Get ready for the coziest fall dish ever! This creamy pumpkin orzo with brown butter and parmesan is the definition of fall comfort food. Imagine creamy, cheesy orzo with the rich, nutty flavor of brown butter and a hint of earthy, sweet pumpkin and warm spices… it's like a hug in a bowl. Plus, it's packed with protein thanks to the collagen peptides, so you can feel good about indulging. And you can make it even MORE protein-packed by swapping the water for bone broth! 💪This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in – think fuzzy socks, a good book, and a steaming bowl of this deliciousness. Or, whip it up for a quick and easy weeknight dinner when you're short on time but still want something satisfying and nourishing that will make you feel amazing!
Brown the butter. To a large saute pan or skillet over medium heat, add the butter and melt, swirling constantly so it melts evenly. Let the butter gently sizzle, stirring frequently. The solids in the butter will get toasty and brown and the butter will get nice and foamy. Once the foam starts to subside, move on to the next step!
Cook the pasta. Add 5 cups of water and a big pinch of salt, then turn the heat to medium high and bring to a boil. Add the collagen and whisk till dissolved, then add the orzo and cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until almost all of the liquid has absorbed and the orzo is al dente.
Finish it up! Turn the heat to medium low and add the pumpkin, parmesan, nutmeg and cayenne and stir till everything is combined. Taste for seasoning and add more salt or spices to your liking. Serve immediately!
Notes
For best brown butter results, use a light-colored pan. I also recommend using grass-fed butter for a better nutritional profile! Think more omega 3’s, the beneficial kind of omega 6’s, more unsaturated fats and less saturated fats, more of vitamins A, D and K
For a ton of extra protein, use bone broth instead of water! This would also go really well with ground Italian sausage. 🙂
I'm a big eater, a huge fan of pasta (and mac n cheese), and I'm on a mission to prove that indulgence and balance can exist well together without silly restrictions or dieting. Life's too short to eat bad food!
