Chipotle Butternut Squash Orzo with Sage

One of all time favorite ingredients to cook with, especially when it's nearing fall time, is butternut squash. I knew that it was meant to be when I saw a recipe for "Chipotle Butternut Squash", by Kevin at Closet Cooking. I am a huge fan of the food he cooks and this sounded so incredibly delicious that I needed to try it. I decided to make it with some orzo, sage, and cream. It turned out to be a very tasty combo and I highly recommend this recipe!

Chipotle Butternut Squash Orzo with Sage

Serves 4

What you need:

1 tblsp olive oil

2 cups chopped/peeled butternut squash

1/2 medium red onion, sliced

1 clove garlic, minced

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 chipotle pepper in adobo, chopped

2 tsp adobo sauce

1 tblsp tomato paste/ketchup

1 cup orzo

5-6 sage leaves, chopped

1/4 cup heavy cream

Parmesan cheese, to serve

Salt

1. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat

2.Add onions and saute until tender, about 8 minutes

3.Add garlic and cumin and saute for a minute(enjoy the smell that fills your house!).

4.Mix in squash, chipotle pepper (a whole one if you like really spicy!), adobo sauce, and tomato paste/ketchup. Cover, stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes or until squash is tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.

5. Cook orzo according to package directions.

6. Drain orzo and add to the pan with the squash once the squash is finished cooking.

7. Mix in the cream and sage.

8. Sprinkle parmesan over top and serve.

I added a whole chipotle pepper and it was very good. Then again, I enjoy really spicy food. My boyfriend's eyes were watering and he had to drink milk with it, so if you're not into spicy then only add half a pepper! ;)