This Butternut Squash Pasta is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that brings together the creamy goodness of butternut squash with the savory flavors of garlic and Grana Padano cheese. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick yet satisfying. The naturally sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with the salty cheese and the richness of the sauce, making it a perfect autumn dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients to deliver a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
For 1x Serving:
- 1 kg (2 lb) butternut squash, diced small (about 1 whole squash)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock (use 1 stock cube dissolved in 500 ml boiling water)
- 100 g (1 cup) Grana Padano, grated
- 500 g (1 lb) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For scaling the recipe to different serving sizes, adjust ingredient amounts as needed (2x or 3x).
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Boil in salted water until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash starts to turn golden.
- Pour the prepared vegetable stock into the pan, ensuring that the squash is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is very tender and can easily be mashed with a fork.
3. Blend the Sauce:
- Once the butternut squash is cooked and tender, transfer it (along with some of the cooking stock) to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more of the cooking stock as needed to reach a creamy consistency. If there is any remaining stock after blending, discard it.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Return the smooth butternut squash sauce to the frying pan. Over low heat, stir in the grated Grana Padano cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan, tossing it well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Grana Padano cheese if desired. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, or add a dash of black pepper.
Cooking Tips
- Roast the Squash for Extra Flavor: If you want a deeper, roasted flavor, you can roast the butternut squash cubes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes before blending them into the sauce. This adds a caramelized sweetness to the dish.
- Use a High-Quality Blender: For a silky smooth sauce, a high-speed blender works best. You can also use an immersion blender for convenience.
- Add Herbs: For extra flavor, toss in some fresh sage or rosemary while the squash simmers. These herbs complement the natural sweetness of the squash beautifully.
Nutritional Benefits
- Butternut Squash: Rich in vitamins A and C, butternut squash is a nutrient powerhouse. It’s also high in fiber, which aids digestion, and contains antioxidants that support a healthy immune system.
- Garlic: Garlic not only adds incredible flavor but also offers health benefits such as boosting the immune system and reducing the risk of heart disease.
- Grana Padano: This cheese is a good source of calcium and protein, making it a nutritious addition to the dish while adding a savory richness to the sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Comforting: The smooth, velvety sauce made from butternut squash feels indulgent yet is surprisingly light and nutritious.
- Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly and doesn’t require a lot of effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Family-Friendly: The natural sweetness of butternut squash makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some vegetables into your meal.
- Customizable: You can add crispy bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted chicken to make this dish even heartier. It’s easy to adapt based on your preferences.
Dietary Information
- Vegetarian-Friendly: This dish is vegetarian, making it a great option for those who avoid meat.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute the Grana Padano cheese with a dairy-free alternative, and use coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free version.
- Vegan Option: Use vegan cheese and vegetable broth to keep this dish entirely plant-based.
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of naturally sweet butternut squash with savory garlic and salty Grana Padano cheese creates a perfectly balanced dish. The vegetable stock enhances the flavor of the squash while keeping the sauce light. Blending the squash into a smooth, creamy consistency gives the pasta a luxurious coating without the need for heavy cream, making it healthier yet still indulgent. This simple yet flavorful pasta dish is both comforting and satisfying, ideal for any time of year, but especially cozy in the colder months.
Conclusion
This Butternut Squash Pasta is an easy-to-make, comforting dish that brings out the best of autumn flavors. Its creamy, savory sauce paired with tender pasta and the rich nuttiness of Grana Padano creates a dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this pasta will impress with its simplicity and depth of flavor. Try it out for your next cozy dinner, and enjoy a warm, nourishing meal that’s sure to become a household favorite.
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The Best Easy Butternut Squash Pasta
- Total Time: 40 mins
Description
This Butternut Squash Pasta is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal that brings together the creamy goodness of butternut squash with the savory flavors of garlic and Grana Padano cheese. This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something quick yet satisfying. The naturally sweet butternut squash pairs beautifully with the salty cheese and the richness of the sauce, making it a perfect autumn dish. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to prepare, using simple ingredients to deliver a hearty, flavorful pasta dish that everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 1 kg (2 lb) butternut squash, diced small (about 1 whole squash)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 500 ml (2 cups) vegetable stock (use 1 stock cube dissolved in 500 ml boiling water)
- 100 g (1 cup) Grana Padano, grated
- 500 g (1 lb) penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Boil in salted water until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Drain and set the pasta aside while you prepare the sauce.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until soft and fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash starts to turn golden.
- Pour the prepared vegetable stock into the pan, ensuring that the squash is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is very tender and can easily be mashed with a fork.
3. Blend the Sauce:
- Once the butternut squash is cooked and tender, transfer it (along with some of the cooking stock) to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more of the cooking stock as needed to reach a creamy consistency. If there is any remaining stock after blending, discard it.
- Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
4. Combine and Serve:
- Return the smooth butternut squash sauce to the frying pan. Over low heat, stir in the grated Grana Padano cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce, creating a rich, creamy texture.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the pan, tossing it well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Serve:
- Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Grana Padano cheese if desired. For an added touch of flavor, sprinkle some fresh parsley on top, or add a dash of black pepper.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 30