BUTTERNUT ORZO RISOTTO

Butternut Orzo Risotto image

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

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Side Dishes

Time 45m

Yield 5 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

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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

Steps:

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 : Calories 230 calories, Fat 3g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 4mg cholesterol, Sodium 420mg sodium, Carbohydrate 44g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 8g protein.