Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that warms your heart and fills your belly, look no further than this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic. This dish is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and just a hint of sweetness from the squash. It’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to as the leaves change color and the evenings get cooler. You can whip it up on a busy weeknight or serve it at a family gathering, and I promise it will leave everyone asking for seconds!

What makes this recipe so special is how simple it is. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients, you’ll create something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Plus, the aroma of garlic and sage wafting through your kitchen will have everyone gathering around the table in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can have this delicious dish ready in under an hour.
• Family-friendly: This dish appeals to both kids and adults alike, making it a hit at family dinners.
• Comforting flavors: The combination of baked feta, sweet butternut squash, and fresh sage creates a comforting meal that’s perfect for fall.
• Make-ahead friendly: You can prepare the roasted squash and feta ahead of time to save even more time when you’re ready to eat!
• Versatile pasta options: Use any pasta shape you love—rotini, orzo, or ditalini all work beautifully here.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe! All the ingredients are simple, wholesome, and easy to find at your local grocery store.

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 so flexible! Feel free to mix things up with these variations:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale for added nutrition and color.
• Change the cheese: Try using goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
• Swap the pasta shape: Use whatever pasta you have on hand; they all work well in this cozy dish.

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. This step is crucial—it ensures that your butternut squash cooks perfectly while allowing the feta cheese to become beautifully creamy.

Step 2: Prepare the Squash and Feta

Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, kosher salt, and some freshly cracked black pepper in a baking dish. Make sure every piece gets coated well! Place your block of feta cheese right in the center. Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta along with optional red pepper flakes for some warmth. Bake everything together for about 30 minutes until the squash is tender.

Step 3: Brown the Feta

After 30 minutes, carefully pull out your baking dish. Give the squash a gentle stir without touching the feta—this helps prevent burning. Increase your oven temperature to 450°F and bake for another 5-10 minutes until the feta is slightly browned on top. This step adds flavor depth!

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While waiting on that delicious feta goodness, boil up your favorite pasta in salted water until it’s al dente. Remember to reserve about two cups of that starchy pasta water before draining!

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once your feta has browned beautifully, take it out of the oven and stir in minced garlic, sage, and honey. The heat from everything will help release those lovely flavors! Now toss in your cooked pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water—mix it all together until it’s creamy.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency & Season

If your pasta seems dry after mixing everything together, don’t worry! Just add more reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach that dreamy creamy consistency. Season with additional salt, pepper, or hot honey if desired.

And there you have it—a deliciously comforting bowl of Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! Enjoy every bite!

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

This cozy dish is a breeze to prepare, but these tips will ensure it turns out absolutely perfect every time!

• Choose the right pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like rotini or ditalini which hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor.

• Don’t skip the honey: Adding hot honey or regular honey gives a delightful sweetness that balances the savory flavors of the feta and squash. It creates a harmony that makes this dish irresistible.

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh sage and garlic elevate the taste significantly compared to dried herbs. They provide vibrant flavors that bring the dish to life, especially when baked together.

• Reserve pasta water wisely: Saving that extra pasta water is crucial! It helps achieve a creamy texture in your sauce, binding everything together without making it overly oily.

• Experiment with spices: If you’re feeling adventurous, add different spices or herbs like thyme or rosemary. This allows you to customize the flavor profile according to your preference!

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

Presentation can make all the difference when serving this comforting meal. Here are some ideas to make your dish shine!

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
• Toasted Pine Nuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top just before serving. They add both texture and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the squash.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce, garlic bread is a classic side dish you can never go wrong with.
• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast until crispy. Their earthy flavor complements the sweetness of butternut squash perfectly.
• Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds a vibrant green element to your plate while providing a nice crunch.

By incorporating these garnishes and side dishes, you’ll create an inviting dining experience that showcases your delicious 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 make it ahead of time, store it, and reheat it whenever hunger strikes.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3 days.
• When ready to eat, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.

Freezing

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to bring back its creamy texture.
• Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I use different types of pasta for Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite pasta shape like penne or farfalle. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose.

What is the best way to store Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.

Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh sage?

Yes! If you don’t have fresh sage on hand, you can use dried sage. Use about one-third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.

How can I make this dish vegan?

You can replace feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative that melts well. Additionally, ensure that any honey used is substituted with agave syrup or maple syrup for a fully vegan version.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! It’s not only comforting but also brings together delightful flavors that are perfect for fall dinners. Enjoy sharing it with loved ones or savoring it all by yourself—either way, you’re in for a treat! Happy cooking!