ORZO WITH CARAMELIZED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BACON

Orzo with Caramelized Butternut Squash and Bacon image

When my garden produced a bumper crop of butternut squash, I made multiple new dishes to use up my bounty! This is a tasty, easy side with pretty colors, and it makes plenty to fill your hungry family. To make it into a main, add shrimp or shredded chicken. -Kallee Krong-McCreery, Escondido, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 40m

Yield 6 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups uncooked orzo pasta
4 bacon strips, chopped
2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (1/2-inch cubes)
1/2 cup chopped onion
1 cup cut fresh or frozen cut green beans, thawed
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Minced fresh parsley

Steps:

In a large saucepan, cook orzo according to package directions., Meanwhile, in a large skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, stirring occasionally. Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Cook and stir squash and onion in bacon drippings until tender, 8-10 minutes. Add beans and garlic; cook 1 minute longer., Drain orzo; stir into squash mixture. Add butter, garlic salt, pepper and reserved bacon; heat through. Sprinkle with Parmesan and parsley.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 329 calories, Fat 11g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 20mg cholesterol, Sodium 533mg sodium, Carbohydrate 47g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 3g fiber), Protein 11g protein.