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Greatest form of weeknight meal! Tender hen, roasted butternut squash, creamy orzo and sneaked in greens!
Full disclosure: Sure, that is as lush, velvety and comfortable because it appears. With the creamiest of orzos, pan seared hen thighs, roasted butternut squash and all of the seasonal herbs of thyme and sage, that is speedy consolation meals at its greatest and best.
why i like this recipe
- Balanced meal. This has every thing you want – hen, greens, fiber and pasta. An all-in-one accomplished meal, nice for grown-ups and toddlers.
- Good for any event. Whether or not it’s a fast, weeknight meal, a elaborate date evening for 2, or a household meal, this hen and creamy orzo dish delivers in each single means doable. It’s restaurant-quality with none of the fuss.
suggestions and methods for achievement
- Minimize in uniform measurement. Chop the butternut squash in related measurement for even cooking.
- Bake straight on the sheet pan. No want for parchment paper right here. Bake the butternut squash straight on the sheet pan for caramelization and crispness.
- Use a heavy pot. A heavy backside pot, reminiscent of a Dutch oven, is good right here for even warmth distribution and a greater sear.
- Contemporary herbs are greatest. Though you may definitely substitute dried herbs, contemporary herbs are splendid right here, delivering the perfect form of taste.
- Use good-quality inventory. The higher high quality your inventory, the higher your soup. Many manufacturers like to pack within the salt so at all times go for unsalted or a lower-sodium selection. Home made inventory is even higher.
- Add in leafy greens. This can be a nice recipe to sneak in leafy greens for these choosy eaters. Kale, spinach, collard greens, swiss chard, or arugula are all nice choices.
- Combine it up. Use candy potato rather than butternut squash, or a mix of each.
- Seize pre-cut squash. To chop down on prep time much more, use pre-cut butternut squash or candy potatoes.
what to serve with hen and butternut squash orzo
Hen and Butternut Squash Orzo: Incessantly Requested Questions
Sure, hen breasts can completely be used right here however hen thighs have extra darkish meat and a better fats content material which is able to yield juicier, extra flavorful hen.
Completely! However as a result of dried herbs are sometimes stronger/concentrated than contemporary herbs, you want much less when utilizing dry. The proper ratio is 1 tablespoon contemporary herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
Spinach, cabbage, swiss chard and collard greens are all nice subs.
Heavy cream (or heavy whipping cream) has one of many highest fats contents with about 36-40% fats. Half and half or complete milk are appropriate substitutes, however will yield a lighter end result.
Leftovers may be saved in an hermetic container within the fridge for 2-3 days.
- 1 ½ kilos boneless, skinless hen thighs
- Kosher salt and freshly floor black pepper, to style
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 giant shallot, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons chopped contemporary thyme leaves
- 6 giant sage leaves, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups hen inventory
- 1 ½ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- ½ bunch kale, stems eliminated and leaves torn into bite-sized items
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup heavy cream
for the roasted butternut squash
- 1 pound diced butternut squash, about 2 cups
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Kosher salt and freshly floor black pepper, to style
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Season hen with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
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Soften butter in a Dutch oven over medium warmth. Working in batches, add hen to the Dutch oven in a single layer and cook dinner till golden brown and cooked via, reaching an inner temperature of 165 levels F, about 4-5 minutes per facet; put aside.
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Add shallot, and cook dinner, stirring often, till tender, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in garlic, thyme and sage till aromatic, about 1 minute.
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Whisk in flour till frivolously browned, about 1 minute.
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Stir in hen inventory and Dijon, scraping any browned bits from the underside of the Dutch oven. Stir in orzo; season with salt and pepper, to style.
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Carry to a boil; cut back warmth and simmer, stirring often, till pasta is cooked via, about 6 minutes. Stir in kale, Parmesan and heavy cream till the kale has wilted, about 3 minutes.
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Stir in roasted butternut squash; season with salt and pepper, to style. Return hen to the Dutch oven.
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Serve instantly.
for the roasted butternut squash
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Preheat oven to 425 levels F. Frivolously oil a baking sheet or coat with nonstick spray.
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Place butternut squash in a single layer onto the ready baking sheet. Stir in olive oil; season with salt and pepper, to style. Gently toss to mix.
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Place into oven and bake for 25-Half-hour, or till butternut squash is tender, stirring at halftime.