastic additions if you want extra protein. For a vegetarian protein boost, toss in some crispy chickpeas or toasted pine nuts for a bit more substance with your creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash and spinach.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Creamy Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach enough. It’s a love letter to cozy evenings, full of color and comfort in every bite. Give it a try—you just might find a new favorite you want to share with everyone you know.