There is something truly magical about this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe. It perfectly captures the cozy, comforting flavors of fall with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash mingling smoothly with the tangy brightness of creamy feta cheese. The combination creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to chunky pasta, bringing a stunning balance of savory, sweet, and a hint of spice. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests with something different, this dish feels both decadent and surprisingly simple, making it a new favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a vital role in crafting the complex flavors and inviting textures of this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe. From the sweetness of the squash to the sharpness of the feta and the warmth of fresh thyme, every element shines.
- Butternut squash, peeled and diced: The star of the dish that brings a natural sweetness and silky texture when roasted.
- Feta cheese: Adds a salty, tangy creaminess that perfectly balances the sweetness of the squash.
- Olive oil: Helps roast the squash evenly and adds a subtle fruity richness.
- Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors for that perfect savory depth.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle kick of heat to keep things lively.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Provides a hint of spicy warmth without overpowering the dish.
- Fresh thyme, finely chopped: Brings an earthy, aromatic element that brightens the overall flavor.
- Pasta (chunky shape): The hearty pasta holds onto the rich sauce wonderfully, making each bite satisfying.
How to Make Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature will help roast the butternut squash beautifully, caramelizing it just enough to unlock its natural sweetness and create a soft texture that’s absolute perfection for blending into a sauce.
Step 2: Combine Butternut Squash and Feta
Place the diced butternut squash and chunks of feta cheese into a 9 by 13-inch baking dish or spread them out on a sheet pan. This setup lets the cheese melt into the squash as it roasts, creating a rich, creamy base for your pasta sauce.
Step 3: Season Generously
Drizzle the olive oil over the squash and feta, ensuring everything gets coated evenly. Sprinkle the kosher salt, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and fresh thyme on top. This seasoning blend layers in a wonderful balance of savory, spicy, and herbal notes that elevate the dish beyond ordinary.
Step 4: Roast to Tenderness
Place the baking dish or sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for about 40 minutes. The squash should be tender to the touch, and the feta will have softened and slightly browned on the edges. This roasting step is essential for developing the depth of flavor that defines this recipe.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your squash and feta are roasting, cook your pasta in a large pot of very salty water according to the package instructions. The salted water seasons the pasta itself, adding flavor from the inside out. Once cooked, reserve one cup of pasta water before draining. This starchy water will help perfect the sauce’s consistency later.
Step 6: Blend the Squash and Feta
After roasting, stir the reserved pasta water into the squash and feta mixture. Using an immersion blender or transferring the mixture to a stand blender, blend until mostly smooth. This transforms what might have been a chunky bake into a creamy, velvety sauce just waiting to coat the pasta. Don’t worry if it’s not perfectly smooth—as long as it’s luscious and saucy, you’ve nailed it.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked pasta directly into the blended squash and feta sauce, tossing gently to ensure every piece of pasta is beautifully coated with that warm, flavorful sauce. This integration is what makes the dish feel hearty and cohesive, a real crowd-pleaser.
Step 8: Adjust for Storage or Serving
If you’re planning ahead or have leftovers, adding a tablespoon of water when reheating keeps the sauce from drying out. This simple tip maintains the creamy texture that makes this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe so irresistible even after a day or two.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like extra thyme or parsley can add a delightful pop of color and freshness when sprinkled over the top. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving adds a subtle shine and richness. For those who love a little crunch, toasted pine nuts or walnuts are a fabulous topping to consider.
Side Dishes
This pasta holds its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, especially something like Brussels sprouts or asparagus, complement the roasted squash flavors nicely. A simply crusty bread is also a great side to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a feel-good dinner, serve the pasta family-style in a big bowl with plenty of garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their plates. Alternatively, twirl the pasta onto individual plates for an elegant presentation that’s sure to impress. You could even stuff this mixture into bell peppers or serve it as a warm filling for ravioli if you’re feeling adventurous!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Make sure to keep it chilled promptly to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While this pasta tastes best freshly made due to its creamy texture, you can freeze portions if needed. Store the pasta and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce consistency, ensuring every bite is as luscious as the first time you made it.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta is key to the signature tang of this Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe, you can experiment with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder, creamier flavor, but keep the salt levels in mind.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Chunky, tubular pasta like rigatoni, penne, or cavatappi works wonderfully as they hold the sauce well. However, feel free to choose your favorite shape—you really can’t go wrong.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it’s perfect for vegetarians since it contains no meat. Just be sure the feta cheese you use is made without animal rennet if that’s important to you.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce is naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy adaptation.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To dial up the heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning before roasting. Just be careful to balance the spice so it doesn’t overpower the squash and feta.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe is the kind of comforting, flavorful meal you’ll crave time and again. It’s effortless to prepare but feels special enough for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own, sharing that warm, cheesy goodness with friends and family. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation that perfectly highlights the best autumn flavors.
Print
Butternut Squash Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and creamy Butternut Squash Feta Pasta combines roasted butternut squash and tangy feta cheese blended into a smooth sauce, tossed with hearty pasta. This comforting vegetarian dish is seasoned with fresh thyme, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, offering a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, finely chopped
Dairy
- 8 ounces feta cheese
Pantry Items
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 pound pasta (chunky shape)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the squash and feta.
- Combine Ingredients: In a 9×13 baking dish or on a sheet pan, combine the peeled and diced butternut squash with the feta cheese.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the mixture with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, ground black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and finely chopped fresh thyme.
- Roast: Place the baking dish or sheet pan in the preheated oven and roast for 40 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the squash and feta roast, cook the pasta in very salty boiling water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set pasta aside.
- Blend Sauce: Stir the reserved pasta water into the roasted butternut squash and feta mixture. Using an immersion blender or a stand blender, blend the mixture until it is mostly smooth, creating a creamy sauce.
- Toss Pasta: Combine the creamy butternut squash and feta sauce with the cooked pasta, mixing well to coat evenly.
- Reheat Tips: If refrigerating leftovers, add a tablespoon of water when reheating to loosen the sauce. The pasta will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can use any chunky pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or shells for best sauce adherence.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to taste for preferred spice level.
- Use fresh thyme for best flavor, but dried thyme can be substituted (reduce quantity by half).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; add water when reheating to maintain sauce consistency.
- Ensure to reserve pasta water before draining to help blend the sauce to a creamy texture.
