Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo Delight
This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo Delight is a comforting and flavorful dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of butternut squash with the delicate texture of orzo pasta. The savory undertones of sautéed onions and garlic complement the dish, while the addition of rich Parmesan cheese and fresh basil creates a creamy, aromatic finish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a delightful side dish, this recipe allows the natural flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty meal that's both satisfying and nutritious.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
olive oil
1 tablespoon (not needed)
onion
1 medium (chopped)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
butternut squash
3 cups (diced and peeled (1/2-inch dice))
vegetable broth
4 cups (not needed)
orzo pasta
1 cup (not needed)
Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (freshly grated)
fresh basil
2 tablespoons (chopped)
salt
to taste (not needed)
pepper
to taste (not needed)
Instructions
1
In a deep skillet or large saucepan, melt the butter with the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 6 minutes, or until the onion is tender and beginning to brown.
3
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
4
Add the diced butternut squash to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic.
5
Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable broth and simmer over medium heat, allowing the liquid to absorb and the squash to soften until barely tender, about 10-15 minutes.
6
While the squash is simmering, bring the remaining vegetable broth to a boil in a separate pot.
7
Stir in the orzo pasta and cook for roughly 8 minutes, or until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain any excess liquid from the orzo.
8
Combine the cooked butternut squash mixture with the orzo in the skillet and heat them together for a few more minutes, until the squash is tender.
9
Remove from heat, then gently toss in the chopped fresh basil and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until evenly mixed.
10
Season with salt and pepper to taste before serving hot.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo Delight?
It is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the delicate texture of orzo pasta, finished with Parmesan and fresh basil.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What are the primary ingredients for this dish?
The main ingredients include orzo pasta, butternut squash, vegetable broth, Parmesan cheese, onion, garlic, and fresh basil.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe uses vegetable broth and is categorized under Vegetable dishes.
Can I make this dish vegan?
To make it vegan, replace the butter with more olive oil and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes.
What type of pasta is used?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of orzo pasta.
How long should I cook the orzo?
The orzo should be boiled for roughly 8 minutes until it reaches an al dente texture.
What does al dente mean?
Al dente refers to pasta that is cooked to be firm to the bite rather than mushy.
How much vegetable broth is required?
You will need a total of 4 cups of vegetable broth.
Why do I add broth to the skillet with the squash?
A 1/2 cup of broth is added to help the squash soften and absorb flavor while simmering.
How long does the squash take to simmer?
The squash should simmer for about 10 to 15 minutes until it is barely tender.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
While fresh basil provides the best aroma, you can substitute with 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried basil if needed.
What is the best way to sauté the onions?
Sauté the chopped onion in butter and olive oil for about 6 minutes until tender and beginning to brown.
When should I add the garlic?
Add the minced garlic after the onions are tender and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid burning.
Can I use chicken broth?
Yes, chicken broth can be used as a substitute for vegetable broth if you do not require the dish to be vegetarian.
How do I incorporate the Parmesan cheese?
Gently toss the freshly grated Parmesan into the warm mixture after removing it from the heat.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo Delight is intended to be served hot.
Can I add protein to this meal?
Yes, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would make excellent additions to this dish.
What size onion should I use?
The recipe specifies one medium-sized onion.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe calls for 2 cloves of minced garlic.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen diced squash can be used to save time, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What if I don't have orzo?
You can substitute other small pasta shapes like ditalini or acini di pepe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Can this dish be frozen?
While it can be frozen, the texture of the orzo and squash may soften significantly upon thawing.
How do I reheat the leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water to maintain the creamy consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the mild, sweet flavor of the squash and the familiar texture of pasta usually make it a kid-friendly choice.
What tags describe this recipe?
Common tags include comfort food, easy recipe, seasonal, healthy, and pasta dish.
Should the squash be peeled?
Yes, the instructions specify that the butternut squash should be diced and peeled.
When do I season the dish with salt and pepper?
Season with salt and pepper to taste just before serving.