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butternut squash pasta

Butternut Squash Pasta

This creamy butternut squash pasta combines sweet roasted squash with fresh herbs and aromatics, creating a comforting dish perfect for family dinners or special occasions.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Comfort Food, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

For the sauce
  • 1 medium medium butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 2 pounds)
  • 1.5 cups vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free option
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt to taste salt
  • Black pepper to taste black pepper
For the pasta
  • 1 pound dried pasta penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion finely diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese ensure it is halal-certified
For garnish
  • Fresh sage leaves fresh sage leaves or parsley for garnish
  • 1/2 cup cooked beef strips optional for extra protein

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a large baking sheet. Spread them in a single layer.
  2. Roast the squash for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is fork-tender and slightly browned on the edges.
Cooking Pasta and Sauce
  1. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
  2. In a large skillet or pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Place the roasted squash, sautéed onion, garlic, and vegetable broth into a blender. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth.
  4. Pour the squash puree back into the skillet over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and ground nutmeg. Season with more salt and pepper if needed.
Combining
  1. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, pour in small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  2. Stir in the parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately in warm bowls. Garnish with fresh sage leaves or parsley and optional beef strips for a hearty finish.

Notes

For best results, reserve some pasta water as it helps the sauce stick to the noodles. Avoid boiling the squash as roasting adds flavor. Peel the squash carefully to ensure smoothness in the sauce.
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