Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious dinner that will warm your heart, look no further! This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is the perfect dish to enjoy this fall. It’s a delightful blend of creamy feta, sweet butternut squash, and aromatic sage that comes together effortlessly. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a gathering with friends and family, this recipe has you covered!

What makes this dish truly special is how simple it is to prepare. You can have it on the table in just about an hour, and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds! Ready to dive in? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you can whip up this scrumptious pasta in no time.
• Comforting Flavors: The combination of roasted butternut squash and baked feta creates a rich, savory experience.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this tasty meal, making it perfect for all ages.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep it in advance for those busy nights when time is tight.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap in different veggies or pasta shapes based on what you have at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! This recipe uses simple, wholesome items that you might already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 5 cups Butternut Squash (about 1 large butternut squash)
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 hefty pinches Kosher Salt (just shy of 1/2 tsp)
• 1 hefty pinch Red pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 8 oz block Feta Cheese
• 1 lb Pasta (such as rotini, orzo, or ditalini)
• 10 leaves Fresh Sage (minced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp Hot Honey (regular honey is fine too)
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand!

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Change up the cheese: Try goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: Adjust the heat level by adding more red pepper flakes or using spicy honey.
• Make it vegan: Substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative to keep it dairy-free.

How to Make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step ensures that your butternut squash roasts perfectly while we prepare the rest of our ingredients.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash and Feta

Toss your chopped butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and a sprinkle of fresh cracked pepper. Place the squash in a baking dish with the block of feta nestled right in the center. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if you’re feeling adventurous! Bake everything for 30 minutes until the squash is tender.

Step 3: Brown the Feta

After 30 minutes, take your baking dish out of the oven. Give the butternut squash a gentle stir without disturbing the feta. Crank up the oven temperature to 450°F and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the feta turns golden brown. This step adds a lovely depth of flavor!

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While your feta is browning away, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta until al dente. Remember to save 2 cups of that starchy pasta water—it’s liquid gold for our sauce!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your feta is beautifully browned, remove it from the oven. Stir in minced garlic, sage leaves, and honey immediately while it’s still hot—this melds all those flavors together wonderfully! Now add your drained pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water. Mix everything well until combined.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If your pasta seems dry at any point, don’t hesitate to add more reserved pasta water gradually until you achieve that creamy sauce texture. Taste and season with more salt and pepper as needed; feel free to drizzle on extra hot honey if you’d like that sweet kick!

Now you’re ready to serve up this comforting bowl of Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Creating the perfect Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta is all about those little details that can elevate your dish from good to great! Here are some pro tips to ensure your meal is a hit.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh sage and high-quality feta cheese. Fresh herbs bring out vibrant flavors, while creamy feta adds a rich, tangy touch that makes this dish truly special.

• Control the Heat: Watch your oven closely when increasing the temperature. Feta can brown quickly, and you want it to be perfectly golden without burning!

• Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t skip saving that pasta water! The starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta, enhancing the overall texture of your dish.

• Taste as You Go: Every ingredient varies in flavor intensity. After mixing everything together, taste your pasta and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or hot honey as needed for a balanced dish.

• Experiment with Pasta Types: While rotini or ditalini work wonderfully, feel free to switch it up! Different shapes hold sauces differently, so try something new each time for a unique experience.

How to Serve Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Serving this delightful pasta dish is just as important as preparing it! With its beautiful colors and inviting aromas, you’ll want to present it in style. Here are some ideas to make your meal even more appealing.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Sage: Adding a sprinkle of fresh sage on top not only enhances its visual appeal but also intensifies the herbaceous notes of the dish.

• Toasted Pine Nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts provides a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy feta and sweet squash.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic pairing! Crunchy, buttery garlic bread complements the rich flavors of the pasta while providing a satisfying texture contrast.

• Mixed Greens Salad: A refreshing mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette adds brightness to your plate. The acidity cuts through the creaminess of the pasta, balancing the meal perfectly.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoned simply with salt and pepper, roasted Brussels sprouts bring an earthy flavor that harmonizes well with the sweetness of butternut squash.

• Steamed Green Beans: Lightly steamed green beans offer vibrant color and a crisp bite. Drizzle them with olive oil or lemon juice for an extra zing!

With these tips on hand, you’re ready to impress at dinner time! Enjoy every delicious bite of your Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic—it’s comfort food at its finest.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is not just a delightful dish for a cozy evening; it also shines as a meal prep champion! Preparing this recipe in advance can save you time during busy weekdays and ensure you have a delicious meal ready to go.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• If possible, keep the pasta separate from any sauce to maintain texture.

Freezing

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Place in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water or olive oil to loosen the sauce.
• Microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this delightful recipe!

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta in Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Absolutely! While feta adds a unique flavor, you can try using goat cheese or even a plant-based cheese alternative. Just keep an eye on the baking time, as different cheeses may melt differently.

How can I make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic vegan?

To make this recipe vegan, simply replace the feta cheese with a plant-based feta or creamy cashew cheese. You can also substitute honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for sweetness.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

You can use any pasta shape that you enjoy! Rotini, orzo, or ditalini work wonderfully due to their ability to hold onto the sauce. Feel free to experiment!

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Simply opt for gluten-free pasta varieties available at most grocery stores. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

How long does it take to prepare Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

The total preparation and cooking time is about 50 minutes—10 minutes of prep followed by 40 minutes of cooking. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited about trying this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic as I am! It’s such a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of fall flavors while being incredibly easy to prepare. Enjoy every bite, share it with loved ones, and remember that cooking is all about joy! Happy cooking!