Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that wraps you in warmth and comfort, then this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is just the ticket! This dish brings together the rich flavors of roasted butternut squash and creamy feta, making it an instant favorite in my home. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great option for family gatherings or even just a cozy dinner for one!

With its delightful blend of flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your fall meal rotation. The combination of savory sage and garlic elevates the baked feta into something truly special. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be making this dish again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With minimal prep time, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-friendly: Everyone will love the creamy pasta and sweet butternut squash.
• Versatile: Perfect for any occasion—whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can roast the squash and bake the feta ahead of time for easy assembly later.
• Flavor-packed: Each bite is bursting with savory goodness that will leave you wanting more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this wonderful dish, you’ll need some simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need:

• 5 cups Butternut Squash (about 1 large butternut squash)
• 1/2 cup Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling)
• 2 hefty pinches Kosher Salt (just shy of 1/2 tsp)
• 1 hefty pinch Red pepper Flakes (optional)
• 1 8 oz block Feta Cheese
• 1 lb Pasta (such as rotini, orzo, or ditalini)
• 10 leaves Fresh Sage (minced)
• 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp Hot Honey (regular honey is fine too)
• Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Add some greens: Toss in spinach or kale right before serving for an extra nutritional boost.
• Change up the cheese: Try goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if you’re looking to mix things up.
• Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños to heat things up!
• Switch the pasta shape: Use any pasta shape you love; each one adds its own unique twist to the dish.

How to Make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400F degrees. This step ensures that your butternut squash roasts perfectly, becoming tender and caramelized while the feta gets beautifully creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Toss your chopped butternut squash with olive oil, kosher salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Spread it out in a baking dish with a block of feta nestled right in the center. Drizzle a bit more olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using. Bake everything for about 30 minutes until the squash is tender.

Step 3: Brown the Feta

After 30 minutes, carefully check on your mixture. Shift some of the squash around without touching the feta—it should be slightly golden now! Increase your oven temperature to 450F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the feta has turned beautifully browned on top.

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While your squash and feta are roasting away, boil your pasta in generously salted water until al dente. Make sure to reserve about two cups of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s key for achieving that creamy sauce!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your feta looks perfect, take it out from the oven and immediately stir in minced garlic, fresh sage leaves, and hot honey. Then add in your drained pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water—mix everything together gently until well combined.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If your pasta seems too dry (which can happen!), simply add more reserved pasta water little by little until you’ve reached that creamy texture that’s oh-so-inviting! Taste and adjust with extra salt, pepper, or hot honey according to your preference.

And there you have it—your Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is ready to serve! Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Creating the perfect Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta is a delightful journey, and I’m here to help you make it even better!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and sage will elevate the flavors of your dish, making it taste vibrant and seasonal.
• Adjust the spice level: If you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip the red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you love a kick, add more red pepper or even some chili oil for an extra punch.
• Don’t rush the baking: Allowing the feta to brown slightly adds a delicious creaminess and depth of flavor that enhances the entire dish. Be patient!
• Customize your pasta: While rotini or orzo works wonderfully, feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape. Just keep an eye on cooking times for different types.
• Save that pasta water: The reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It helps create a smooth sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.

How to Serve Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Serving this dish is where you can get creative! The warm colors of the pasta combined with the creamy feta make for a visually stunning presentation.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a nice herbaceous note that complements the sage beautifully.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: These add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy feta.
• Grated Parmesan Alternative: If you’re looking for an added layer of flavor without using traditional cheese, consider using a plant-based grated alternative.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tossed in olive oil, salt, and pepper, these bring a slight bitterness that pairs nicely with the sweet butternut squash.
• Garlic Bread: Warm crusty bread slathered with garlic-infused olive oil makes for the perfect vessel to scoop up any leftover sauce!
• Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a lovely texture contrast against the creamy pasta.

Now that you have all these tips and serving ideas at your fingertips, I hope you’ll whip up this comforting dish soon! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and store it for cozy dinners throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• If you have leftover feta, store it separately in its own container with a drizzle of olive oil to keep it fresh.

Freezing

• Let the pasta cool to room temperature before freezing.
• Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It will keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw the pasta overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce.
• Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

If you’re curious about this delightful dish, here are some common questions!

Can I use other cheeses instead of feta in Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Absolutely! While feta adds a creamy tanginess, you can substitute with goat cheese or a dairy-free alternative if preferred. Just ensure it’s similar in texture for optimal results.

How do I make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian-friendly! Just be mindful of using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth if you decide to add more depth of flavor.

Can I add other vegetables to my Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Yes, feel free to enhance your dish with other vegetables like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. They will blend beautifully with the flavors!

How long does it take to prepare Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

The total time for this recipe is about 50 minutes—10 minutes for prep and 40 minutes for cooking. It’s a quick yet satisfying meal!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! It’s cozy, comforting, and packed with flavors that scream autumn. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal prep for busy weekdays, it’s sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience or any tweaks you made. Happy cooking!