Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

If you’re looking for a cozy and comforting dish to warm your heart this Fall, you’ll absolutely love this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! This recipe has quickly become a favorite in my kitchen. It’s not only simple to whip up but also bursting with flavors that make it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Just imagine the delightful aroma of roasted butternut squash mingling with garlic and sage wafting through your home – it’s enough to make anyone feel right at home.

This dish is a wonderful blend of creamy feta, sweet squash, and perfectly cooked pasta. It brings together wholesome ingredients that are easy to find and even easier to prepare. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta is sure to be on repeat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the creamy feta and sweet butternut squash, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta dish keeps well in the fridge, making it ideal for leftovers or quick lunches throughout the week.
• Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of sage, garlic, and honey adds a delightful twist that’s both comforting and unique.
• Seasonal Goodness: Embrace all that Fall has to offer with this seasonal dish that highlights the best of autumn produce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To create this delightful Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients. They come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal that feels special yet is incredibly easy to make.

• 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 what you have on hand or your personal tastes.

• Add some greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale while mixing in the pasta for an extra boost of color and nutrients.
• Change up the cheese: If feta isn’t your thing, try using crumbled goat cheese or even a dairy-free option for a different flavor profile.
• Spice it up: For an added kick, include diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper along with the red pepper flakes.
• Roast other veggies: Swap in other seasonal vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots alongside the butternut squash for added variety.

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. This step sets the stage for roasting our butternut squash perfectly while we prepare everything else.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Toss your butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and cracked pepper in a baking dish. Make sure they’re well coated — this will help them caramelize beautifully while baking. Next, place your block of feta cheese right in the center of all those lovely veggies. Drizzle some olive oil over the feta along with red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Pop it into the oven for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Brown That Feta

Once those first thirty minutes are up, give that baking dish a little shake without touching the feta – we want it untouched so it can brown nicely! Now crank up your oven to 450°F for another quick bake of about 5-10 minutes until your feta looks slightly browned and inviting.

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While your feta is getting all golden brown goodness, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add in your pasta, cooking until it’s al dente according to package instructions. Don’t forget to save around two cups of that precious pasta water before draining!

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Take out that baking dish filled with roasted goodness from the oven! Stir in minced garlic, chopped sage, and honey right away — this helps infuse those flavors into everything. Then toss in your drained pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water. Mix gently so everything blends together nicely.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency and Seasoning

Finally, if your pasta looks dry (we want it creamy!), gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach that perfect texture. Taste it! Season with extra salt or cracked pepper as needed. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle on some more hot honey!

And there you have it! A comforting bowl of Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic ready to enjoy!

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

This delightful pasta dish is not only easy to prepare but also bursting with flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights. Here are some tips to ensure your Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta turns out perfectly every time!

• Use fresh sage: Fresh herbs can elevate the flavors in your dish significantly. If you can, opt for fresh sage over dried; it will bring a vibrant taste that pairs beautifully with the roasted butternut squash.

• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes or reduce them to your liking. This will help you enjoy the dish without overwhelming your palate while still keeping it flavorful.

• Don’t rush the roasting: Ensure the butternut squash is caramelized by allowing it to roast properly before adding the garlic. This step enhances its sweetness and creates a lovely texture that complements the creamy feta.

• Experiment with pasta shapes: While rotini, orzo, or ditalini work wonderfully, don’t hesitate to try other pasta shapes like penne or farfalle. Each shape offers a unique texture that can change the overall experience of the dish.

• Save that pasta water!: The starchy pasta water is key for creating a creamy sauce. Start by adding just a cup at first, then add more gradually until you reach your desired creaminess. It’s an easy way to enhance sauce consistency without additional fat.

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

Serving this delicious pasta dish can be as enjoyable as making it! With just a few thoughtful touches, you’ll impress family and friends alike.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens each bite.
• Toasted pine nuts: Adding toasted pine nuts provides a wonderful crunchy texture that contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta.
• Shaved parmesan alternative: If you’re looking for a cheesy finish without dairy, try some shaved plant-based cheese alternatives to give an extra depth of flavor.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment, warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left on your plate. It’s also super simple to make!
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil and seasoned simply, roasted Brussels sprouts add an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with the sweetness of butternut squash.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens dressed in lemon vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the pasta dish while adding freshness.
• Steamed Broccoli: Steamed broccoli drizzled with a bit of olive oil and lemon juice makes for a nutritious side that’s quick to prepare and vibrant on the plate.

With these serving suggestions and tips in hand, you’re all set to create a memorable dining experience centered around this delightful Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is perfect for meal prep! With its flavorful ingredients and creamy texture, it holds up beautifully, making it an excellent option for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Label your container with the date to keep track of freshness.

Freezing

• Portion out individual servings in freezer-safe containers.
• Label each container with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and texture.

Reheating

• For refrigerated pasta, reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to prevent sticking.
• For frozen pasta, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or microwave until warm.
• Stir well during reheating to ensure even warming and add more salt or pepper if needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic without feta?

Absolutely! You can substitute feta cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative that melts well or use cream cheese for a different flavor profile.

How do I store Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in individual portions.

What can I serve with Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

This dish pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of fresh herbs on top also adds a lovely touch!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic as much as I do! It’s a cozy, comforting dish that’s perfect for fall evenings. Feel free to get creative with your ingredients, and don’t hesitate to share your results. Happy cooking!