Best 8 Butternut Orzo Risotto Recipes

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Butternut squash and orzo combine in this creamy, flavorful risotto that's perfect for a comforting yet elegant meal. The sweet and nutty butternut squash pairs wonderfully with the earthy orzo, and the creamy sauce made with white wine, vegetable broth, and Parmesan cheese brings it all together. This dish is easy to make and can be tailored to your liking by adding different vegetables, herbs, or spices. Whether you're looking for a vegetarian main course or a side dish to impress your friends, this butternut orzo risotto is sure to please.

Let's cook with our recipes!

BUTTERNUT SQUASH ORZO RISOTTO



Butternut Squash Orzo Risotto image

Banish those thoughts of the long and laborious stirring session you normally undertake when cooking traditional risotto made with arborio rice. This comforting bowl of risotto is made with a genius substitute, orzo, which simmers unattended for the bulk of the cooking time. The combination of sweet-tasting squash, iron-rich spinach, and creamy orzo is irresistibly delicious, making for a fall dish you'll return to again and again.

Provided by Cook for Your Life Staff

Categories     Mains

Number Of Ingredients 1

1 small (or ½ large) butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 6 cups vegetable stock 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 leeks (whites only), thinly sliced 2 cups orzo 2 cups spinach, packed ½ cup parmesan cheese salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add butternut squash and cook until tender. Drain and set aside, reserving about one cup of cooking liquid.
  • In a small saucepan, bring vegetable stock to a boil.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add olive oil. Add leeks and cook until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes.
  • Add orzo, cook for 2 to 3 min or until lightly toasted. Add boiling stock and reduce to a simmer. Simmer uncovered until liquid is absorbed and orzo is tender, about 15 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, using back of a fork or a potato masher, mash the squash with a few tablespoons of cooking liquid. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Once orzo is cooked, add spinach, parmesan cheese and mashed butternut squash. Stir to combine and season with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1687

CREAMY ORZO RISOTTO WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH



Creamy orzo risotto with butternut squash image

So rich and creamy! A wonderful, light take on classic butternut squash risotto. Thyme sprigs give great flavour but feel free to substitute sage leaves instead.

Categories     Dinner,Lunch,Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 spray(s) Cooking spray
2 cup(s) Uncooked butternut squash cut into small cubes
0.5 tsp(s) Olive oil
0.125 tsp(s) Table salt or to taste
0.5 tbsp(s) Unsalted butter
1 cup(s) Uncooked orzo
1.5 cup(s) Water
1 cup(s) Canned chicken broth
1 tsp(s) Fresh thyme fresh, or 8 whole sprigs (sprigs preferred)
2 tbsp(s) Fat-free half-and-half
0.333 oz Grated Parmesan cheese such as Parmigiano-Reggiano
0.125 tsp(s) Table salt or to taste
0.125 pinch Black pepper freshly ground, or to taste

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 425°F. Coat a small rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray.
  • In a medium bowl, toss squash with oil and salt; spread in a single layer on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between squash cubes. Roast, stirring halfway through, until squash is tender and lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat; add orzo. Stir constantly until orzo begins to smell toasty, about 3 minutes. Add water, broth and thyme sprigs; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is nearly absorbed, about 15 minutes.
  • Remove thyme sprigs; stir in half-and-half, cheese and roasted squash. Season well with salt and pepper; serve. Yields about 3/4 cup per serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 250 kcal

BUTTERNUT ORZOTTO



Butternut Orzotto image

Provided by Kelsey Nixon

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cups peeled, seeded and 1/2-inch-diced butternut squash (about 1 pound)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 small onion, diced
1 1/2 cups orzo
1/2 cup dry white wine
3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/3 cup grated Parmesan
1/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Salt and cracked black pepper

Steps:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the butternut squash and saute until just starting to soften, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the garlic and onions and saute until fragrant and translucent, 2 minutes longer. Add the orzo and continue cooking another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Pour in the wine and cook until absorbed.
  • Gradually add the chicken broth while stirring. Bring to a simmer, cover and cook until the liquid is almost absorbed and the orzo is tender, 8 to 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
  • Stir in the Parmesan, half-and-half and sage. Season with salt and pepper and serve warm.

