Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

If you’re looking for a cozy, vibrant dish that’s packed with flavor, look no further than this Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach. The butternut squash is perfectly caramelized in the oven, bringing out its natural sweetness, while the spinach adds a burst of color and nutrition. The orzo is tender and absorbs all the flavors from the roasted veggies, creating a comforting dish that’s simple yet elegant. It’s one of those meals that feels both hearty and light, and it’s perfect for any time of the year, whether you’re looking for a cozy winter dish or a fresh summer side.

This recipe has a wonderful balance of flavors—sweet, savory, and just a touch of richness from the olive oil and garlic. It’s an absolute winner for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or even as a side for your holiday table. Plus, it’s easy to make, which means you can spend more time enjoying the delicious results rather than worrying about complicated steps. Trust me, this one is a game-changer!

Why You’ll Love Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

Flavor Explosion:

The combination of the sweet roasted squash, savory spinach, and tender orzo creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. The roasted squash caramelizes in the oven, making it sweet and crispy at the edges—perfection!

Quick and Easy:

This dish is surprisingly simple to make. You only need a few ingredients and some basic steps, making it ideal for a quick and easy dinner or lunch. The oven does most of the work, so you can relax while it cooks.

Healthy and Filling:

With the addition of spinach and squash, this dish is packed with vitamins and minerals, while the orzo gives you that comforting, filling feel without being too heavy. It’s the perfect balance of light yet satisfying.

Versatile:

This recipe is super customizable! You can add your favorite herbs, cheese, or nuts to give it a unique twist. Want a bit more protein? Add grilled chicken or chickpeas. You can really make this dish your own.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious and nutritious meal:

• Butternut Squash: Roasted to perfection, this is the star of the dish, adding sweetness and texture.
• Orzo: This tiny pasta cooks quickly and absorbs all the flavor from the squash and spinach, making it the perfect base.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach adds color, flavor, and a nutritional boost to the dish.
• Olive Oil: For roasting the squash and adding richness to the dish.
• Garlic: A couple of cloves add savory depth to the flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese (optional): A sprinkle of grated Parmesan on top adds an extra layer of richness and a slight umami kick.
• Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
• Fresh Herbs (optional): A bit of rosemary or thyme can bring an additional layer of flavor to the roasted squash.

(Note: Exact measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Let’s dive into this simple yet flavorful recipe:

Roast the Squash:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, deseed, and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss the cubes in olive oil, salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and caramelized around the edges. Be sure to toss them halfway through for even roasting.

Cook the Orzo:

While the squash is roasting, cook the orzo according to the package instructions. Usually, this takes around 7-9 minutes. Once cooked, drain the orzo and set it aside.

Wilt the Spinach:

In a large pan, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

Once the squash is roasted, combine it with the cooked orzo and wilted spinach in the pan. Toss everything together to make sure the flavors meld. If you like, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top and toss again. Serve warm and enjoy!

How to Serve Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

This dish is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to elevate it:

• Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or even some chickpeas for a more filling meal.
• Side Salad: Serve with a fresh green salad, dressed with a simple vinaigrette, to balance the richness of the dish.
• Roasted Nuts: Sprinkle some toasted walnuts, pine nuts, or almonds on top for added crunch and flavor.
• Garlic Bread: A side of crispy garlic bread would complement the sweetness of the squash and the savory spinach perfectly.

Additional Tips

Add More Veggies:

Feel free to add other vegetables like roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini to make the dish even more colorful and nutrient-packed.

Make It Vegan:

To make this dish vegan, simply skip the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free version. The dish is already naturally vegan-friendly.

Double the Recipe:

This recipe makes great leftovers, so consider doubling the batch and storing it for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Adjust the Seasonings:

Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices. A little bit of rosemary, thyme, or even sage would complement the roasted squash beautifully.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 10mg
Sodium: 500mg
Total Carbohydrates: 50g
Dietary Fiber: 6g
Sugars: 12g
Protein: 8g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes

FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

A1: Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it before using to avoid excess water in the dish.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A2: Absolutely! If you don’t have orzo, you can use any small pasta, like farfalle, penne, or fusilli. Just cook it according to the package directions.

Q3: Can I add other vegetables to this dish?

A3: Yes! You can easily add roasted carrots, bell peppers, or zucchini. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies.

Q4: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A4: Yes! You can roast the squash and cook the orzo in advance. Just store the components separately in the fridge and combine them when you’re ready to serve.

Q5: Can I use a different type of squash?

A5: You can! Acorn squash or kabocha squash would be delicious alternatives to butternut squash. Just make sure to adjust the roasting time as needed, as some squashes may cook faster or slower.

Q6: Can I add nuts or seeds for crunch?

A6: Absolutely! Toasted pine nuts, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds would add a lovely crunch and complement the flavors nicely.

Q7: How long does this dish last in the fridge?

A7: You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of olive oil.

Q8: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A8: Yes! Just swap out the orzo for gluten-free pasta or rice, and you’re good to go!

Q9: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

A9: Definitely! This dish makes a great meal prep option. Just divide it into individual servings and store it in the fridge for easy grab-and-go lunches.

Q10: Can I make this dish spicier?

A10: Yes! If you like a little heat, you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give it a spicy kick.

Conclusion

This Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the kind of dish that’s simple to make but feels special enough for any occasion. The sweetness of the squash, the earthy spinach, and the tender orzo come together in the most delightful way. Whether you’re serving it as a main or a side, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Wholesome, hearty, and full of flavor—this is comfort food at its finest!

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