Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish to warm your evenings, you’ve come to the right place! This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is one of those delightful meals that feels like a hug in a bowl. It brings together the sweetness of roasted butternut squash and the creaminess of baked feta, all tossed together with pasta and fresh herbs. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, making it a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat throughout the fall season.

What makes this dish even more special is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create something that is not only delicious but also visually stunning. Trust me; your loved ones will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in about 50 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners when time is short.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy feta and sweet squash combination—it’s sure to please even picky eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the components in advance, so all you need to do is bake and toss before serving.
• Delicious Flavor Explosion: The combination of sage, garlic, and honey adds an incredible depth of flavor that you won’t forget.
• Seasonally Inspired: Embrace fall flavors with this warm and hearty dish—perfect for chilly evenings!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These are simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Let’s gather what you need for this delicious Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic:

For the Pasta Dish

• 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! You can easily adjust it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Add Protein: Toss in some cooked chicken or chickpeas to make it more filling.
• Change the Cheese: Swap feta for goat cheese or a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for different flavors.
• Veggie Boost: Add spinach or kale during the last few minutes of baking for an extra nutritional punch.
• Herb Swaps: Use thyme or rosemary instead of sage if that’s what you have on hand!

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

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that your butternut squash roasts perfectly while you prepare everything else.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Toss your cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and a few cracks of fresh pepper in a baking dish. Place the block of feta right in the middle. Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta as well as some red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Baking at this stage allows the squash to caramelize beautifully while infusing the feta with flavor.

Step 3: Roast Until Golden

After 30 minutes at 400°F, check on your dish! Give the squash a gentle stir without touching the feta. Increase the oven temperature to 450°F (232°C) and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the feta turns golden brown. This step creates that wonderful creamy texture we love in baked feta.

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While your veggies are roasting away, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Remember to reserve about two cups of pasta water before straining—it will help create a luscious sauce later!

Step 5: Combine It All Together

Once your feta has browned nicely, remove it from the oven. Stir in minced garlic, sage leaves, and honey immediately so they get infused into all that warmth. Next, add your pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water. This step combines everything into one glorious dish.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If things seem a bit dry, don’t hesitate to add more reserved pasta water gradually until everything looks creamy and smooth. Taste it! Season with salt and pepper as needed—and feel free to drizzle on more hot honey if you crave that sweetness!

And there you have it—a perfect plateful of comfort! Enjoy every bite of this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic; I promise it will become one of your go-to recipes this fall!

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

This dish is not just delicious but also incredibly easy to personalize! Here are a few tips to ensure your pasta turns out perfect every time:

• Choose the Right Pasta Shape: Different pasta shapes hold sauce differently. Rotini, orzo, or ditalini are great options because their curves and crevices catch the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you love heat, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or hot honey. This adds a wonderful kick that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash.

• Don’t Skip the Sage: Fresh sage brings an earthy flavor that elevates this dish. If you can’t find fresh sage, consider using dried sage, but use it sparingly as it’s more concentrated.

• Experiment with Cheese Alternatives: If feta isn’t your style, try using a plant-based feta or ricotta for a different twist. Just ensure it has a similar texture to achieve that creamy goodness.

• Make It Ahead: This dish can be prepped in advance! Roast the squash and bake the feta ahead of time, then combine everything right before serving for a quick weeknight meal.

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

Presentation can elevate any meal from simple to spectacular! Here’s how to serve this delightful pasta dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: Sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: A handful of toasted pine nuts adds an extra crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A classic companion to any pasta dish, garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s buttery, garlicky goodness will enhance your meal.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta while adding freshness.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The caramelized flavors of roasted Brussels sprouts provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the butternut squash. Plus, they’re packed with nutrients!
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective, steamed broccoli adds a pop of color and a healthy touch alongside your pasta, making your plate even more appealing.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll create a beautiful dining experience that showcases your Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! 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 enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious creation.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

• Let the pasta cool down before freezing.
• Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, leaving some space for expansion.
• It will keep well for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For refrigerator leftovers, reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Add a splash of reserved pasta water when reheating to restore creaminess.

FAQs

If you have any questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries that may help you out.

Can I use a different cheese instead of feta in Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Absolutely! While feta adds a unique flavor, you can substitute goat cheese or even a non-dairy alternative if you’re looking for a different taste or dietary option. Just keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly.

How can I make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic vegan?

To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply replace the feta with a plant-based feta alternative. Additionally, you can swap honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a sweet touch without animal products.

What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

You can use various types of pasta such as rotini, orzo, or ditalini. Choose your favorite shape that holds onto the sauce well!

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

Definitely! Feel free to incorporate other seasonal veggies like spinach, kale, or bell peppers. Just remember to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! It’s not just a meal; it’s comfort food that warms both your heart and home. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings, this dish brings together flavors that celebrate autumn’s bounty. Enjoy every bite, share it with loved ones, and don’t forget to let me know how much you loved it!