MUSHROOM AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO



Mushroom and Butternut Squash Risotto image

Provided by Trisha Yearwood

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1/4 cup dried porcini mushrooms
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 pound mixed mushrooms (cremini, shiitake, chanterelle, etc.), thickly sliced
2 medium shallots, chopped
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
1/2 cup dry white wine
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup grated Parmesan, plus more for passing
2 tablespoons chopped fresh Italian parsley

Steps:

  • Combine the chicken broth and 3 cups water in a medium saucepan and bring to a gentle simmer. Put the porcini mushrooms in a spouted measuring cup and ladle 1 cup hot stock over. Let soak 15 minutes. Remove the mushrooms, reserving the soaking liquid, and finely chop. Pour the soaking liquid back into the broth.
  • Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the butternut squash and season with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until lightly browned and almost tender, about 10 minutes. Remove to a plate.
  • Add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil to the skillet and turn to medium-high heat. Scatter in the fresh mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are well browned and have given up their liquid and the liquid has reduced away, 7 to 8 minutes. Reduce the heat to medium and add the shallots. Cook, stirring occasionally, until wilted, about 3 minutes. Add the rice and stir to coat in the olive oil. Let the rice toast in the skillet for a minute, then stir in the reserved chopped porcini.
  • Add the white wine. Bring to a simmer and cook until absorbed. Ladle in enough of the hot stock to just cover the rice. Adjust the heat so the risotto is gently simmering. Cook and stir the rice until the liquid is almost absorbed, then ladle in more stock just to cover. Continue to stir and add stock until the rice is al dente, adding the squash in the last 6 minutes of cooking time, 18 to 20 minutes. You may have a little bit of stock left over, and that's OK.)
  • Remove the risotto from the heat and stir in the butter, cheese and parsley. Serve immediately, passing additional Parmesan at the table.

BUTTERNUT ORZO RISOTTO



Butternut Orzo Risotto image

This creamy dish resembles traditional rice risotto, only it's quicker and easier to make. Fresh herbs enhance the tender orzo pasta and sweet butternut squash. Try it as a warming side dish for pork.-Country Woman Test Kitchen

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about 1/2-inch cubes)
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/8 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper, divided
3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1 small onion, chopped
2 teaspoons butter
1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
1 garlic clove, minced
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
1-1/2 teaspoons minced fresh sage
1/2 teaspoon minced fresh thyme
Shaved Parmesan cheese, optional

Steps:

  • Place squash in a greased 15x10x1-in. baking pan. Drizzle with oil; sprinkle with salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Bake at 400° for 15-20 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally., Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat broth and keep warm. In a large nonstick skillet, saute onion in butter until tender. Add orzo and garlic; cook and stir for 2-3 minutes. Carefully stir in 1 cup warm broth. Cook and stir until all of the liquid is absorbed., Add remaining broth, 1/2 cup at a time, stirring constantly. Allow the liquid to absorb between additions. Cook until risotto is creamy and orzo is almost tender. (Cooking time is about 20 minutes.) Add the herbs, cooked squash and remaining pepper; heat through. Garnish with cheese if desired; serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 230 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.

BROWN-BUTTER ORZO WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH



Brown-Butter Orzo With Butternut Squash image

In this autumnal one-pot meal, rice-shaped orzo is cooked with stock and butternut squash until it's tender and creamy, a little like risotto but without as much stirring. Brown butter, lemon zest and sage add depth of flavor, while red-pepper flakes give this zip and heat. An optional dollop of ricotta intensifies the creaminess but feel free to skip it for a lighter dish. This recipe also works well as a hearty side for roasted meats and fish.

Provided by Melissa Clark

Categories     weekday, pastas, vegetables, main course

Time 45m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3/4 cup thinly sliced shallots (2 to 3), or use onion or leek
1 small (2-pound) butternut squash, peeled, seeded and cut into 3/4-inch cubes (3 cups)
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh sage leaves, or 2 teaspoons chopped rosemary or marjoram, plus more for serving if you like
1 teaspoon fine sea salt or table salt, plus more as needed
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus more for serving
1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, plus more for serving
3 cups vegetable stock or chicken stock
1 1/2 cup uncooked orzo
1 lemon, zested and halved
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
1/2 cup whole-milk ricotta (optional)

Steps:

  • In a medium Dutch oven, or a large (12-inch) skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the foam subsides, the milk solids turn golden brown and it smells nutty and toasty, 3 to 4 minutes. (Watch carefully to see that it doesn't burn.)
  • Stir in shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened, about 2 minutes. Add squash, sage, a large pinch of salt, the 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and the 1/4 teaspoon red-pepper flakes, and cook until squash is golden at the edges and begins to soften, 12 to 17 minutes.
  • Add stock and bring to a simmer. Stir in orzo, lemon zest and the 1 teaspoon salt. Cover the pan and simmer over medium-low heat until orzo is just tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, 14 to 18 minutes, stirring once or twice. If the pan dries out before the orzo and squash are tender, add a splash or two of water.
  • Remove pan from heat and stir in Parmesan. Taste and add more salt if needed, and a squeeze of lemon juice if the dish needs brightness. Dollop with ricotta if using, and sprinkle with more grated Parmesan and black pepper just before serving, garnishing the top with more red-pepper flakes and sage.

