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Baked Feta Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage

Baked Feta Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage
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Baked Feta Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage is a cozy and elegant autumn dish that combines creamy baked feta cheese and roasted sweet butternut squash with fragrant fresh sage. This vegetarian recipe creates a luscious, comforting pasta with minimal effort, perfect for dinners that warm your soul and delight your senses.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 1 block (about 200g) of feta cheese
  • 8 oz (225g) pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle recommended)
  • 6–8 fresh sage leaves
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prepare and roast the butternut squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Spread evenly on a baking tray and roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, enhancing its natural sweetness and golden color.
  2. Bake the feta with garlic and sage: Place the block of feta cheese in the center of a baking dish. Arrange the peeled garlic cloves and fresh sage leaves around the feta. Drizzle generously with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Bake alongside the squash for 20 minutes until the feta softens and starts melting, forming a creamy sauce base.
  3. Cook the pasta al dente: While the squash and feta bake, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water to help meld the sauce later.
  4. Combine everything and toss: Once the feta is soft and squash roasted, combine the hot pasta, roasted squash, baked feta, garlic, and sage in a large bowl or return to the baking dish. Mash the feta gently with a spoon or fork, coating the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen and create a luscious sauce consistency.
  5. Final season and serve: Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and optionally sprinkle chili flakes for added heat. Garnish with extra fresh sage leaves and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve warm for a cozy, comforting meal.

Notes

  • Choose block feta, not crumbled, for a creamier, evenly melting sauce.
  • Roasting the butternut squash intensifies its natural sweetness, essential to the flavor profile.
  • Always use fresh sage leaves to achieve the best aromatic flavor.
  • Reserve some pasta water to create a silky sauce without adding cream.
  • Generously use olive oil for enhanced richness and better texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked feta pasta, butternut squash pasta, autumn pasta, vegetarian pasta, sage pasta, creamy feta sauce, roasted squash, easy pasta recipe

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/baked-feta-butternut-squash-pasta-with-sage/