Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta
Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta
Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta
Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta

Cheesy Butternut Squash Pasta

David Venable

This dish is made with roasted butternut squash, nutmeg, thyme and sage for an autumnal spin on pasta and cheese!

Pasta

  • 1 medium (2-lb) butternut squash
  • 1 lb cavatappi pasta
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup diced onions
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 3 to 3-1/2 cups milk
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1-1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 2 tsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 3 cups white cheddar

Topping

  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp fresh sage, chopped

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
To make the pasta, split the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Place the halves on a parchment-lined sheet pan, skin side up. Roast for 30–45 minutes, until fork tender. Remove the squash halves from the oven and set aside until they're cool enough to handle. Using a spoon or your hands, scoop out and mash the flesh, leaving only the skin. Set aside.
Cook the pasta according to the al dente directions on the box.
Combine the butter and onions in a large stockpot and cook on low to medium heat. Once the onions begin to soften and become translucent, add the flour and whisk together to make a roux. Add the milk, 1 cup at a time, whisking into the roux. Once all the milk is added, stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, thyme, and sage, bringing to a simmer to thicken the sauce.
Add the mashed butternut squash to the stockpot, and whisk it into the sauce. Remove the stockpot from the heat and whisk in the cheddar cheese. Next, fold the cooked pasta into the squash and sauce mixture and transfer to a 13'' x 9'' baking dish.
To make the topping, combine the parmesan cheese and panko bread crumbs. Sprinkle this mixture over the pasta, along with the 1/2 tsp each of thyme and sage. Bake for 25–35 minutes, until golden brown.

Cook's Notes

When making the roux, be sure to keep stirring until it's done to help prevent burning.