If there’s one dish that truly wraps up everything I love about fall dinners, it’s this orzo with roasted butternut squash. The first time I made this, the kids were playing outside in piles of crunchy leaves, and the kitchen smelled like thyme, garlic, and toasted squash. That moment—watching them burst inside with red cheeks just as I stirred in the creamy orzo—is why I keep coming back to this meal. It’s creamy, savory, and loaded with seasonal comfort. Orzo with roasted butternut squash isn’t just a side; it’s a cozy, nourishing dinner in one skillet.
Whether you’re a busy mom (like me!) or someone who simply craves flavor-packed one-pot meals, this is the kind of dinner that earns a spot in your regular rotation. The orzo cooks right in seasoned broth, soaking up garlicky goodness while fresh spinach and cream finish the base. Then, in comes the real star: golden, caramelized roasted butternut squash. A touch of thyme seals the deal. The textures, the warmth, the pop of colors—it all works together so effortlessly.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash
Warm, Creamy, and One-Skillet Simple
This dish is a weeknight hero and a weekend comfort treat rolled into one. Orzo, a small pasta shaped like rice, cooks right in the skillet—no boiling, draining, or fussing. You toast it briefly to develop flavor, then simmer it in seasoned chicken broth until tender. The cream adds that luscious finish, while spinach gives it a hint of green freshness. Finally, the sweet nuttiness from the roasted butternut squash makes every bite feel indulgent yet nourishing.
What’s wonderful about this recipe is how everything comes together in one pan—your stovetop does the heavy lifting while the oven works on the squash. And cleanup? Just as easy.
Perfect Fall Pairing with Sweet and Savory Balance
The flavors in this orzo with roasted butternut squash are balanced yet bold. Sweet roasted squash brings natural sugars that caramelize beautifully in the oven, enhanced by earthy thyme and just a touch of salt. Paired with smoky paprika, garlic, and spinach, this dish gives both vibrant and mellow notes in each forkful.
Looking for the ideal companion? Try serving it with a side of cottage cheese garlic rolls or add roasted protein like our flank steak creamy orzo if you’re feeding a hungry crowd. Either way, the squash and orzo combo stands tall on its own with restaurant-level appeal at home.
Print
Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash: Creamy, Cozy, and Flavor-Packed Fall Favorite
Creamy one-skillet orzo with roasted butternut squash, garlic, spinach, and thyme. Perfectly comforting and full of fall flavor.
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh thyme (leaves only)
1.5 cups orzo, uncooked
5 cloves garlic, 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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Toss cubed squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet and roast 20–30 minutes.
3. In a large skillet, toast orzo, garlic, paprika, and olive oil over medium heat for 3 minutes.
4. Add chicken stock, salt, and seasoning. Simmer 10 minutes, stirring often.
5. Stir in spinach until wilted.
6. Add cream and mix until combined. Season to taste.
7. Fold in roasted squash and garnish with thyme. Serve hot.
Notes
Roast squash while orzo cooks to save time.
Add grilled chicken or sausage for more protein.
Store leftovers up to 4 days. Add broth or cream when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 395
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Ingredients Breakdown and Roasting Butternut Squash Right
Key Ingredients That Make This Dish Shine
When you’re making orzo with roasted butternut squash, every ingredient adds depth. The squash itself is the star—choose a firm, heavy butternut squash with smooth skin. Once peeled, seeded, and cubed, it transforms in the oven into golden caramelized bites bursting with sweetness.
Here’s the full list you’ll need:
- 12 oz butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1.5 cups uncooked orzo pasta
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, divided
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for squash)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for orzo)
- 2.5 cups chicken stock
- ½ teaspoon salt (for orzo)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 5 oz fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
Together, these create that signature balance of creaminess, earthiness, and mild sweetness. Spinach brings a pop of color and nutrition, while paprika and garlic round out the flavor. For a different twist, you could even try this with roasted sweet potatoes like in our spicy butternut squash sweet potato soup.
Roasting Butternut Squash to Sweet Perfection
Roasting squash isn’t just a step—it’s where the magic begins. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. On a parchment-lined sheet, toss your cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of thyme. Spread everything in a single layer, making sure there’s no overcrowding. The goal here is browning, not steaming.
Roast for 20–30 minutes on the middle rack. You’ll know it’s ready when edges are golden, and the centers are fork-tender. While that bakes, start your orzo—it’s a perfect time-saver.
