Name: Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped; 1 small shallot, minced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup orzo pasta; 2.5 cups vegetable broth, warm; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1/3 cup parmesan cheese, grated; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo is the kind of comforting dish that wraps you up in autumn coziness. With its silky, cheesy texture and earthy sweetness, it makes a perfect meatless meal or elegant side. It brings together tender orzo pasta, roasted butternut squash, and fragrant sage into one creamy, spoonable dish that feels like a hug in a bowl.

This dish isn’t just hearty—it’s also deeply flavorful. Roasting the squash until caramelized adds richness, while fresh sage gives a hint of savory warmth. Stirred into orzo cooked like risotto, and finished with a touch of cream and parmesan, it’s the kind of meal that satisfies on every level.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

This orzo dish is a perfect balance of cozy and refined. It comes together in one pot, which means minimal cleanup. The ingredients are seasonal, nutritious, and easy to find. The creamy texture is rich without being heavy, and it’s endlessly versatile—great on its own or alongside roasted meats, greens, or a holiday spread.

Can I Use Pre-Cut Butternut Squash for This Orzo?

Absolutely. If you’re short on time or just not up for peeling a squash, pre-cut cubes work beautifully. Just be sure to roast them until they’re golden and soft. The roasting is where much of the flavor comes from, so don’t skip it—even with pre-prepped squash.

Ingredients for the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Using simple ingredients with bold flavors is what makes this recipe shine. The sweetness of squash, the nutty parmesan, and the fragrance of sage come together in a warm, creamy pasta that feels gourmet without the fuss.

Butternut squash
Orzo pasta
Olive oil
Fresh sage leaves
Shallot
Garlic
Vegetable broth
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

Each ingredient has a job: the squash adds body and sweetness, orzo gives the creamy bite, sage perfumes the dish, and the parmesan and cream bind it all together. Shallots and garlic create a base that’s both savory and aromatic.

How To Make the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for 25 to 30 minutes until caramelized and tender.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large skillet or pot, heat some olive oil. Add chopped shallot and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant. Add chopped sage leaves and cook for another minute.

Step 3: Toast the Orzo

Stir in the orzo and toast for 2 minutes, letting it soak up the flavors.

Step 4: Simmer With Broth

Add warm vegetable broth gradually, stirring like risotto. Let it absorb fully before each addition, cooking until the orzo is tender and creamy.

Step 5: Finish the Dish

Fold in the roasted squash, cream, and parmesan. Stir until the orzo is luscious and thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve and Store Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

This recipe feeds about 4 as a main or 6 as a side. Serve it warm right after cooking, topped with extra parmesan or a drizzle of browned butter for a special finish. Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it up when reheating on the stove or microwave.

What to Serve With Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo?

Roasted Chicken Thighs

The crispy skin and savory flavor of roasted chicken pairs beautifully with the soft, creamy orzo.

Garlic-Sautéed Kale

A bright, bitter green balances the richness of the orzo and adds a welcome crunch.

Cranberry Walnut Salad

A lightly dressed salad with tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts makes a fresh side dish.

Glazed Carrots

A touch of honey and thyme brings sweetness and color to your plate.

Pork Tenderloin

Lean, juicy pork with a hint of rosemary is a great protein to plate next to your orzo.

Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Crispy Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic add depth and crunch.

Herbed Flatbread

A slice of warm, chewy flatbread is perfect for scooping every bite.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Fall Vibes?

If you love this Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo, check out these other cozy favorites:

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Let me know how your orzo turned out. Did you add spinach or swap in a different cheese? Did it make it to your weeknight rotation or your holiday table?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to cozy meals.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo is everything you want in a fall-inspired dinner: comforting, creamy, and full of depth. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this dish delivers elegance with ease. Simple, seasonal, and so satisfying.

Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Can I Use Pre-Cut Butternut Squash for This Orzo?

Ingredients for the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo