Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
This dish features tender, caramelized roasted butternut squash combined with al dente pasta, creating a hearty yet fresh autumn-inspired meal. The roasting process enhances the squash's natural sweetness and smoky depth, which is then mixed with garlic, lemon, Parmesan, and sage for a simple, satisfying sauce with a pleasingly creamy texture.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Vegetable Peeler
- Large skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Lemon squeezer
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and diced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil for roasting and sautéing
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1/2 cup Parmesan grated
- 2 fresh sage leaves sage chopped
- 12 oz pasta your choice of shape
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Peel the butternut squash with a vegetable peeler, then cut it in half lengthwise, scoop out the seeds, and dice into 2cm cubes.
- Toss the diced squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon if desired. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Roast the squash in the oven for 30-35 minutes, until tender and caramelized with golden edges, filling your kitchen with a sweet, smoky aroma.
- While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente, about 8 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1 minute.
- Add the roasted squash to the skillet and gently mash with a fork to break it down slightly, creating a thick, fragrant mixture.
- Pour in a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the mash slightly, then stir and simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly with the squash mixture.
- Squeeze in the fresh lemon juice and stir well. Add the grated Parmesan and chopped sage, folding gently to combine everything beautifully.
- Cook for another minute until the cheese melts slightly and the dish is heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and sage if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this caramelized butternut squash pasta.
