Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

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Creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor, this Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo is the perfect cozy dinner for fall or winter evenings. With caramelized roasted squash, fresh herbs, and a buttery finish, every forkful brings out the season’s best. It feels luxurious while being surprisingly easy to make.

This dish is a one-pot wonder that blends the nuttiness of orzo with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash. Finished with Parmesan and aromatic herbs like sage and rosemary, it’s an ideal choice for a quick vegetarian dinner, a holiday side, or a dinner party favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

It’s a soul-warming, creamy pasta that delivers deep flavor with minimal ingredients. The roasted squash adds sweetness and color, while fresh sage and rosemary infuse it with cozy herbal warmth. It comes together in under 40 minutes, yet looks and tastes like a dish from a fine dining table.

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Stick with classic durum wheat orzo for the best texture. Whole wheat works too but will yield a slightly earthier tone. Avoid rice or gluten-free orzo substitutes if you want the creaminess to really shine, as traditional orzo releases starch that gives the dish its velvety finish.

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Ingredients for the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Butternut Squash: Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness, and its creamy texture pairs beautifully with orzo.

Orzo Pasta: A rice-shaped pasta that soaks up the flavors and adds a lovely creamy consistency when cooked.

Fresh Sage: Infuses the dish with warm, earthy, slightly peppery notes.

Rosemary: Adds woodsy aroma and layers of flavor depth.

Garlic: Gives the orzo a savory backbone.

Vegetable Broth: Used to simmer the orzo and develop depth without overpowering the herbs.

Heavy Cream: Adds richness and makes the final texture extra smooth.

Parmesan Cheese: For sharp, salty umami that brings it all together.

Butter: Used to sauté herbs and finish the dish with gloss and flavor.

Olive Oil: Helps roast the squash and adds fruitiness.

Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the sweet and savory elements.

Fresh Parsley: Brightens and finishes the dish with freshness.

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How To Make the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups of diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes, flipping halfway, until caramelized and tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoons chopped fresh sage, 1 teaspoon chopped rosemary, and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Add 1 cup of orzo to the pan and toast for 2 minutes, stirring to coat it in the butter and herbs. This enhances its nutty flavor.

Step 4: Simmer the Orzo

Pour in 2 1/2 cups of vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook uncovered for 10-12 minutes, stirring frequently until the orzo is al dente and the liquid is mostly absorbed.

Step 5: Finish Creamy Sauce

Stir in 1/3 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and the roasted butternut squash. Cook for 2 more minutes until warmed through and creamy.

Step 6: Serve with Fresh Herbs

Remove from heat. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra sage or rosemary sprigs if desired.

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How to Serve This Cozy Dish

This Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo serves 4 people as a main dish or 6-8 as a side. It pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, pork chops, or a hearty salad. For a vegetarian meal, serve with garlicky green beans or a side of crusty bread.

Storage Tips for Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. This dish is not ideal for freezing as the cream may separate upon thawing, affecting texture.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegan?
Yes, use vegan butter, coconut cream or oat cream, and a plant-based Parmesan alternative. Just make sure the vegetable broth is also vegan.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, orzo is typically made from wheat. Substitute with gluten-free orzo or small pasta shapes like rice-shaped quinoa if needed.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, but the dish will be less rich. For dairy-free, try coconut cream or oat-based creamers.

Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Roast the squash and prep the herbs ahead of time. Cook the orzo fresh for best texture, but you can reheat it easily with extra broth.

What proteins go well with this?
Grilled chicken, seared pork tenderloin, or even crispy tofu make excellent pairings to complete the meal.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you loved this Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo, try these other comforting favorites:

• Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Bake for rich, oven-baked coziness.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for indulgent pasta with a meaty twist.
• Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti for a creamy casserole-style comfort dish.
• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken Orzo for another creamy orzo variation.
• One Pot Lasagna Soup for cozy flavors in a bowl.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap the cream? Try it with chicken or tofu?

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More of my daily recipes can also be found here on Pinterest: Life With Livia

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