Butternut Squash Orzo – A Warm, Cheesy Fall Dish

Introduction

Butternut Squash Orzo is a comforting, cozy dish that celebrates the rich flavors of fall. Tender orzo pasta is cooked to perfection and combined with roasted butternut squash, a blend of creamy cheeses, and aromatic herbs for a meal that feels both decadent and wholesome. This easy one-pot recipe is ideal for chilly evenings, dinner parties, or meal prep, bringing warmth and hearty satisfaction with every bite.

Deliciously Unique Butternut Squash Orzo

The magic of this dish lies in its perfect harmony—nutty, soft roasted butternut squash melds seamlessly with creamy, cheesy orzo. The result? Each spoonful delivers velvety texture and layers of flavor, accented by herbs and a touch of garlic. This is the kind of crowd-pleasing meal that’s equally suited for a family dinner or a festive gathering.

Preparing a Cheesy, Creamy Base

To ensure the orzo becomes irresistibly creamy, a mix of Parmesan and either cream cheese or mascarpone is stirred in at the end. The cheeses melt into the pasta, along with a splash of reserved cooking water, yielding a silky sauce that clings to every grain. Roasting the butternut squash until caramelized intensifies its sweet flavor, which balances beautifully with the savory cheese.

Assembly and Enhancements

Once the orzo is nearly done, cube your roasted squash and fold it into the hot pasta along with the cheese. Finish with fresh sage, thyme, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for extra texture. Serve hot from the pot or as a side dish with roasted chicken or a light green salad for contrast.

Serving Suggestions for Butternut Squash Orzo

This dish truly shines on its own but also pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, simple roasted vegetables, or a crisp arugula salad. For extra depth, a drizzle of browned butter or a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added before serving. It’s perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or a cozy night in.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves 4 as a main course or 6-8 as a side. Each main dish serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on cheese additions and serving size. It’s a hearty but balanced meal packed with vitamins from the squash and protein from the cheese.

Butternut Squash Orzo – A Cheesy Fall Crowd Pleaser (Recap)

This dish combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with velvety, cheesy orzo—an unbeatable fall comfort food. Its rich flavor and creamy texture make it the ultimate cold weather crowd pleaser!

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and stress-free meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and black pepper. Spread in an even layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway, until squash is caramelized and tender.
2. While the squash roasts, bring the broth to a simmer in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven. Stir in the orzo and simmer, stirring often, until al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 8-10 minutes.
3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the orzo cooking liquid, then stir in the garlic, Parmesan, cream cheese or mascarpone, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt. Add a splash of reserved water if needed for extra creaminess.
4. Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash and any optional herbs or toasted nuts. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan, herbs, and a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This Butternut Squash Orzo is a fantastic candidate for meal prep and planning. Save and schedule this recipe within your weekly meal plan to automatically generate consolidated shopping lists and plan dinners with ease.

Planning Benefits:

– Automatically calculates total ingredient needs across your recipes
– Organizes shopping lists by grocery store section for quick, efficient shopping
– Prevents duplicate purchases and forgotten ingredients
– Makes meal prep simple, accurate, and less time-consuming

Pro tip: Scheduling this orzo alongside other weekly recipes with overlapping staples, like Parmesan or herbs, means CookifyAI will tally the total quantity you need for all dishes. This streamlined approach helps avoid food waste and unnecessary trips to the store—giving you more time to savor delicious, homemade meals.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes