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Deliciously Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

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A comforting, creamy pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash and a cheesy herb sauce, perfect for fall dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces whole-grain pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (optional for garnish)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish
  • Optional: 1 cup spinach or kale, chopped
  • Optional: 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
  • Optional: 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Place cubed butternut squash on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat.
  3. Roast squash for 25–30 minutes or until tender and caramelized.
  4. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  5. In a large skillet, sauté minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant.
  6. Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until smooth.
  7. Mix in thyme and nutmeg. Thin sauce with reserved pasta water as needed.
  8. Add cooked pasta and roasted squash to the skillet. Toss to coat.
  9. Top with roasted pumpkin seeds and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For added flavor, try roasting the squash with a pinch of smoked paprika or cumin. Swap in Gruyère or mozzarella for different cheese blends.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, pasta, cheesy, fall recipe, vegetarian, comfort food

Find it online: https://www.eatbrightly.com/cheesy-roasted-butternut-squash-pasta/