Creamy Pumpkin Orzo

Name: Creamy Pumpkin Orzo
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups orzo; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium broth (I used vegetable); 3/4 cups canned coconut milk (full-fat); 1/2 cup pumpkin puree; 2 tbsp tomato paste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 shallot (finely diced); 2 tsp fresh thyme; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 tsp salt (plus more to taste); 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Optional: 1/4 cup grated parmesan

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 25

Total Time: 35

Creamy pumpkin orzo skillet is the perfect fall dish. It’s made with simple ingredients and can be kept plant-based, with sweet notes of cinnamon and creamy coconut milk.

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Creamy Pumpkin Orzo

I’m all about cozy recipes this season and this creamy pumpkin orzo just hits the spot for something comforting and nutritious. The sauce is made from a blend of pumpkin puree, tomato paste, coconut milk and broth, and simply seasoned with pumpkin pie spice, salt & pepper.

It has sweet notes of cinnamon from the pumpkin pie spice and the coconut milk, which gives it the perfect creamy texture. I love mixing in a little grated parmesan, which can be left out to keep this dish vegan, or swapped for a plant-based parmesan.

Serve this dish with your favorite fish, chicken or tofu to add a little protein and make it a complete meal.

A few serving suggestions:

Ingredients you’ll need

Orzo- I love this recipe with orzo, but pearl couscous would work well as a substitute
Pumpkin puree
Tomato paste
Shallots
Olive oil
Low-sodium broth, I love using vegetable broth to keep this vegetarian
Full-fat coconut milk
Spices: pumpkin pie spice, salt & pepper
Garlic
Thyme
Optional: grated parmesan cheese

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps

Start by sauteeing the shallot until browned, then adding in the garlic and cooking for 1-2 more minutes
Toss the onion with the spices, thyme and orzo to toast the orzo, then mix in the pumpkin puree and tomato paste
Pour in the vegetable broth and coconut milk, mix well and let simmer for 20 minutes until the orzo is cooked through
Mix in grated parmesan and garnish with fresh herbs

When simmering the orzo, be sure to stir it around every 5 minutes, so that the orzo doesnt stick to the bottom of the pan.

This hearty recipe comes together in around 35 minutes and is going to be on repeat all season. It’s the perfect pasta side dish to serve for weeknight dinners or a holiday dinner.

I can’t wait for you guys to try it!