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As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting dish to embrace the flavors of the season. Enter Pumpkin Parmesan Orzo—a delightful recipe that seamlessly blends the rich, creamy texture of pumpkin with the versatility of orzo pasta. This dish encapsulates the essence of autumn, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknight dinners or intimate gatherings with friends and family. Its simplicity and heartwarming flavors are bound to become a staple in your fall cooking repertoire.

Pumpkin Parmesan Orzo

Embrace the flavors of fall with this Pumpkin Parmesan Orzo recipe that combines creamy pumpkin, nutty orzo pasta, and savory Parmesan cheese. Perfect for cozy weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this dish is straightforward to prepare and filled with heartwarming flavors. Discover how to elevate your autumn meals while enjoying the nutritional benefits of pumpkin and whole grains. This recipe is all about comfort, simplicity, and celebrating seasonal ingredients.
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Ingredients
  

1 cup orzo pasta

2 cups vegetable broth

1 cup pure pumpkin puree (avoid pie filling)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried sage

1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Sauté the Aromatics: In a medium saucepan, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes or until it becomes translucent. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, allowing it to become fragrant.

    Toast the Orzo: Add the uncooked orzo pasta to the saucepan, stirring thoroughly to coat it in the olive oil. Allow the orzo to toast lightly for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

      Incorporate Broth and Pumpkin: Carefully pour in the vegetable broth, followed by the pure pumpkin puree. Stir well to combine the ingredients. Add the dried sage and ground nutmeg, seasoning the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

        Cook the Orzo: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for approximately 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the orzo doesn’t stick, allowing it to absorb the liquid and become tender.

          Mix in Parmesan: After the orzo is fully cooked and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until it melts and creates a creamy texture.

            Garnish and Serve: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pumpkin Parmesan orzo hot, beautifully garnished with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for an inviting presentation.

              Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 25 minutes | Serves 4