This roasting technique works beautifully for other dishes too, like our creamy butternut squash sweet potato soup, which also brings out the natural sweetness of seasonal vegetables.
How to Cook Orzo and Bring It All Together
Toasting Orzo for Rich Flavor
Once your squash is roasting, it’s time to turn your attention to the orzo. This isn’t just any pasta—it’s the kind that cooks beautifully in broth, absorbing every drop of flavor. The key step here is toasting. In a large, high-sided skillet, combine uncooked orzo, garlic, smoked paprika, and olive oil. Stir on medium heat for about three minutes, letting the pasta turn slightly golden and fragrant. This simple step adds incredible depth to your orzo with roasted butternut squash.
After toasting, pour in the chicken stock along with salt and Italian seasoning. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir every couple of minutes to prevent sticking. After about 10 minutes, your orzo will be perfectly tender—flavorful on its own, yet ready for the creamy finish and final touches.
Creamy Finish + The Final Assembly
Once the orzo is cooked, stir in the fresh spinach and let it wilt gently over low-medium heat. Then comes the cream—just half a cup is all you need for a luscious texture that binds everything together. Season with salt and pepper, then fold in your roasted squash.
Sprinkle with extra thyme if desired, and serve immediately while everything is still warm and melty. The contrast between the creamy orzo and caramelized squash makes every spoonful a delight.
For a more filling variation, consider adding cooked sausage like in this butternut squash gnocchi with sausage. It’s a great way to add protein without overpowering the orzo’s flavor. You could also pair it with a bowl of Italian sausage gnocchi soup for a cozy meal that’s big on comfort.
Serving, Storing, and What to Pair with Orzo and Butternut Squash
Best Ways to Serve This Cozy Dish
Orzo with roasted butternut squash is a standout main course, but it can also play a flexible role on your fall dinner table. Serve it in shallow bowls, garnished with fresh thyme and a crack of black pepper. If you’re preparing this for a holiday spread or a larger meal, it works wonderfully as a hearty side dish.
To round out the plate, consider adding a protein like grilled chicken or a warm bowl of chicken broccoli rice casserole. If you’re in the mood for a lighter pairing, our roasted garlic potatoes complement the creaminess of the orzo with their crisp, garlicky bite.
It’s also beautiful enough to serve at a dinner party. The colors—orange squash, green spinach, creamy orzo—make it visually striking on any table.
Storage Tips and Reheat Like a Pro
This dish stores well for up to 3–4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen up the orzo, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to the creamy texture, but if you’re making this for meal prep, you can store the roasted squash separately and combine it with freshly made orzo when you’re ready to serve.
Got leftover roasted squash? Use it in other comforting dishes like creamy butternut squash soup or stir it into risottos or salads for a seasonal twist.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orzo with Roasted Butternut Squash
How do you make butternut squash orzo?
Start by roasting cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and fresh thyme until golden. Meanwhile, toast orzo in a skillet with garlic, olive oil, and smoked paprika. Add chicken stock and simmer until tender. Stir in spinach and cream, then fold in the roasted squash. This method delivers creamy orzo with roasted butternut squash that’s flavorful and comforting.
What pairs well with roasted butternut squash?
Roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with pasta, grains, leafy greens, and savory proteins. In this recipe, orzo and spinach make the perfect match. You can also enjoy it alongside roasted garlic potatoes or garlic rolls, or even mixed into a seasonal salad with nuts and goat cheese.
Does butternut squash go with pasta?
Absolutely. Butternut squash has a naturally sweet flavor and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with pasta. It adds depth and contrast to dishes like orzo, penne, or gnocchi. Recipes like butternut squash gnocchi with sausage are great examples of how squash and pasta shine together.
What dishes pair well with orzo?
Orzo is incredibly versatile and pairs well with roasted vegetables, creamy sauces, grilled meats, and fresh herbs. In this recipe, pairing it with roasted squash and spinach creates a balanced one-dish meal. For added protein, serve alongside our flank steak creamy orzo.
Conclusion
Orzo with roasted butternut squash is more than just a seasonal recipe—it’s a one-pan, feel-good meal that’s perfect for cozy nights or festive tables. With sweet caramelized squash, creamy garlicky orzo, and a touch of thyme, it hits every note of comfort and elegance. Whether served as a weeknight dinner or holiday side, this recipe promises flavor, simplicity, and warmth in every bite.
For more delicious recipes and updates, follow us on Facebook!
