Creamy Orzo Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash

Step 1

Preheat oven to 200C/400F.   Peel, de-seed and cut butternut squash into bite-sized cubes, season with salt, pepper and 1 tbsp of olive oil or low calorie spray. Arrange on a shallow pan, scatter 4-5 sage leaves throughout and roast at 200C/400F for 45 minutes or until golden.

Step 2

20 minutes before the squash is done, heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a deep pan and saute chopped shallots, garlic and remaining minced sage leaves over low heat for 2-3 minutes.

Step 3

Add vegetables stock, salt and kale, bring to a boil, add orzo and cook according to package instructions for approximately 7-8 minutes until tender but al dente. Stir the orzo throughout the cooking process to release starch and to avoid it sticking to the bottom of a pan. If the mixture looks too thick add 1/2 cup of vegetable stock or water to maintain creamy, risotto like consistency. Take off the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt to taste and top with roasted butternut squash.