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Butternut Squash Baked Feta Pasta Recipe

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3.8 from 60 reviews

This Butternut Squash Baked Feta Pasta is a creamy, comforting dish that combines roasted butternut squash and tangy baked feta cheese blended into a luscious sauce, served over perfectly cooked pasta. The roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, while the feta adds a savory, slightly tangy flavor, making it a simple yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Vegetables and Cheese

  • 1 small butternut squash, about 2 ½ cups diced
  • 8 oz block of feta cheese
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled

Seasonings and Oil

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried thyme or 1 tbsp fresh thyme
  • ½ tsp kosher salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Pasta

  • 10 oz short pasta shells or rigatoni
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Optional Toppings

  • Extra thyme
  • Chili flakes

Instructions

  1. Prep the Butternut Squash: Peel the butternut squash and dice it into approximately ½-inch cubes until you have about 2 ½ cups ready for roasting.
  2. Arrange in Baking Dish: In a 9×13 inch baking dish, place the diced butternut squash, peeled garlic cloves, and the whole block of feta cheese in the center. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with dried thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over everything.
  3. Roast the Veggies and Feta: Roast the contents in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 30 to 35 minutes. Roast until the butternut squash is tender and the feta cheese turns golden and slightly browned on top.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While the squash and feta are roasting, cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  5. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the roasted butternut squash, garlic, feta, and all the juices and oil from the baking dish into a blender. Add the reserved ½ cup pasta water and blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Mix with Pasta: Pour the blended sauce over the drained pasta and stir well to combine and coat the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the pasta warm, garnished with extra thyme and chili flakes if desired, for a spicy kick.

Notes

  • For best results, use a block of feta cheese rather than crumbled feta, as it melts better in this recipe.
  • Reserve the pasta water before draining to help thin out the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
  • If you prefer, fresh thyme can be used instead of dried for a more vibrant flavor.
  • To add some heat, sprinkle chili flakes on top when serving.
  • This recipe works well with short pasta like shells, rigatoni, or penne that can hold the sauce well.
  • Make sure not to overcook the pasta; al dente pasta holds up best with the blended sauce.
  • Author: Adeline
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://flavorhug.com/butternut-squash-baked-feta-pasta-recipe/