Easy One Pot Pasta | Butternut Squash Orzo Pasta Recipe

Calling all pasta lovers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you a delightful and super easy one-pot pasta meal that will revolutionize the way you cook pasta at home. Our star ingredient is the versatile butternut squash, creating a rich and creamy sauce that will leave your taste buds dancing. This comforting dish is perfect for autumn and winter, warming your heart and soul with every bite. Join me as we explore the simple steps to create this mouthwatering Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo.

Infusing the Vegetable Stock 

We begin our journey by grabbing a large saucepan and infusing vegetable stock with the earthy flavors of rosemary and thyme. These robust, savory herbs will balance the slight sweetness of the butternut squash, ensuring a harmonious taste. Cover the saucepan to prevent evaporation, and let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Preparing the Butternut Squash 

Our star ingredient, the butternut squash, is both nutritious and delicious. To start, peel the squash with a vegetable peeler, revealing its vibrant flesh. Once peeled, cut the squash in half, removing the seeds from the bottom half and grating it on a box grater. For the top half, dice it into one-centimeter cubes to add lovely texture to the dish.

Sautéing the Aromatics 

A flavorful base is essential for our Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo. Dice one white onion and finely chop four cloves of garlic to create the aromatic foundation. Sauté the onions until translucent and add a dash of butter to complement the flavors without caramelization.

Toasting the Orzo 

To add depth and complexity to the dish, toast the orzo in the sautéed onions and garlic. Similar to making risotto, this technique enhances the overall taste. Pour in dry white wine and let it reduce, creating a delightful fragrance.

Combining the Ingredients 

Now, it’s time to bring all the elements together. Add the grated and diced butternut squash to the orzo, along with the infused vegetable stock. Stir everything until well combined, and then place a tight-fitting oven-safe lid on the saucepan. This dish will continue its journey in the oven, where the magic happens.

Cooking in the Oven 

Transfer the saucepan to a preheated oven and let the Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo cook for about 40 to 45 minutes. During this time, the grated squash will meld into a creamy consistency, and the diced squash will become tender. The orzo will be fully cooked, delivering the perfect texture.

Preparing the Garnish 

While the dish bakes, prepare a delightful garnish of toasted pumpkin seeds. Toast them in a frying pan with a sprinkle of salt until they turn nutty and savory. These seeds will add a delightful crunch and elevate the overall experience.

Perfecting the Creamy Orzo 

As the oven timer goes off, your Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo is ready to be indulged. The creamy texture, tender squash, and perfectly cooked orzo will delight your senses. Add a final touch of finely grated Parmesan for a burst of umami and fold it into the dish.

Plating the Delightful Dish 

Now comes the exciting part – plating the Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo. Scoop a generous portion into a bowl or plate, and tap it gently to allow the sauce to settle. This creamy and silky goodness will captivate your senses, leaving you craving more.

Easy One Pot Pasta | Butternut Squash Orzo Pasta Recipe

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A comforting and easy one-pot pasta that celebrates the flavours of autumn and winter. The velvety texture, delightful aroma, and rich taste make this dish a perfect choice for cosy family dinners or gatherings with friends. From the infused vegetable stock to the deliciously tender butternut squash, every element works harmoniously to create a memorable culinary experience.

So, the next time you're craving a warm and hearty pasta dish, don't hesitate to whip up this super easy one-pot wonder. Your taste buds and loved ones will thank you for this delightful Creamy Butternut Squash Orzo. Enjoy the flavours of autumn and winter with this soul-warming dish, and let it bring joy and comfort to your home

Ingredients

• 1 x butternut squash (1.2kg / 2.6lbs)
• 1 x white onion ( 240g / 8.5oz)
• 4 x garlic cloves
• 250g / 8.8oz orzo
• 150ml / just over 1/2 a cup of dry white wine
• 850ml / 3.6 cups vegetable stock
• Sprig of rosemary and thyme (oregano, bay leaves, sage & parsley would all work)
• 25g butter
• Parmesan
• Toasted pumpkin seeds for garnish
• Salt to taste

Instructions

1. Begin by infusing a large saucepan with 850ml of vegetable stock, 1 sprig of rosemary, and a small sprig of thyme. Place on low heat.
2. Prepare butternut squash: peel, remove seeds, and dice into 1cm cubes. Grate the bottom half of the squash on a box grater.
3. Dice 1 white onion and 4 cloves of garlic.
4. Preheat oven to 160 Celsius (320 Fahrenheit)
5. While the stock is infusing, sweat the diced onions with a pinch of salt in a saucepan over medium heat. Add in the diced garlic and 25 grams of butter, cook for 1 minute.
6. Add in 250 grams of orzo and toast for 2-3 minutes.
7. Add 150ml of dry white wine and cook until half the liquid remains.
8. Add in the prepared butternut squash and the infused vegetable stock.
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and transfer the pan to the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
10. After 15 minutes, remove from the oven and add in 120g of grated parmesan cheese and stir through.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
12. Serve and enjoy your one pot pasta meal!