Ingredients
Scale
Creating this dish is as much about the quality of ingredients as it is about the love you put into it. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 ounces pasta of your choice (penne or fettuccine works well)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional but recommended)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to bring this comforting dish to life:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet, along with the chopped sage and a pinch of nutmeg. Toss everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for about 2 minutes.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Use a masher or fork to slightly mash some of the squash, creating a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt, pepper, and chili flakes to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International