Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
Recipe Image
Makes:
2
Servings
Total Cost:
$$$$
Cook Time:
1 hour 10 minutes
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Tired of tomatoes? Try topping pasta with creamy low-fat ricotta and sweet roasted butternut squash for a weeknight dinner that’s anything but ordinary.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups butternut squash
- 4 ounces dried whole wheat shell pasta
- 3 tablespoons shallot, diced
- 1 tablespoon sage, minced
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- 3/4 cup low-fat ricotta
- 2 ounces low-fat mozzarella, grated
Directions
- Wash hands with soap and water.
- Preheat oven to 425 °F. Cut butternut squash in half and scoop out the seeds. Place the cut sides down in a large baking dish and fill with 1/4 inch water. Bake butternut squash until tender (about 45 minutes). Remove from oven and let cool slightly.
- While the squash bakes, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until just tender. Drain and set aside. Reduce oven to 375 °F.
- From the butternut squash, measure out 2 cups of the squash. Place in a food processor along the shallot, sage, garlic, salt, and pepper. Pulse until squash is smooth. Add in low-sodium vegetable broth and pulse until well-combined.
- In a small baking dish, place a third of the squash purée in the bottom. Add half the noodles, followed by the low-fat ricotta. Top the ricotta with the next third of the sauce, then the remaining noodles. Finish with remaining sauce and low-fat shredded mozzarella.
- Bake pasta for 25 minutes at 375 °F. Cheese should be browned. Remove and serve warm.
Notes
- This dish works well with any type of squash purée, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes.
- Any small shape of pasta would work – use what you have on hand!
Learn more about:
Created by the Grain Foods Foundation, a member of the MyPlate National Strategic Partnership Program
