Autumn Pasta

Prep time: 20 minutes | Total time: 50 minutes | Makes: 5 servings

Embrace the changing seasons with this autumn pasta with butternut squash, a comforting dish that brings together the best flavors of the harvest. Roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions provide a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy sauce created by melting goat cheese directly into the warm pasta. Finished with the crunch of toasted walnuts, aromatic fresh basil, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, this 539-calorie meal offers a sophisticated balance of textures and flavors that is sure to become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

• Nonstick cooking spray

• 1 - 2 lbs. butternut squash, peeled, seeded & cut into 3/4” cubes

• 1 onion, diced into 1/2” pieces

• 2 tsp. olive oil

• 1 tsp. kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 1 lb. penne pasta

• 1 cup (8 oz.) goat cheese, crumbled

• 1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted**

• 1 packed cup chopped fresh basil leaves

• 1/3 cup finely grated Parmesan

 Directions

1. Put an oven rack in the upper third of the oven. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.  Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray and set aside. Mix the squash and onion together and arrange in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes until the vegetables are golden and cooked through. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.
2. While the squash mixture is cooling, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
3. Add the pasta, stirring occasionally and cook until al dente, about eight to 10 minutes. Drain and reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. Put the pasta, goat cheese and 1 cup of pasta water in a large serving bowl. Toss until the cheese has melted and forms a
4. creamy sauce. Add the squash and onion mixture, the walnuts and the basil. Toss well.
5. Garnish with Parmesan and serve.

**To toast walnuts, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven until lightly toasted, about 6 to eight minutes. Cool completely before using.

Nutritional Information

Servings per recipe: 5