As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, our kitchens call for meals that are warm, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor. This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo is the answer. It’s a deliciously rich and satisfying dish that perfectly captures the essence of autumn in every single bite. Forget complicated recipes; this one-pan wonder delivers a restaurant-quality meal with surprisingly simple steps. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that’s also elegant enough to impress guests.
We’re talking about tender orzo pasta enveloped in a velvety, vibrant sauce made from roasted butternut squash, savory sage, and a hint of nutmeg. A generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together. This recipe is designed to be a go-to fall favorite for the whole family.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo
This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a celebration of fall flavors and cozy evenings. It strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and indulgent.
- Incredibly Flavorful: Roasting the butternut squash with herbs and garlic first caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a deep, sweet, and nutty flavor base that makes the sauce absolutely irresistible.
- Perfectly Creamy Texture: The magic of this recipe is in the sauce. Blending the roasted squash with broth and a touch of cream creates a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture without feeling heavy.
- Simple, Wholesome Ingredients: Made with fresh, seasonal produce and pantry staples, this dish is packed with nutrients and comforting goodness.
- Versatile and Customizable: This recipe is a fantastic starting point. You can easily add protein, toss in some leafy greens, or adapt it to be vegan and dairy-free. We’ll explore some fun variations further down!
The Simple Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. We use a handful of high-quality ingredients to create a dish that tastes complex and sophisticated.
For the Squash and Orzo
- Butternut Squash: The star of the show! You’ll need one medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed. Look for one that feels heavy for its size.
- Orzo: This small, rice-shaped pasta is perfect for catching all the creamy sauce.
- Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for roasting the squash to perfection.
- Yellow Onion & Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational layer of flavor for the entire dish.
- Fresh Sage: The quintessential fall herb. Its earthy, slightly peppery notes are the perfect complement to the sweet squash.
For the Creamy Sauce
- Vegetable Broth: This is the base of our sauce, used to blend the squash and cook the orzo. You can also use chicken broth if you prefer.
- Heavy Cream: Just a splash adds a touch of richness and ensures the sauce is silky smooth. Coconut cream is a great substitute for a dairy-free version.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness.
- Nutmeg: A pinch of ground nutmeg enhances the warmth of the dish and complements the squash beautifully.
- Salt & Black Pepper: To taste, to season every layer.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo (Step-by-Step)
Follow these simple steps to create the perfect autumn meal. The key is roasting the squash properly to maximize its flavor before turning it into a luscious sauce.
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash, chopped onion, and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, chopped fresh sage, salt, and pepper. Arrange everything in a single layer and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized at the edges.
Step 2: Cook the Orzo
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the orzo and cook according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about one cup of the starchy pasta water. This is a secret weapon for thinning your sauce later if needed!
Step 3: Create the Creamy Squash Sauce
Once the squash is roasted, transfer the squash, onion, and roasted garlic (squeeze the soft garlic out of its skin) to a high-speed blender. Add half of the vegetable broth and blend on high until completely smooth and velvety. If the sauce is too thick, add more broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
In a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, pour the blended squash sauce. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of nutmeg. Let it warm through gently, then add the cooked orzo. Stir everything together until the orzo is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Season with more salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh sage.
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Orzo
A few simple tips can elevate this dish from great to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When roasting the squash, make sure it’s in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures it roasts and caramelizes instead of steaming, which is key for flavor.
- Use a High-Speed Blender: For the smoothest, most velvety sauce, a high-speed blender is your best friend. If you don’t have one, an immersion blender will also work, but it may take longer to get a completely smooth texture.
- Grate Your Own Parmesan: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grating a block of Parmesan fresh makes a huge difference in the final texture of the sauce.
- Toast the Sage: For an extra layer of flavor, you can fry a few whole sage leaves in a little butter or olive oil until crispy. Use them as a garnish for a beautiful and delicious crunch.
Delicious Variations to Try
This recipe is a wonderful canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to make it your own.
Add a Protein
For a more substantial meal, consider adding some protein. Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, pan-seared chicken breast, or sautéed shrimp would all be fantastic additions. Stir it in at the end with the orzo.
Make it Vegan or Dairy-Free
This dish is easy to adapt! To make it vegan, simply swap the heavy cream for full-fat canned coconut milk and use a plant-based Parmesan cheese alternative or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Add Some Greens
Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the very end. The residual heat will wilt the greens perfectly, adding extra nutrients and a pop of color to the dish. For a different flavor profile, consider adding some delicious roasted Brussels sprouts.
What to Serve with Your Orzo
This Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo is a hearty meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad, like this Autumn Harvest Salad, offers a refreshing contrast. For a more complete meal, consider serving it alongside some perfectly Oven Baked Pork Chops.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
This dish makes for fantastic leftovers! Store any extra in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan over medium-low heat. The sauce will thicken in the fridge, so you’ll likely need to add a splash of broth, water, or milk to loosen it up and bring back its creamy consistency. Stir frequently until it’s heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can prepare the roasted butternut squash sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just warm the sauce on the stove, cook fresh orzo, and combine.
Yes, you can absolutely use pre-cut fresh butternut squash to save on prep time. If using frozen, we recommend thawing it first and patting it dry to ensure it roasts properly rather than steams.
To make this recipe vegan, use full-fat canned coconut milk or another creamy plant-based milk instead of heavy cream. For the cheese, you can use your favorite vegan parmesan alternative or 1/4 cup of nutritional yeast for a cheesy, nutty flavor.
This orzo is very versatile! Cooked and crumbled Italian sausage, pan-seared chicken, shrimp, or even crispy chickpeas would be excellent protein additions. Simply stir them in at the end when you combine the orzo and the sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low-medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, as it will thicken upon chilling.
More Cozy Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this dish, explore some of our other fall favorites! For a sweet treat, you can’t go wrong with these Healthy Pumpkin Muffins that are perfect for a crisp autumn morning.
The Ultimate Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo Recipe
Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo (The Ultimate Fall Recipe!)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash, onion, and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, chopped sage, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, cook orzo in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Transfer the roasted squash, onion, and garlic (squeezed from its skin) to a high-speed blender. Add 1.5 cups of the vegetable broth and blend on high until completely smooth. Add more broth as needed to reach a sauce consistency.
- Pour the squash sauce into a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Once warmed through, add the cooked orzo and stir to combine. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh sage.
Notes
Make it Vegan: Use full-fat canned coconut milk instead of heavy cream and a nutritional yeast or a vegan parmesan substitute.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Share Your Creation!
We are so excited for you to try this Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo recipe! It’s a true hug in a bowl and we hope you love it as much as we do. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Don’t forget to save this recipe to your favorite board on Pinterest!
