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Butternut squash orzo

40 min
Butternut squash orzo

This creamy butternut squash orzo combines rice-shaped pasta with roasted squash and harissa paste. Simmered in vegetable stock and topped with white cheese, it is perfect for cosy gatherings or a comforting meal at home.

Ingredients

Butternut squashes or pumpkin, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1 cm cubes
350 g
Harissa paste
1 tsp
Olive oil
1 tbsp
Salt and pepper
A dash of olive oil
Onion, finely chopped
1
Garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
2
Pasta orzo
150 g
Vegetable stock
270 ml
Apetina® Original White Cheese In Brine
100 g

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 190 °C.
  • Arrange the cubed butternut squash on a baking tray lined with baking paper. Toss with harissa paste, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 15 minutes until the squash is tender and lightly golden.
  • While the squash is roasting, ​​heat a dash of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until cooked through and fragrant.
  • Add the orzo and sauté for another minute.
  • Fold in the roasted butternut squash, and divide the mixture between 4 mini casseroles for a starter or 2 larger casseroles for a main course.
  • Pour in enough stock to cover the pasta and squash mixture, then sprinkle with white cheese.
  • Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the orzo is tender. Check after 15 minutes, and add a little extra stock if needed.
Enjoy!

Choose top-quality ingredients 

Look for a fresh, ripe butternut squash with firm flesh and a rich, warm hue. Both are signs of natural sweetness. Opt for freshly ground spices, as they offer a fuller, more aromatic flavour. Extra virgin olive oil brings a distinct, rich aroma that complements the orzo.

Perfect the texture and flavour

Warming the stock slightly before adding it to the orzo makes sure it cooks evenly and has a creamy texture. Stir the orzo halfway through baking to release starches, which creates a slightly creamier consistency. Keep an eye on the liquid level, adding a splash more stock if it begins to look dry. Once the orzo is tender, let it rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven, allowing the flavours to meld and the cheese to set slightly before serving.

FAQ: Questions about butternut squash orzo

Be fully prepared for the butternut squash orzo recipe by reading our questions and answers below.

What is orzo?

Orzo is a type of small rice-shaped pasta made from wheat semolina. Its petite size allows it to cook quickly, making it ideal for hearty soups, creamy dishes, and refreshing salads. Though 'orzo' means 'barley' in Italian, it refers only to its shape; there is no actual barley in it. This multitalented pasta absorbs sauces and broths beautifully.

How can I ensure the butternut squash is cooked through?

To get tender butternut squash, roast the cubes at 190 °C for about 15 minutes until soft and slightly golden. If you are short on time, you can microwave the squash with a splash of water for a quicker method. Both approaches soften the squash, but you will lose some sweet, smoky flavour that comes with the oven by choosing the microwave option. You can check its tenderness by piercing a piece with a fork; it should slide in easily without resistance. If the squash is still firm, give it a few more minutes in the oven or microwave.

How should I store leftover butternut squash orzo?

Store any butternut squash orzo leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Once you are ready to enjoy it again, warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. We recommend adding a small amount of water or vegetable stock to maintain the texture of the orzo and prevent it from becoming too dry.

Nutritional values

Nutritional value, per

804 Kcal

Fibre 12.8 gram fibers
Protein 25.2
Carbohydrates 135.8
Fat 17 gram

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Try our creamy butternut squash orzo

Our butternut squash orzo recipe combines a gentle sweetness with the aromatic warmth of harissa. The butternut squash, orzo, and vegetable stock come together for a rich and creamy delight. It is easy to enjoy as a main course or a starter in smaller portions. We love it as a creamy, cosy meal shared with friends and family around the table.

Spicy roasted butternut squash topped with white cheese

The butternut squash is a star ingredient in this recipe. Tossed with harissa paste, it develops a subtle warmth that enhances the squash’s natural sweetness, adding an intriguing spiciness. Roasting the squash to a gentle golden hue creates a soft, slightly caramelised texture.

Adding white cheese as a topping brings a satisfying contrast. Its mild, tangy taste complements the roasted squash, while providing a creamy texture that melts slightly into the warm orzo below. They give the meal an enjoyable mix of spice, sweetness, and smoothness.

Tender orzo simmered in rich vegetable stock

The orzo absorbs the rich, savoury vegetable stock to create a flavour-packed base. This small, rice-shaped pasta has a smooth, tender texture that works well with the other ingredients, giving the dish a satisfying bite.

Cooking the orzo with sautéed onions and garlic adds a savoury layer that runs through each spoonful, making it a wonderful backdrop for the roasted squash and tangy cheese.

The flavourful vegetable stock ensures each grain is tender and flavourful, offering a deliciously smooth texture that contrasts with the golden pieces of squash and the creamy hints from the cheese.

A warm and hearty risotto alternative

This butternut squash orzo yields the creamy satisfaction of risotto with a lighter, more approachable touch. Using orzo instead of traditional risotto rice keeps things simple, allowing the pasta to take on a tender, velvety texture as it bakes. This orzo captures the essence of risotto with a straightforward, delicious twist, whether you are looking to serve it as a main or as a hearty starter.

You might also enjoy our easy quinoa butternut squash salad, a light, refreshing twist on the orzo with the same sweet earthiness. For another satisfying pasta dish, our prawn and pea pasta recipe combines tender seafood with fresh, delicate flavours. Try the flavourful pumpkin and potato soup for a comforting bowl with seasonal warmth, or the roasted winter vegetables for a cosy side. And if you are looking for a risotto-like experience, our luxurious lobster risotto adds a touch of indulgence to any meal.

Substitute with your favourite ingredients

Experimenting with your orzo is easy and brings a fresh take with each ingredient swap. Adding kale or spinach gives you a subtle earthiness that pairs wonderfully with the creamy orzo. Simply add the greens towards the end for a tender texture and vibrant colour.

For those who crave extra crunch, top the orzo with candied bacon or crispy chickpeas. Candied bacon provides a sweet-salty contrast that melts into the warm orzo, while roasted chickpeas add a nutty bite. Fresh herbs like sage or thyme also work beautifully here, bringing fresh aromatic notes. Sprinkle them over just before serving for the most fragrant effect.

If you cannot get butternut squash, pumpkin or acorn squash are perfect substitutes, adding a similar soft texture and gentle sweetness. Lastly, explore spices like paprika or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a subtle kick. Or, for a bright finish, try a hint of lemon zest or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar, adding a refreshing contrast.

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