If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with cozy fall flavors yet feels fresh and vibrant, you are in for a treat with this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender, roasted butternut squash blended into a creamy sauce infused with tangy feta, a hint of thyme, and just the right amount of spice. This pasta is not only incredibly comforting but also surprisingly simple to make, bringing together sweetness, saltiness, and subtle heat for a dinner that’s as gorgeous on the plate as it is delicious on the palate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe plays its part in building a flavorful, colorful, and textured dish. From the silky smoothness of the squash to the sharp crumbly feta, these simple components come together beautifully to create an unforgettable meal.
- Butternut squash: Peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks, it forms the creamy base with a natural sweetness.
- Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty punch that perfectly balances the mellow squash.
- Olive oil: Enhances richness while helping roast the squash evenly.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and highlighting flavors.
- Ground black pepper: Brings subtle heat and depth to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Give a gentle kick that livens up the dish without overpowering it.
- Fresh thyme: Infuses a fragrant earthiness that complements both squash and cheese.
- Pasta: Choose a chunky shape like rigatoni or penne to hold onto every creamy bite.
How to Make Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and prepare
Set your oven to 425 degrees F so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to roast. This high temperature helps caramelize the edges of the butternut squash, adding depth to its natural sweetness.
Step 2: Combine squash and feta
In a large baking dish or sheet pan, toss together the diced butternut squash and chunks of feta cheese. This mix is where the magic begins, marrying creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors in one pan.
Step 3: Season and drizzle
Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the squash and feta, then sprinkle the kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme on top. Each seasoning layer enhances and balances the overall flavor profile of your sauce.
Step 4: Roast until tender
Place the pan in your preheated oven and roast for 40 minutes. Keep an eye out for tender butternut squash with golden edges and softened feta that’s just starting to melt and mingle with the spices.
Step 5: Cook the pasta
While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of water to a boil, add plenty of salt, and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining; it’s key to adjusting your sauce’s consistency later.
Step 6: Blend the sauce
After roasting, combine the squash, feta, and some of that reserved pasta water in a blender or use an immersion blender right in the baking dish. Blend until mostly smooth but with just enough texture to keep it interesting and rustic.
Step 7: Combine pasta and sauce
Toss the cooked pasta with the blended butternut squash sauce. The pasta absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful and hearty without feeling heavy.
Step 8: Adjust and save
If you’re not eating immediately, simply add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making it a perfect make-ahead comfort meal.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate this dish by sprinkling extra crumbled feta, fresh thyme leaves, or a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving. A few toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts add a lovely crunch that contrasts with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines beautifully alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted autumn vegetables like Brussels sprouts or beets. Garlic bread or a rustic baguette also pairs well to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the sauce over baked polenta squares instead of pasta, or use it as a filling for stuffed shells. You can even transform it into a warm, comforting soup by adding broth and blending until silky smooth.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, making each leftover serving a little more delicious than the last.
Freezing
This pasta freezes well, but it’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta to maintain texture. Store the blended squash and feta sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months, then thaw and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave works too, but stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly and avoid any dryness.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! While butternut squash is perfect for its sweetness and creaminess, sweet potatoes or kabocha squash can be great alternatives. Just keep in mind their cooking times and flavors may slightly vary.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Chunky pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle are ideal because they catch more of the creamy sauce. Smaller shapes like orzo or spaghetti won’t hold the sauce quite as well but can work in a pinch.
Is feta the only cheese that works here?
Feta is key for its tangy, salty punch, but you could experiment with goat cheese or ricotta salata for a different spin. Just be mindful of how the flavors balance with the sweetness of the squash.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap the feta for a plant-based cheese or nutritional yeast to add flavor without dairy. Olive oil and herbs will help keep it rich and satisfying.
How spicy is the dish with crushed red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a mild warmth that brightens the dish without overwhelming it. You can adjust the amount according to your spice tolerance or omit it if you prefer a milder flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you want to cozy up with a pasta that feels both elegant and homey, this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe is a total winner. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to share with guests, offering that perfect harmony of flavors that keeps you coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own kitchen favorite!
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Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy and comforting Butternut Squash Feta Pasta, combining roasted butternut squash and tangy feta cheese for a delicious sauce served over chunky pasta. This easy baked pasta dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Cheese
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, finely chopped
Seasonings and Oil
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (chunky shape)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash and feta.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the diced butternut squash and feta cheese into a 9×13 baking dish or a large sheet pan.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the feta and squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Sprinkle with kosher salt, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and finely chopped fresh thyme to evenly season the mixture.
- Bake the Squash and Feta: Put the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for 40 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and cooked through.
- Cook Pasta: While the squash roasts, cook 1 pound of chunky pasta in very salty boiling water according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Blend the Sauce: Stir the reserved pasta water into the roasted butternut squash and feta mixture. Using an immersion blender or stand blender, blend the mixture until mostly smooth to create a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Combine the cooked pasta with the butternut squash and feta sauce, mixing well to coat all the noodles evenly.
- Store and Reheat: If storing leftovers in the refrigerator, keep the pasta covered for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a tablespoon of water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.
Notes
- The pasta shape should be chunky or tubular to hold the sauce well.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use an immersion blender for easier blending directly in the baking dish.
- Adding reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and improve its texture.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
