Savor the rich, nutty flavor of Brown Butter Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo in this comforting dish. This meal beautifully combines orzo pasta with roasted butternut squash, crispy sage, and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Perfect for cozy autumn evenings, it’s an elegant yet easy recipe that suits various occasions—from family dinners to special gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich Flavor: The combination of brown butter and roasted squash creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
Seasonal Ingredients: Utilize fresh fall produce for a dish that celebrates the season’s best flavors.
Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, this recipe is suitable for cooks of all skill levels.
Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or as a hearty side—it’s perfect for any meal.
Comforting Texture: The creamy orzo paired with tender butternut squash makes every bite satisfying.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Baking sheet
Skillet
Wooden spoon or spatula
Knife and cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling the orzo to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
Baking sheet: Helps roast butternut squash evenly without overcrowding.
Skillet: Ideal for browning butter and sautéing sage, allowing for better heat control.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Dish

8 ounces orzo pasta
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 fresh sage leaves
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Brown Butter Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast for 25-30 minutes or until golden and tender, stirring halfway through for even roasting.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the orzo and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 3: Brown the Butter

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the butter turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma, about 4-5 minutes.
Remove from heat.

Step 4: Fry the Sage

Add the sage leaves to the brown butter in the skillet.
Sauté until they become crispy, about 1-2 minutes.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet with brown butter and sage.
Toss in the cooked orzo and stir to combine.
If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta cooking water for creaminess.

Step 6: Finishing Touches

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly incorporated.
Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

Step 7: Serve

Transfer to serving plates, garnish with fresh parsley, and enjoy warm!

How to Serve Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo

Serving Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo can elevate your meal experience. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also visually appealing, making it perfect for sharing with friends and family during cozy gatherings.

Enhance with Seasonal Ingredients

Fresh Cranberries: Sprinkle a handful of fresh cranberries over the orzo for a pop of color and tartness.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds: Add some crunch by topping your orzo with roasted pumpkin seeds.

Pair with Proteins

Grilled Chicken: Serve the orzo alongside grilled chicken breasts for a hearty meal.
Sautéed Shrimp: Lightly sautéed shrimp can add a touch of elegance and complement the nutty flavors.

Complementary Salads

Arugula Salad: A simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the orzo.
Caesar Salad: For a classic pairing, serve this dish with a Caesar salad for added creaminess.

How to Perfect Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo

To make your Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo even better, consider these helpful tips. Each one is designed to enhance flavor and texture.

Use Fresh Sage: Always opt for fresh sage leaves for a more vibrant flavor compared to dried.
Don’t Rush the Butter: Allow the butter to brown slowly to develop that nutty aroma; keep stirring gently.
Reserve Pasta Water: Save some pasta cooking water before draining—it helps achieve the perfect creamy consistency.
Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheeses like goat cheese or feta for unique taste variations.
Add Protein Wisely: Incorporate protein like chickpeas for added nutrition without overpowering the dish’s flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo

Pairing side dishes with your Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider:

Garlic Bread: A classic choice, garlic bread adds crunch and complements the savory flavors of the orzo.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts provide a delightful contrast in texture and taste.
Mixed Greens Salad: A light salad dressed with balsamic vinaigrette freshens up the plate nicely.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus adds freshness and color, enhancing your meal visually.
Baked Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of baked sweet potatoes pairs well with the earthy tones of the dish.
Grilled Zucchini Skewers: These skewers add a charred flavor that works wonderfully alongside the creamy orzo.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo even more delightful. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

Overcooking the Squash: Cooking butternut squash too long can make it mushy. Aim for a golden, tender texture by checking it after 25 minutes.
Neglecting the Butter: Not browning the butter enough may result in a lack of flavor. Keep an eye on it as it cooks until it’s golden brown with a nutty aroma.
Skipping the Pasta Water: Forgetting to reserve pasta cooking water can lead to a dry dish. This water helps achieve a creamy consistency, so make sure to save some!
Under-seasoning: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning can dull the flavors. Always check for salt and pepper before serving.
Rushing the Sage: Cooking sage too quickly can lead to burnt leaves. Sauté them gently until crispy for the best flavor and texture.

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Make sure it cools completely before sealing to avoid condensation.

Freezing Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo

Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Label containers with date and name for easy identification.

Reheating Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil if needed.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring in between until hot.
Stovetop: Heat on medium-low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I make Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo vegetarian?

You can easily keep this dish vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth when cooking the orzo.

Can I use other pasta instead of orzo?

Yes! You can substitute orzo with any small pasta shape like ditalini or couscous for similar results.

How do I customize my Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo?

Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale, nuts for crunch, or even different cheeses such as feta for added flavor.

What should I serve with this dish?

This comforting dish pairs well with a fresh salad or crusty bread, making it a complete meal perfect for cozy evenings.

Final Thoughts

The Brown butter Butternut squash & sage orzo is not only comforting but also versatile. You can enjoy this dish as a main course or side option. Feel free to customize it with seasonal ingredients that you love, making each meal special!