Butternut Squash Orzo with Parèggio

If you’re looking for to up your comfort food game this fall, Butternut Squash Orzo with Parèggio is a creamy, dreamy, pot full of cozy goodness. Made with fresh, savory Artikaas Parèggio Cheese, tender roasted butternut squash, and nutty rosemary brown butter, this easy pasta dish tastes like fancy mac and cheese with a fun fall twist. 

Prep Time: 20ish min

Cook Time: 50ish min

Servings: 6ish servings

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Ingredients

For the butternut squash:
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2” chunks
3 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper

For the brown butter:
4 tbsp butter
1 sprig fresh rosemary

For the orzo:
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups orzo
5 cups water
1.5 cups grated Artikaas Parèggio
1 tsp salt + more to taste

Instructions

Make the butternut squash:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.

2. Place the chunks of squash on a parchment covered sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil and spices. Toss well.

3. Arrange squash into one layer on the pan and roast for about 30 minutes until the squash is tender.

4. Transfer half the squash into a blender and blend until smooth. You’ll need 1 cup of the puree for this recipe.

5. Save the rest of the roasted squash for the topping.

Make the brown butter:

1. Heat butter and the sprig of rosemary in a small sauté pan over medium/high heat. The butter will melt and start to foam.

2. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and smells nutty. Keep an eye on this, it can burn quickly!

3. Remove from heat and take out the sprig of rosemary. Set brown butter aside.

Make the orzo:

1. In a large heavy bottomed pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the onion and garlic. Sauté until onion is soft, about 5 min.

2. Add orzo and salt. Stir for 2 minutes, letting the orzo toast for a bit.

3. Add the water and bring to a simmer. Once the water comes to a simmer, turn the heat down to medium-low and cook until the orzo is soft, stirring occasionally, about 8 minutes.

4. Add 1 cup of the butternut squash puree, grated parèggio, and brown butter. Stir until well combined. Taste and add salt as needed.

5. Spoon into bowls, top with the remaining roasted squash, more parèggio, and serve!