ROASTED BUTTERNUT ORANGE RISOTTO



Roasted Butternut Orange Risotto image

Roasted butternut squash chunks are stirred into a creamy orange flavored risotto, made flavorful with Swanson® Unsalted Chicken Stock, and garnished with dried cranberries and chopped pecans.

Provided by Campbell's Kitchen

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Swanson®

Time 55m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 cups cubed butternut squash
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
sea salt to taste
ground white pepper to taste
4 cups Swanson® Unsalted Chicken Stock
2 cups orange juice
1 large sprig fresh rosemary
1 sweet onion, diced
1 ¼ cups Arborio rice
2 tablespoons butter
⅓ cup chopped dried cranberries
1 tablespoon chopped pecans

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Toss butternut squash chunks lightly with 1 tablespoon olive oil and a pinch of sea salt and white pepper. Spread on a roasting pan and bake in preheated oven until fork tender, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Combine Swanson® Unsalted Chicken Stock, orange juice, and rosemary in a saucepan. Bring to boil; reduce heat to low or a heat level that allows it to slowly simmer.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add onions and saute until the onion is translucent, 3 to 5 minutes. Add Arborio rice and cook and stir until rice is coated and starting to toast, 1 to 2 minutes.
  • Pour in 1 cup of the Swanson® Unsalted Chicken Stock/orange juice mixture and stir until liquid is absorbed into the rice.
  • Continue to add liquid 1/2 cup at a time, stirring until well absorbed before adding the next 1/2 cup until all the liquid has been added, about 30 minutes. Remove pan from heat; discard rosemary sprig. Stir in roasted butternut squash, butter, and dried cranberries. Season with salt and white pepper. Top with chopped pecans.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 277.9 calories, Carbohydrate 45.2 g, Cholesterol 7.6 mg, Fat 8.8 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 5.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.6 g, Sodium 128.2 mg, Sugar 9.8 g

BUTTERNUT SQUASH RISOTTO



Butternut Squash Risotto image

If you like the natural sweet flavor of butternut squash, you'll love this risotto! It is so creamy and full of flavor! Great as a side dish or main course.

Provided by Andrea Longo Policella

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Rice     Risotto Recipes

Time 55m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 cups cubed butternut squash
2 tablespoons butter
½ onion, minced
1 cup Arborio rice
⅓ cup dry white wine
5 cups hot chicken stock
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place squash cubes into a steamer basket in a saucepan. Add water, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow to steam until the squash is tender (10 to 15 minutes), then drain, and mash in a bowl with a fork.
  • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften, then stir in the rice. Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is glossy from the butter, and the onion begins to brown on the edges, about 5 minutes more.
  • Pour in the white wine; cook, stirring constantly, until it has evaporated. Stir in the mashed squash and 1/3 of the hot chicken stock; reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir until the chicken stock has been absorbed by the rice, 5 to 7 minutes. Add half of the remaining chicken stock, and continue stirring until it has been absorbed. Finally, pour in the remaining stock, and continue stirring until the risotto is creamy. Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 342.5 calories, Carbohydrate 57.1 g, Cholesterol 20.6 mg, Fat 8 g, Fiber 2.4 g, Protein 7.4 g, SaturatedFat 4.8 g, Sodium 978.8 mg, Sugar 3 g

Tips:

  • Mise en place: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all of your ingredients and equipment ready to go. This will help you stay organized and prevent any scrambling.
  • Use a good quality broth: The broth is the backbone of the risotto, so it's important to use a good quality one. Look for a broth that is made with real ingredients and has a rich flavor.
  • Toast the orzo: Toasting the orzo before adding it to the broth will help to develop its flavor and give the risotto a more complex texture.
  • Cook the orzo slowly: Risotto is a slow-cooked dish, so be patient and let the orzo cook until it is tender and creamy. Stir the risotto frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
  • Add the butternut squash and sage: Once the orzo is cooked, add the butternut squash and sage. The butternut squash will add a sweet and earthy flavor to the risotto, while the sage will add a savory note.
  • Finish with Parmesan cheese: Just before serving, stir in some Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese will add a rich and nutty flavor to the risotto.

Conclusion:

Butternut squash orzo risotto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a fall meal. The combination of butternut squash, orzo, and sage creates a flavorful and satisfying dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give butternut squash orzo risotto a try.

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