Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tsp teaspoon salt
- 1/2 tsp teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves chopped
- 1 pound orecchiette pasta
- 1/2 cup pine nuts toasted
- Parmesan cheese grated (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until evenly coated.
- Spread the squash out on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the orecchiette pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the chopped sage leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet and toss to combine with the sage.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the squash and sage.
- If the pasta seems dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
- Serve the pasta hot, topped with toasted pine nuts and grated Parmesan cheese (if desired). Enjoy!
This is a deliciously savory and sweet pasta dish featuring one of my favorite ingredients – butternut squash! It is perfect for those chilly fall nights when you want something hearty and comforting.
The star of the show is the roasted butternut squash. Roasting it in the oven gives it a sweet caramelized flavor that pairs perfectly with the earthy, herbaceous notes of fresh sage. It’s a match made in heaven!
The orecchiette pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its small, ear-shaped shells hold onto the sauce and ingredients, ensuring that each bite is packed with flavor. Plus, the pasta’s slightly chewy texture provides a nice contrast to the soft, roasted squash.
To top it all off, we’re adding some toasted pine nuts for a satisfying crunch. These little nuggets of nutty goodness add a layer of complexity to the dish and are the perfect finishing touch.
One of the things I love about this recipe is how simple it is to make. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality pasta dish in the comfort of your own home.
So next time you’re in the mood for something hearty and comforting, give this butternut squash and sage pasta a try. Your taste buds will thank you!