Pumpkin Orzo Recipe : Festive Fall Side Dish

Pumpkin Orzo is a quick & easy pumpkin pasta dish that makes a great vegetarian meal or side dish to complete fall meals.

Pumpkin Orzo

Orzo with rich creamy pumpkin is one of my favorite side dish recipes to make in the fall. This Pumpkin Orzo side is a wonderful match with grilled meats, roasts, or even salmon. It really reflects the season and is such a quick and easy pasta to make.

See my other orzo recipes; Chicken and Broccoli Alfredo Orzo and Creamy Mushroom Orzo Recipe as well.

The simple one pot recipe, can actually count as both a starch and a vegetable, and the richer smoother flavor of the pumpkin makes it a match for many entrees that would clash with a tomato based side. The simple step of using Swanson® Broth rather than water provides greater flavor depth, and take the dish to the next level.

Making Pumpkin Orzo

Here is a quick visual walk through of the process of making the orzo. Full recipe can be found below.

Garlic and thyme are quickly tossed in hot oil to release their flavors. The orzo is added and tossed to coat in the oil.

Chicken Broth or bone broth rather than water will cook the orzo pasta, adds flavor.

Pumpkin and spices are added. Then the orzo is simmered for about 20 minutes until al dente tender.

More Pumpkin Recipes!

• Pumpkin Dump Cake
• Cranberry Walnut Pumpkin Cookies
• Vegan Creamy Pumpkin Pasta
• KETO Pumpkin Cheesecake
• Pumpkin Bean Dip

Pumpkin Orzo Recipe

Easy Pumpkin Pasta recipe. Great fall side dish or simple vegetarian meal.

4.86 from 7 votes

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Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American, Italian

Prep Time: 2 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Author: Robin Gagnon

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1 clove of garlic minced
• 3-4 sprigs of thyme
• 1 cup orzo
• 1 ⅔ cups Unsalted Chicken Broth
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ⅛ teaspoon allspice

Instructions

• Place oil in non-stick skillet over medium high heat. Add garlic and thyme, cook for a minute or two, to release flavors. Add orzo and toss to coat.
• Add the Swanson Unsalted Chicken Broth, pumpkin, sea salt and allspice. Stir. As soon as the liquid starts to bubble reduce heat to low-medium and cover.
• Cook for approximately 18-22 minutes, stirring frequently. When orzo is cooked al dente and sauce is rich it is done.
• Serve as is, or topped with nuts, roasted shelled pumpkin seeds or shaved Romano cheese.

Notes

* nutritional information is estimated.

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal | Carbohydrates: 21g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 1g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g