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Creamy Pumpkin Orzo Recipe

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4.1 from 7 reviews

This creamy pumpkin orzo is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender orzo pasta with rich pumpkin puree and coconut milk, enhanced by aromatic herbs and spices. It’s a perfect cozy meal with a balance of savory and autumnal flavors, quick to prepare and ideal for a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

Orzo and Broth

  • 1 1/2 cups orzo
  • 2 1/2 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cups canned full-fat coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup pumpkin puree

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 shallot, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp fresh thyme
  • 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste

Optional

  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Heat the skillet: Warm a large skillet or braiser pan over medium heat and add the olive oil to coat the bottom evenly.
  2. Sauté shallot and garlic: Add the diced shallot to the oil and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, stirring to combine and release the aromas.
  3. Add spices and orzo: Stir in the pumpkin pie spice, salt, black pepper, fresh thyme, and orzo pasta, mixing everything thoroughly so that the orzo is coated with the spices and oil.
  4. Incorporate pumpkin and tomato paste: Add the pumpkin puree and tomato paste to the pan, stirring well to blend the flavors together evenly with the orzo.
  5. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the coconut milk and vegetable broth, then stir to combine. Cover the pan and reduce the heat to low, letting the mixture simmer gently for 15-20 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
  6. Finish and serve: Once the orzo is tender and creamy, remove the pan from the heat. If desired, stir in 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust the salt if needed before serving warm.

Notes

  • Use full-fat coconut milk for a richer and creamier texture.
  • Stir frequently during simmering to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
  • Parmesan is optional but adds a nice savory depth; omit for a dairy-free version.
  • Fresh thyme can be substituted with dried thyme, but use less as it is more concentrated.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Find it online: https://recipefeastful.com/creamy-pumpkin-orzo-recipe/