Description
This Cheesy Butternut Squash Rice with Shrimp is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender butternut squash, aromatic herbs, creamy parmesan cheese, and succulent sautéed shrimp. Perfect for a wholesome weeknight dinner, it features a creamy texture and a delightful blend of savory and fresh flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Butternut Squash Rice
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 large cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups butternut squash cubes (peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes)
- 1 tsp dried rosemary
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup rinsed white rice (long grain, like basmati)
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated (preferably parmigiano-reggiano)
Shrimp
- 1/2 pound large shrimp (thawed with tails removed)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sauté Garlic: Heat a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until it starts to brown lightly and releases a fragrant aroma.
- Cook Butternut Squash: Add cubed butternut squash, dried rosemary, dried thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Stir frequently and cook for 3-5 minutes until the squash begins to soften and the herbs are well combined.
- Simmer Rice and Squash: Add the rinsed white rice and vegetable broth to the pot. Stir to combine, bring the mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Let it simmer gently for about 20 minutes, or until the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender.
- Cook Shrimp: While the rice mixture simmers, pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel and toss them with 1 teaspoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Heat a pan over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink and opaque. Cook in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove cooked shrimp and set aside.
- Add Cheese and Adjust Seasoning: Once the rice and butternut squash mixture has fully absorbed the liquid, stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as desired for the perfect balance.
- Serve: Spoon the cheesy butternut squash rice into serving bowls and top each with the sautéed shrimp. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- To ensure even cooking, rinse the rice thoroughly before use.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for optimal flavor and texture.
- For a spicier kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing garlic.
- Make sure shrimp are patted completely dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
