Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo is a cozy, comforting dish that effortlessly bridges the gap between elegance and ease. With tender roasted butternut squash, fragrant crispy sage leaves, and buttery orzo pasta, this recipe wraps you in warmth with every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty side or a stand-alone vegetarian main, it’s a seasonal favorite that highlights fall flavors with minimal effort.

What makes this dish truly shine is its balance. The sweet, caramelized cubes of butternut squash contrast beautifully with the earthy, almost peppery crispness of fresh sage. Tossed together with al dente orzo and a touch of garlic-infused butter or olive oil, it transforms into a rich yet light pasta dish perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.

---

What Kind of Orzo Should I Use?

Orzo is often mistaken for rice, but it’s actually a small, rice-shaped pasta that cooks quickly and has a silky, tender bite. For this recipe, regular semolina orzo works best—it soaks up the sage and squash flavors beautifully. If you’re going gluten-free, you can opt for a rice-based orzo alternative, just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may differ slightly.

---

Ingredients for the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Butternut Squash
This is the sweet, nutty star of the dish. When roasted, it becomes tender with caramelized edges that add both texture and flavor depth.

Fresh Sage Leaves
Sage brings earthy, herbal flavor and a touch of crispiness when fried or sautéed. It’s the aromatic backbone of this recipe.

Orzo Pasta
Silky and light, orzo provides the perfect pasta base that lets the squash and sage shine without overwhelming the dish.

Garlic
A few cloves of minced garlic create a savory base that deepens the overall flavor.

Olive Oil or Butter
For roasting and sautéing—choose butter for a richer, nutty taste or olive oil for a cleaner, lighter finish.

Salt & Black Pepper
Essential for seasoning the squash and balancing the sweet and savory notes.

Parmesan Cheese (Optional)
A sprinkle on top adds a salty, umami kick that complements the sweetness of the squash.

---

How To Make the Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cube the butternut squash and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until caramelized and fork-tender.

Step 2: Cook the Orzo

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the orzo according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Crisp the Sage

In a large skillet, heat a bit of butter or olive oil over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and fry until crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove and set on paper towels.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, add more butter or oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the roasted butternut squash and cooked orzo.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Toss everything together with a splash of reserved pasta water for creaminess. Add salt and pepper to taste. Top with crispy sage and optional parmesan cheese.

---

How to Serve and Store Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo

This dish is versatile enough to be served warm as a main course or as a hearty side dish alongside roasted meats or seasonal salads. It also makes an elegant addition to any holiday spread. Garnish with extra sage and parmesan just before serving for that final touch.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or water to bring back its creamy texture.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I peel butternut squash easily?

Microwave the squash for 1-2 minutes to soften the skin, then use a vegetable peeler to remove the outer layer.

Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?

Fresh sage offers the best texture and flavor, especially when crisped. But if needed, use 1/3 the amount of dried sage and add it to the garlic step.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes! It holds up well in the fridge and can be made ahead of time. Just add a little liquid when reheating to refresh the texture.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Absolutely. Try mixing in grilled chicken, crumbled sausage, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian boost.

Is it freezer-friendly?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. Reheat gently and stir well to restore consistency.

---

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Seasonal Twist?

If you love this Butternut Squash & Sage Orzo, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting meals from Life with Nina:

• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Chicken and Broccoli
• One Skillet Sweet Spicy Sticky Chicken Pasta
• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
• Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes

---

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time: Life with Nina on Pinterest

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with butter or olive oil? Parmesan or dairy-free? Any fun twists?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

---

Print