Garlic Squash with Penne

Delight your taste buds with Garlic Squash with Penne, a comforting pasta dish that combines tender roasted butternut squash, savory garlic, and creamy Parmesan cheese for a perfect weeknight dinner. This hearty yet wholesome recipe features golden caramelized squash tossed with al dente penne pasta in a luscious sauce made with melted butter, olive oil, and a touch of reserved pasta water. The dish is finished with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, offering layers of flavor that are both rich and satisfying. Ready in just 40 minutes, this family-friendly recipe is an elegant way to elevate pasta night while celebrating seasonal produce.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Spread the diced butternut squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with 0.5 teaspoon of salt and 0.25 teaspoon of black pepper. Toss to combine.

Step 3

Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the edges are golden and the squash is tender. Stir halfway through cooking for even roasting.

Step 4

While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.

Step 5

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 6

Add the roasted squash to the skillet and gently mash some of the pieces with the back of a spatula to create a light, creamy texture.

Step 7

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, along with the reserved pasta water. Toss to combine and coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.

Step 8

Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well incorporated. Adjust seasoning by adding more salt and black pepper, to taste. If desired, add red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.

Step 9

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.

Step 10

Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Garlic Squash with Penne!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	1231.4 grams (1231.4g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2467

Total Fat 95.90g	123%
Saturated Fat 35.30g	177%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.70g
Cholesterol 146mg	49%
Sodium 3903mg	170%
Total Carbohydrate 340.10g	124%
Dietary Fiber 27.60g	99%
Total Sugars 14.60g
Protein 83.10g	166%

Vitamin D 5IU	23%
Calcium 1273mg	98%
Iron 18mg	102%
Potassium 3336mg	71%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 33.8%

Protein: 13.0%

Carbs: 53.2%