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5.0 from 195 votes

Orzo Risotto with Pumpkin or Winter Squash

This risotto-style pasta with pumpkin is a traditional Neapolitan dish known as ‘pasta e cocozza’ in the local dialect or orzo risotto. Like many Neapolitan pasta recipes, this pasta risotto is a simple dish made with just a handful of ingredients. It's easy to make and so creamy and delicious! Perfect as a side dish too!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
35 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 397 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean , Italian

Ingredients

  • 7 oz orzo (risoni) pasta If using other pasta types you may need more
  • 1.3 lbs winter squash or pumpkin Peeled, seeded and cut into cubes. I used Delica pumpkin. Butternut, acorn or kabocha work too.
  • 2 cloves garlic peeled
  • ½ fresh peperoncino (red chili pepper) or red chili flakes
  • 3-4 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 handful fresh parsley chopped
  • 1-2 cups hot water or vegetable stock as required
  • 1.8 oz parmigiano reggiano grated or vegetarian cheese
  • salt to taste
  • freshly ground black pepper. to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven or large heavy pan over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and the peperoncino (if using) and sauté until the garlic is just browned.
  2. Add the cubed pumpkin to the pan and sauté for about 1 minute. Stir in the chopped parsley and enough hot water or vegetable stock to cover the bottom of the pan. Remove the garlic and chili.
  3. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and cook until the pumpkin becomes soft and creamy, about 10-15 minutes. Add more liquid if necessary to prevent sticking.
  4. Once the pumpkin is soft, mash it slightly with a spoon, leaving some chunks for texture. Season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes (if using).
  5. Add the orzo pasta to the pan, along with about 1 cup of hot water or vegetable stock. Simmer the mixture, stirring frequently, until the pasta is cooked through and creamy, about 10-12 minutes. Add more liquid as needed to prevent the pasta from sticking or drying out.
  6. If using, stir in grated Parmigiano Reggiano and mix well until the cheese is melted and the pasta is creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Serve immediately, garnished with more chopped parsley and additional grated cheese if desired.

Notes

  • Once ready, this risotto style pasta and pumpkin or winter squash should look like a creamy Italian rice risotto if using orzo/risoni pasta. If you use other pasta it still needs to be a bit like a soup.
  • I used a Delica pumpkin. Butternut, acorn squash or kabocha work really well too.
  • I used a Delica pumpkin. Butternut, acorn squash or kabocha work really well too.
  • Italian Parmigiano isn't vegetarian. Vegans should omit the cheese and vegetarians will want to use a vegetarian parmesan.

Nutrition Information

Calories 397kcal (20%) Carbohydrates 56g (19%) Protein 13g (26%) Fat 15g (23%) Saturated Fat 4g (20%) Polyunsaturated Fat 2g Monounsaturated Fat 9g Cholesterol 9mg (3%) Sodium 210mg (9%) Potassium 663mg (19%) Fiber 5g (20%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 16127IU (323%) Vitamin C 33mg (37%) Calcium 235mg (24%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 397

% Daily Value*

Calories 397kcal 20%
Carbohydrates 56g 19%
Protein 13g 26%
Fat 15g 23%
Saturated Fat 4g 20%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2g 12%
Monounsaturated Fat 9g 45%
Cholesterol 9mg 3%
Sodium 210mg 9%
Potassium 663mg 14%
Fiber 5g 20%
Sugar 5g 10%
Vitamin A 16127IU 323%
Vitamin C 33mg 37%
Calcium 235mg 24%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

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