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Bowl of orzo with roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach
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Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash and Spinach

A delightful dish combining roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach with tender orzo pasta, perfect for cozy dinners or nourishing lunches.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Butternut Squash, Orzo, Pasta Dish, Spinach
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 275kcal

Ingredients

For the Roasted Squash

  • 2 cups butternut squash, diced Sweet and nutty, caramelizes beautifully when roasted.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil Adds richness and depth.
  • 1/2 tsp salt Enhances the flavors.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Offers a subtle kick.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika Adds warmth and a hint of smokiness.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.

For the Orzo

  • 1 cup orzo pasta Rice-shaped pasta, serves as the backdrop for the vibrant ingredients.

For the Spinach and Assembly

  • 1 tbsp olive oil Ensures everything sautés beautifully.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced The fragrant touch that makes every dish comfortingly good.
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped Adds a lovely green note.
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional, adds a spicy kick.
  • 1/2 tsp salt For seasoning, to taste.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Seasoning to perfection.
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Optional, adds a nutty, savory finish.
  • Toasted black sesame seeds or pine nuts (for garnish) Adds crunch and beauty.
  • Extra Parmesan (optional) Because who doesn’t love extra cheese?

Instructions

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a mixing bowl, toss the diced butternut squash cubes with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder until well coated.
  • Spread the seasoned squash on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for about 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it turns golden and caramelized.
  • As the squash roasts, cook the orzo pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Cooking

  • In a large skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until it becomes fragrant.
  • Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take around 2–3 minutes.
  • After the spinach is ready, add the cooked orzo and the roasted butternut squash to the skillet.
  • Toss everything together, seasoning with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to suit your taste.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese (if you opted for it) until it’s evenly distributed.
  • To finish, sprinkle with toasted black sesame seeds or pine nuts, adding an enticing crunch to your dish.

Serving

  • Serve warm, and enjoy this cozy, flavorful blend!

Notes

Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil before serving for extra brightness, and feel free to roast other seasonal veggies for added variety.