Description
Craving something cozy yet elegant for dinner? This Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo is a quick and satisfying dish that blends creamy pasta with roasted fall flavors. Perfect as a quick weeknight dinner, a healthy vegetarian main, or a side dish for holiday meals, this easy recipe brings together rich roasted butternut squash, crispy sage, and Parmesan for the ultimate comfort meal. Whether you’re looking for dinner ideas, food ideas for guests, or a healthy snack-like pasta that’s indulgent and simple, this one checks every box.
Ingredients
2 cups cubed butternut squash
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme (optional)
2 tablespoons butter
8–10 fresh sage leaves
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup orzo pasta
2 1/2 cups vegetable broth (warm)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Extra Parmesan, for serving
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
2. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and fry for 20–30 seconds until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels. Reserve the butter.
3. In the same skillet with the sage butter, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in orzo and toast for 1–2 minutes.
4. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, stirring occasionally, until orzo is tender and creamy (about 10–12 minutes).
5. Fold in the roasted butternut squash and stir gently. Some squash will melt into the pasta to create a creamy texture.
6. Remove from heat, stir in Parmesan cheese, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
7. Serve warm topped with crispy sage and more Parmesan.
Notes
Always roast the squash in a single layer for perfect caramelization.
Frying sage in butter adds deep flavor — don’t skip this step.
Use warm broth to help the orzo cook evenly and stay creamy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 11g
- Cholesterol: 20mg