Squash and Orzo

Ingredients

• 1 large winter squash (such as butternut or acorn)
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Pinch ground cayenne pepper
• ¾ cup orzo pasta
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Pinch ground black pepper

Optional Ingredients

• 1 Tablespoon fresh rosemary
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Materials

• Aluminum foil
• Baking sheet
• Colander
• Cutting board
• Large pot
• Measuring cups
• Measuring spoons
• Medium bowl
• Sharp knife

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Rinse and cut squash in half. Remove seeds.
3. If using fresh rosemary, rinse and chop now.
4. Drizzle 1 teaspoon maple syrup over the cut side of each squash half. Sprinkle each with red pepper flakes and cayenne. If using rosemary, add now.
5. Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place squash halves on the baking sheet. Roast until squash is tender and pierces easily with a fork, about 30–35 minutes. Remove from oven. Keep squash loosely covered with foil.
6. Cook pasta following package directions. Drain in a colander. Transfer to a medium bowl. Add butter, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat well.
7. Cut each squash half into thirds. Remove skin from squash. Serve one piece of squash over each portion of pasta.
8. If using grated Parmesan cheese, sprinkle over squash and orzo now.

Chef’s Notes

• Orzo and squash reheat well without losing flavor or quality. Cook the entire meal the night before. Refrigerate until ready to serve the next day.
• For faster cooking, heat squash halves in the microwave. Heat for 7 minutes on high, or until squash is tender and pierces easily with a fork.
• For a quicker pasta dish, peel squash and chop into bite-size pieces. Using the same ingredients as in step 4, roast squash for 25 minutes. Toss with cooked whole wheat pasta, olive or canola oil, and grated Parmesan cheese.