If you’re a fan of one-pot meals that are both hearty and nutritious, this One Pot Butternut Orzo is about to become your new go-to recipe. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also a huge hit with toddlers and adults. With creamy orzo, roasted butternut squash (or honeynut squash), and a hint of lemon, this recipe is comfort food at its finest.

Here are some more kid-friendly and toddler-friendly recipes!

Why You’ll Love this One Pot Butternut Orzo:

• Minimal Cleanup: All you need is a single pot and a baking sheet. Less time cleaning means more time enjoying your meal.
• Deliciously Creamy: The blended butternut squash and garlic create a velvety sauce that pairs so perfectly with the orzo, making each bite creamy and satisfying.
• Flexible: You can easily substitute ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences (more on that later).
• Perfect for Leftovers: This dish stores well, making it a great option for meal prep or next-day lunches.

Check out some other One-Pot/One-Pan Meals here:

One Pot Creamy Tomato Orzo

Mediterranean Salmon One Pan

One Pan Shrimp Scampi

One Pan Creamy Boursin Chicken

Creamy Asparagus & Bacon Couscous

What is a Honeynut Squash?

If you’ve never cooked with honeynut squash before, you’re in for a treat. Honeynut squash is a smaller, sweeter variety of butternut squash. It has a rich, nutty flavor and a deep orange flesh that’s packed with nutrients like beta-carotene and vitamins A and C. Because of its size, honeynut squash cooks a bit faster than its larger butternut cousin, making it a great option for quick meals.

How to Prep Butternut or Honeynut Squash:

Prepping squash can seem a bit intimidating, but with a few simple steps, you’ll have it ready in no time:

1. Peeling: Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin. For honeynut squash, you might find that the skin is tender enough to leave on, but for butternut squash, it’s best to peel it.
2. Cutting: Slice off both ends to create a stable base. Then, cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon.
3. Cubing: Lay the squash halves cut-side down and slice into ½-inch thick pieces. Then, cut those pieces into cubes. 

How to make One Pot Butternut Orzo:

Let’s go step-by-step and dig into how to make this cozy and hearty dish:

Roast the Squash:

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place your cubed squash (whether you’re using butternut or honeynut) on a baking sheet. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Slice off the top of a head of garlic and place it on the baking sheet, drizzling it with olive oil. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly golden.

Blend the Squash:

Once roasted, blend the squash and garlic with about ½-1 cup of broth until smooth. You can use vegetable, chicken, or beef broth depending on your preference.

Cook the Orzo:

In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the orzo until al dente. Reserve some pasta water, then drain the rest.

Combine and Serve:

Return the cooked orzo to the pot. Stir in the blended squash mixture, adding reserved pasta water and more broth as needed to achieve a creamy consistency. Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, a generous amount of grated parmesan, and fresh basil.

Substitutions & Variations:

Feel free to customize this recipe based on your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few substitutions you might consider:

• Squash: No butternut or honeynut? Try this recipe with pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
• Broth: Vegetable, chicken, or beef broth all work well.
• Parmesan: Swap out parmesan for pecorino or even a dairy-free alternative if needed.

How to store it:

This dish is great for meal prep! Here’s how to store it:

• Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
• Freeze: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks

• Blend Carefully: When blending the hot squash and garlic, be sure to let the steam escape to avoid any accidents. If using a regular blender, hold the lid down with a kitchen towel.
• Don’t Overcook the Orzo: Orzo can go from perfectly al dente to mushy quickly, so keep an eye on it as it cooks.
• Adjust to Taste: The beauty of this dish is how easy it is to customize. Add more lemon for brightness, more parmesan for richness, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.

If you end up trying this recipe out, please tag me @britacooks on social media so I can see your lovely creations!