Description
Butternut Squash Baked Feta Pasta is a cozy, creamy vegetarian dish made with roasted butternut squash, baked feta, garlic, and herbs blended into a smooth sauce and tossed with tender pasta. It’s rich in flavor, simple to prepare, and perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 2 1/2 cups)
- 8 ounces block feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, peeled
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 10 ounces short pasta (shells, rigatoni, or penne)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- Optional: extra thyme or red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place diced butternut squash in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil. Toss to coat evenly.
- Make space in the center and place the block of feta in the middle. Scatter garlic cloves around it.
- Sprinkle thyme, salt, and black pepper evenly over the squash and feta.
- Roast for 30–35 minutes, until squash is fork-tender and feta is soft with lightly golden edges.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Transfer roasted squash, feta, garlic, and pan juices to a blender or food processor. Add reserved pasta water and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour sauce over drained pasta and stir until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Pre-cut butternut squash can be used to save preparation time.
- Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or shells hold the sauce best.
- Add spinach or kale to the hot pasta for extra greens.
- Substitute sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter variation.
- The sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months.
- Add extra pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
