The Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe is an irresistible blend of sweet, roasted butternut squash and creamy, cheesy orzo that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Each bite delivers a cozy mix of tender squash, aromatic sage, and rich mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, making this dish perfect for those who crave comfort food with a touch of elegance. If you’re looking for a dish that is as vibrant in flavor as it is beautiful on the table, this recipe is your go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to nailing this dish. Every component plays a role in adding a layer of flavor, texture, or color that makes the Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe truly stand out.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting the squash and sautéing, it brings a subtle fruitiness and richness.
- Butternut squash: The star of the dish, roasted to caramelized perfection to add natural sweetness and creaminess.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic depth and savory warmth during the sauté.
- Sage leaves: Fresh and fragrant, they complement the earthiness of the squash beautifully.
- Sweet onion: Provides a slightly sweet and tender base to the creamy sauce.
- Vegetable broth: Used to cook the orzo, infuses subtle savory notes.
- Orzo: This small pasta cooks up perfectly tender and serves as a cozy bed for the squash and cheese.
- Allspice, cinnamon, cloves: A pinch of warm spices brings extraordinary warmth and balance.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance and brighten all flavors.
- Cream: Adds a luscious, silky texture to the sauce.
- Mozzarella cheese: Melts beautifully to create the gooey, cheesy component.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish that rounds out the creaminess.
- Sage leaves, Parmesan cheese, fresh thyme (for garnish): Add visual appeal and fresh herbal notes.
How to Make Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the butternut squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are tender and perfectly caramelized. This roasting process enhances their natural sweetness and adds a delightful depth of flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
While the squash roasts, bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes or until the orzo is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to achieve that perfect creamy texture that pairs so well with the squash.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté the sweet onion and garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. Then, add half of the fresh sage leaves, mozzarella cheese, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Reduce the heat to low and whisk continuously until the sauce thickens into a luscious, creamy consistency that will coat the orzo beautifully.
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Gently stir the roasted butternut squash and tender orzo into the cheese sauce. Fold everything together carefully to ensure each bite contains a wonderful mixture of flavors and textures. Your Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe is almost ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe
Garnishes
To bring your dish to life, finish it off with fresh sage leaves, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, and a few sprigs of fresh thyme. These garnishes don’t just add beauty — they elevate the aroma and add subtle herbal brightness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness.
Side Dishes
This orzo dish stands out on its own, but pairing it with a simple green salad or some roasted Brussels sprouts brings fresh and crunchy textures to your meal. A crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon would also complement the cheesy and savory flavors beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe in rustic bowls or colorful ceramic dishes for a cozy vibe. For a festive touch, fill individual ramekins and broil the tops for a minute or two until lightly golden and bubbly. This makes a beautiful presentation that’s sure to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after resting, so it tastes even better the next day — perfect for easy meals ahead.
Freezing
You can freeze the Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe, but keep in mind that the texture of the cream and cheese sauce may change slightly. Freeze in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Avoid microwaving on high to prevent the cheese from separating.
FAQs
Can I use chicken broth instead of vegetable broth?
Absolutely! Chicken broth will add a richer flavor, which pairs nicely with the cheese and spices. Just be sure it suits any dietary preferences of your guests.
What can I substitute for orzo if I can’t find it?
Small pasta like acini di pepe or even broken pieces of macaroni work great as substitutes. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes! Replace the cream and cheeses with plant-based alternatives. Use a coconut cream or cashew cream for richness and vegan mozzarella and Parmesan-style shreds to keep that cheesy feel.
Is it necessary to use all the spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves?
While these spices are subtle, they add a warm complexity that balances the sweetness of the squash wonderfully. If you prefer, you can reduce the amounts and adjust to taste.
Can this dish be served hot and cold?
Definitely! It’s delicious served warm, but it also makes a flavorful cold salad or side dish, especially if you add a drizzle of olive oil and extra fresh herbs.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a special treat any day of the week. It’s comforting, bursting with flavor, and surprisingly simple to make — the perfect way to elevate your dinner game and impress your loved ones. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy, and cozy bite!
Print
Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Butternut Squash Orzo is a comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring tender roasted butternut squash, aromatic sage, and a rich blend of mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Perfectly seasoned with warm spices like cinnamon, allspice, and cloves, this dish combines the sweetness of squash with savory cheesy goodness for a delightful vegetarian meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 4 cups Butternut squash (from 1 large butternut squash)
- 4 cloves Garlic
- 5 sage leaves (divided)
- 1/4 cup Sweet onion
- Fresh thyme (for garnish)
Liquids & Oils
- 4 tablespoons Olive oil (divided)
- 16 ounces vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cream
Dry Ingredients & Spices
- 1 cup Orzo
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1 pinch cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Cheeses
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
- Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
- Extra mozzarella cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare and Roast Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then season with salt and black pepper. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Cook Orzo: Bring the vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the orzo, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Sauté Aromatics: While the orzo cooks, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and garlic cloves, sautéing for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Create Cheese Sauce: Add half of the sage leaves, mozzarella, cream, parmesan cheese, and the warm spices (allspice, cinnamon, cloves) to the skillet with the sautéed aromatics. Reduce the heat to low and stir continuously, whisking if needed, until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir the cooked orzo and the roasted butternut squash into the cheese sauce in the skillet, mixing gently to incorporate all elements evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the orzo mixture to serving bowls or a platter. Garnish with remaining fresh sage leaves, sprigs of fresh thyme, and extra mozzarella and parmesan cheeses for added flavor and presentation. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, substitute half-and-half instead of cream.
- Adding toasted pine nuts or walnuts can provide a pleasant crunch.
- This dish is vegetarian but not vegan due to cheese and cream.
- Use freshly grated cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and gently reheated on stovetop or microwave.
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