Description
Indulge in a creamy orzo dish with roasted butternut squash and spinach. Learn how to create this flavorful and comforting recipe on our cooking website today!
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta (200g)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 300g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- 1 teaspoon salt (5g)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (1g)
- 4 cups fresh spinach (120g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup coconut cream (120ml)
- 1/2 cup grated vegan cheese (50g)
- 1 cup vegetable broth (240ml)
- 1 tablespoon plant-based butter (14g)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (1g)
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (1g)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (0.5g)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the squash.
- Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Toss to coat the squash evenly.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender.
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add orzo pasta.
- Cook the orzo according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the orzo and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- Remove the spinach from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat.
- Stir in heavy cream, vegetable broth, and dried thyme.
- Add paprika, nutmeg, remaining salt, and black pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally.
- Add cooked orzo and roasted butternut squash to the skillet.
- Stir in the spinach and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- For a richer consistency, try using full-fat coconut cream instead of light coconut cream.
- Enhance the taste by sprinkling nutritional yeast on top before serving.
- Add a hint of sweetness by drizzling maple syrup over the roasted butternut squash before cooking.