Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

When the leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, nothing hits the spot quite like a warm, comforting bowl of pasta. Enter Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach, a dish that brings together tender roasted squash, silky orzo, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy base. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to serve to guests.

Whether you enjoy it as a meatless main course or pair it with chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, this orzo pasta offers the perfect balance of creamy comfort, earthy vegetables, and subtle aromatics that make your kitchen smell like fall in every bite. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistible and how to master it at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
• Vegetable-packed: Roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach add nutrition and flavor.
• Creamy and comforting: The heavy cream adds richness without overpowering the vegetables.
• Versatile: Serve as a meatless main or as a side dish alongside your favorite protein.
• Flavorful yet simple: Garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme bring warmth and depth.
• Family-friendly: Gentle flavors with creamy texture make it appealing to kids and adults alike.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 5 people. All measurements are precise to ensure consistency and flavor.

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 12 oz butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves (no sprigs)

Orzo

• 1.5 cups uncooked orzo
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2.5 cups chicken stock
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 5 oz fresh spinach
• ½ cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Oven and baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Large high-sided skillet
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Large mixing bowl for roasted squash
• Tongs or spoon for stirring spinach and orzo

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps for a perfectly creamy orzo pasta with roasted squash and spinach.

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spread in a single layer without overcrowding.
3. Roast on the middle rack for 20–30 minutes, until tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from oven and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

1. In a large, high-sided skillet, add 1.5 cups uncooked orzo, 5 minced garlic cloves, ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1 tablespoon olive oil.
2. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 3 minutes until the orzo is lightly toasted and fragrant.
3. Add 2.5 cups chicken stock, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cook for 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 3: Add Spinach and Cream

1. Stir in 5 oz fresh spinach and cook on low-medium heat until wilted.
2. Add ½ cup heavy cream and combine thoroughly.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Fold in the roasted butternut squash gently to preserve its shape.
2. Sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves over the top for garnish.
3. Serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• Vegetarian option: Use vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.
• Vegan adaptation: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free orzo.
• Extra flavor: Roast garlic cloves along with the squash for a deeper flavor.
• Seasoning tweaks: Adjust smoked paprika and Italian seasoning to taste.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This orzo pasta is creamy, earthy, and comforting with subtle sweetness from roasted butternut squash and a gentle herbal aroma from thyme. The smoked paprika and garlic give the dish warmth, while the spinach adds a mild, fresh note.

Suggested sides: Serve with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutritional Overview

Per serving:

• Calories: 411 kcal
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg
• Sodium: 439 mg
• Carbohydrates: 49 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Sugar: 5 g
• Protein: 11 g
• Vitamin A: 10,430 IU
• Vitamin C: 28 mg
• Calcium: 110 mg
• Iron: 3 mg

Dietary considerations: Vegetarian-friendly; can be adapted to vegan or gluten-free.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Roast butternut squash in advance and store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Orzo can be cooked ahead and reheated with a splash of stock or cream.
• Spinach should be added fresh to maintain texture and color.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, thaw it and pat dry before roasting to avoid excess water in the dish.

2. Can I make this dish completely vegan?
Replace chicken stock with vegetable stock and heavy cream with coconut or cashew cream.

3. How do I prevent orzo from sticking?
Toast the orzo in olive oil before adding stock and stir occasionally while simmering.

4. Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage pair wonderfully with creamy orzo.

5. Can this be frozen?
Cooked orzo with roasted squash can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream.

Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Prep	5 min	Peel and cube squash, chop garlic
Roast Squash	20–30 min	Bake at 400°F
Cook Orzo	10 min	Toast, simmer with stock
Add Spinach & Cream	2–3 min	Wilt spinach, combine cream
Assembly	2 min	Fold in roasted squash, garnish

Serving Suggestions

• Serve in deep bowls for cozy presentation.
• Garnish with fresh thyme or a sprinkle of Parmesan (optional).
• Pair with a side salad or roasted root vegetables for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Autumn Harvest: Add roasted carrots and parsnips for extra fall flavor.
2. Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
3. Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in grated Parmesan or vegan cheese alternative.
4. Herb Twist: Use sage or rosemary instead of thyme for a different aroma.

Ingredient Spotlight

Butternut Squash

• Selection: Firm, unblemished squash with deep orange color.
• Storage: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 2 months; cubed squash lasts 3–4 days in the fridge.
• Cooking Tip: Roast without overcrowding for caramelization and sweetness.

Spinach

• Selection: Choose fresh, vibrant green leaves without yellowing or wilt.
• Storage: Keep in a breathable bag in the fridge; use within a few days.
• Usage Tip: Add near the end of cooking to preserve nutrients and color.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Toast orzo before simmering to add nutty flavor.
• Use high-sided skillet to prevent liquid from spilling while stirring.
• Adjust cream and stock ratio for desired consistency—less cream for lighter sauce.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Cooked orzo and roasted squash can be frozen separately for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or stock.
• Reheating: Use low-medium heat on the stove, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	411 kcal	–
Fat	19 g	29%
Saturated Fat	7 g	44%
Protein	11 g	22%
Carbohydrates	49 g	16%
Fiber	4 g	17%
Sugar	5 g	6%
Sodium	439 mg	19%
Cholesterol	30 mg	10%
Vitamin A	10,430 IU	209%
Vitamin C	28 mg	34%
Calcium	110 mg	11%
Iron	3 mg	17%

*Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

Expanded Conclusion

This Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. It balances creamy richness with fresh, vibrant vegetables and comes together quickly for busy nights.

Whether you’re enjoying it as a vegetarian main or pairing it with your favorite protein, it’s a dish that satisfies both the eyes and the palate. The flavors are cozy, the texture is creamy, and the preparation is straightforward—making it a perfect addition to your weeknight rotation.

Try it, enjoy it, and make it a family favorite this fall and winter. With the right ingredients and these detailed steps, you’ll be serving up cozy, creamy orzo that everyone will love.

Print