Silky Butternut Squash Orzo Risotto Recipe: Fall’s Golden Hug

Cozy autumn nights call for a comforting butternut squash orzo risotto that warms the soul and delights the palate.

Creamy, golden grains nestled with tender squash create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

The earthy sweetness of roasted butternut melds perfectly with the rich, al dente orzo.

Each spoonful promises a luxurious culinary experience that feels both rustic and elegant.

Parmesan cheese adds a salty depth that complements the squash natural sweetness.

Fresh herbs scattered on top bring a bright, aromatic finish to this satisfying dish.

You’ll want to savor every delectable bite of this comforting risotto that turns a simple meal into a memorable dining experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Essential Tools for Butternut Squash Orzo

• Large Baking Tray: Lined with parchment paper for roasting butternut squash evenly.
• Deep Pan: Essential for cooking orzo risotto and creating creamy texture.
• Small Saucepan: Perfect for toasting hazelnuts with honey and butter.
• Blender or Food Processor: Needed to create smooth squash and goat cheese sauce.
• Sharp Knife: For peeling and cubing butternut squash precisely.
• Wooden Spoon: Helps stir orzo and prevent sticking during cooking.
• Cutting Board: For preparing ingredients safely and cleanly.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.

Cooking Method for Butternut Squash Orzo Risotto

• Roasted Butternut Squash Preparation

Create caramelized butternut squash cubes by tossing with aromatic spices and roasting until golden and tender.

• Orzo Foundation

Sauté onions in olive oil, then introduce orzo to develop a rich, nutty base for the risotto.

• Liquid Transformation

Gradually add vegetable broth to orzo, allowing slow absorption and creating creamy texture while stirring consistently.

• Nutty Accent

Toast hazelnuts with honey in a separate pan, developing a sweet and crunchy garnish with deep caramel notes.

• Creamy Sauce Integration

Blend roasted squash with goat cheese to create a silky, luxurious sauce that will envelop the orzo completely.

• Final Composition

Combine squash sauce with orzo, ensuring every grain is coated with the luscious mixture.

• Elegant Presentation

Top the risotto with reserved squash pieces, golden hazelnuts, and fresh parsley for a vibrant and appetizing finish.

Risotto Secrets: Get Creative with Squash and Orzo

• Cube the butternut squash uniformly to ensure even cooking and caramelization, creating a delightful texture and rich flavor profile.
• Swap goat cheese with ricotta, feta, or cream cheese to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Adjust vegetable broth gradually while cooking orzo, watching for perfect absorption and preventing both dryness and excess liquid for ideal risotto texture.
• Experiment with different toasted nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts instead of hazelnuts to add distinctive flavor and interesting textural contrast to the dish.
• Prepare roasted squash and toasted nuts one day in advance, storing separately in airtight containers to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of preparation time.

How to Serve Up That Creamy Butternut Orzo Dish

• Plate with Artistic Flair: Swirl the creamy orzo risotto into a shallow bowl, creating elegant curves that showcase the vibrant orange squash and golden hazelnuts.
• Pair with Complementary Sides: Serve alongside a crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the rich, creamy texture of the dish.
• Enhance with Wine Suggestion: Complement the nutty and sweet flavors with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Chardonnay that won't overpower the delicate squash notes.
• Elevate with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh pop of color and subtle herbaceous flavor that lifts the entire dish.

Saving and Storing Butternut Orzo Risotto

• Batch Cook Wisely: Prepare this risotto in larger quantities for quick weekday meals. Store individual portions in airtight containers for easy reheating during busy work weeks.
• Refrigerate Strategically: Keep leftovers in sealed containers for up to 3-4 days. The creamy texture might slightly change, so stir gently when reheating to restore consistency.
• Freeze with Caution: Package completely cooled risotto in freezer-safe containers. Consume within 1-2 months for optimal taste and texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before warming.
• Reheat Carefully: Warm gently in a pan with a splash of vegetable broth to prevent drying. Stir constantly and add liquid as needed to maintain the creamy risotto's original smoothness.

Butternut Squash Orzo Risotto: What You’ll Need

• Butternut Squash: Sweet autumn vegetable that provides rich, creamy texture and vibrant orange color; choose firm squash with smooth, unblemished skin.
• Olive Oil: Enhances flavor and helps vegetables roast evenly; select extra virgin for best taste.
• Fleur de Sel: Delicate sea salt that adds subtle mineral complexity; sprinkle sparingly for balanced seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Offers depth and aromatic warmth; ensure it's fresh and fragrant.
• Smoked Paprika: Adds smoky undertone and beautiful reddish hue; choose high-quality Spanish variety.

• Orzo: Tiny pasta that mimics risotto's creamy texture; select good quality Italian pasta.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides rich liquid base and additional flavor; homemade or low-sodium recommended.
• Onion: Creates foundational flavor profile; choose sweet varieties like Vidalia.
• Goat Cheese: Delivers tangy, creamy consistency; select fresh, locally produced if possible.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning agents; use freshly ground black pepper.

• Hazelnuts: Adds delightful crunch and nutty complexity; toast carefully to prevent burning.
• Honey: Provides caramelized sweetness when toasting nuts; use raw, unprocessed varieties.
• Butter: Enhances nuttiness and helps hazelnuts caramelize; select unsalted for better control.
• Parsley: Brings fresh, herbal brightness; choose vibrant green, crisp leaves.

Velvety Butternut Squash Orzo Risotto Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Butternut squash orzo risotto blends creamy Italian technique with seasonal autumn flavors. Mediterranean ingredients combine for a comforting meal you will savor with each luxurious spoonful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 150 g (5.3 oz) orzo pasta
• 300 g (10.6 oz) butternut squash, cubed
• 100 g (3.5 oz) fresh goat cheese
• 500 ml (16.9 fl oz) vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 30 g (1.1 oz) shelled hazelnuts, roughly chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 drizzle olive oil
• 1 knob semi-salt butter
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 pinch fleur de sel
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat convection oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in center and lining baking tray with parchment paper.
2. Squash Preparation: Slice and cube butternut squash into uniform pieces, tossing with olive oil, sea salt, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until evenly coated. Arrange on prepared tray without overcrowding.
3. Roasting Process: Bake squash for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to ensure golden caramelization and even cooking. Remove and set aside.
4. Risotto Base: In large saucepan, sauté finely chopped onions until translucent. Introduce orzo, gently toasting for 1-2 minutes to develop nutty undertones.
5. Liquid Infusion: Pour vegetable broth over orzo, covering completely. Simmer on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure creamy consistency, approximately 8-10 minutes.
6. Hazelnut Garnish: Simultaneously, melt butter with olive oil in small skillet. Add hazelnuts and honey, toasting until golden and aromatic.
7. Sauce Creation: Blend two-thirds of roasted squash with goat cheese and hot water until silky smooth. Season with additional salt and pepper.
8. Final Composition: Incorporate squash-cheese sauce into orzo, stirring until thoroughly combined and heated. Plate risotto, decorating with reserved roasted squash, honey-glazed hazelnuts, and freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

• Prepare Evenly: Cut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure consistent roasting and caramelization.
• Prevent Sticking: Stir orzo frequently during cooking to avoid clumping and achieve creamy risotto texture.
• Enhance Flavor: Lightly toast orzo before adding broth to develop a deeper, nuttier taste profile.
• Balance Textures: Reserve some roasted squash cubes for garnishing to add contrasting crispy and creamy elements to the dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg