Comforting pasta features roasted butternut squash, brown butter, sage, and whole wheat penne.
# What You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 lbs), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
→ Pasta
03 - 12 oz whole wheat penne or fusilli
→ Sauce
04 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
05 - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
06 - 10 fresh sage leaves, thinly sliced
→ Dairy & Nuts
07 - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
08 - 2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts (optional)
→ Seasonings
09 - 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus additional for pasta water
10 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
11 - Freshly ground black pepper
12 - Extra sage leaves (optional)
# Method:
01 - Set the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Toss the diced butternut squash with 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until tender and golden.
03 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the whole wheat pasta until just al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
04 - In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon olive oil. Add the sliced sage leaves and cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and the sage crisps, about 2 minutes.
05 - Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
06 - Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet and gently toss to coat with brown butter and sage.
07 - Add the drained pasta and 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water to the skillet. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss to combine, adding more pasta water as needed to achieve a silky consistency.
08 - Adjust seasoning with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, toasted pine nuts if desired, and fresh sage leaves.
