Butternut squash orzo recipe

Butternut squash orzo

Created by The Tesco Recipes team

Frozen squash and quick-cook orzo pasta make this one of the easiest weaning recipes. Suitable from 10+ months weaning stage*, this is creamy and delicious yet packed with goodness. There's no need to prepare a different dinner for the grown-ups either – this dish serves 2 adults and 2 children, then freeze half the sauce for more meals – ace!

See method
  • Serves 2 adults and 2 children, makes 1 litre sauce (half for batch freezing)
  • Takes 25 mins

Ingredients

  • ½ tbsp olive oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried mixed herbs
  • 500g frozen butternut squash
  • 50g Cheddar cheese, grated
  • 75g soft cheese
  • 300g orzo

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Method

  1. Heat the oil in a large saucepan set over a medium high heat and fry the onion for 10 mins until soft and lightly golden, then add the garlic for 1 min more. Meanwhile, mix 300ml boiling water with the dried herbs. Stir in the squash, then the herby water, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 12-15 mins until the squash is completely tender. Blitz with a handheld blender until completely smooth, then whisk in the cheeses.
  2. Meanwhile, cook the orzo in a large pan of boiling water according to packet instructions, then drain and toss with half of the sauce (freeze the rest, see tip) to serve.
  • Tip: Keep any leftovers for up to 24 hours in the fridge and add a splash of water before reheating on the hob.
  • Freezing and defrosting guidelines

    Freeze the remaining sauce in small freezer-safe containers and defrost when needed for quick pasta dinners. In order to enjoy optimum flavour and quality, frozen items are best used within 3 months of their freezing date. For more tips on freezing and defrosting food, read our article Love Your Freezer.

  • *This recipe is appropriate for babies progressing through the weaning stages, from around 10-12 months of age. Babies may now be used to 3 meals a day and enjoying more rounded dishes.
  • When weaning your baby, introduce allergenic foods one at a time and not before 6 months.

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