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
Butternut Orzo Risotto
Butternut Orzo Risotto
Prep Time
20 min
Cook Time
25 min
Yield
5 servings
Ingredients
- 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
Directions
- 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
2/3 cup: 230 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 4mg cholesterol, 420mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 8g protein.
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