Creamy Butternut Squash Penne Bake with Ricotta and Walnuts
Indulge in this comforting and nutritious baked pasta dish that brings together the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with creamy ricotta cheese and crunchy walnuts. Whole wheat penne serves as the perfect base, marrying perfectly with a light and flavorful sauce made from skim milk, minced garlic, and fresh thyme. Topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan, each delightful bite offers a balance of textures and flavors, making it a wholesome one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends. This recipe is not only delicious but also mindful of your dietary goals, making it a worthy addition to your culinary repertoire.
8
Servings
500
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
20 ounces (fresh, peeled and cubed)
Table salt
1/8 teaspoon
Whole wheat penne
12 ounces
Skim milk
1 1/4 cups
All-purpose flour
2 tablespoons
Garlic
2 teaspoons (minced)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon
Black pepper
1/4 teaspoon
Fresh thyme
1 tablespoon (chopped, divided)
Part-skim ricotta cheese
1/2 cup
Parmesan cheese
1/3 cup (grated)
Walnuts
1/4 cup (chopped and toasted)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking sheet with cooking spray. Also, lightly coat a 2 1/2 to 3-quart baking dish with cooking spray.
2
Spread the peeled and cubed butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven until it becomes tender and lightly caramelized, approximately 20 to 30 minutes. Once done, transfer it to a large mixing bowl and mash until smooth.
3
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it reaches a rolling boil, add the whole wheat penne and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4
In a medium saucepan, combine the skim milk, all-purpose flour, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together and bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently. Once it starts boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes, stirring often, until the mixture thickens.
5
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the mashed butternut squash along with 2 1/2 teaspoons of fresh thyme. Pour this sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot and toss well to combine and evenly coat the pasta.
6
Transfer the well-mixed pasta and sauce into the prepared baking dish. Dollop spoonfuls of ricotta cheese across the top, then sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and the toasted walnuts for added crunch.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned in a few spots. Remove from the oven and garnish with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme before serving.
Nutrition Information
18.75g
Fat
75g
Carbs
22.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is called Creamy Butternut Squash Penne Bake with Ricotta and Walnuts.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is tagged as vegetarian and contains no meat products.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 8 servings.
What are the nutritional values for one serving?
Each serving contains 500 calories, 18.75g of fat, 75g of carbohydrates, and 22.5g of protein.
What type of pasta is recommended for this bake?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of whole wheat penne.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the butternut squash for roasting?
The butternut squash should be peeled and cubed before roasting.
How long does it take to roast the squash?
Roast the squash for approximately 20 to 30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
What is the procedure for the sauce?
Combine skim milk, flour, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a saucepan; bring to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.
What herbs are used in this dish?
Fresh thyme is used, with 2 1/2 teaspoons in the sauce and 1/2 teaspoon for garnish.
Which cheeses are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses part-skim ricotta cheese and grated Parmesan cheese.
Are there any nuts in this dish?
Yes, 1/4 cup of chopped and toasted walnuts are sprinkled on top for crunch.
How is the pasta cooked?
Cook the penne in a large pot of salted boiling water until it is al dente, according to the package directions.
How long is the final baking time?
The dish should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes after assembly.
What size baking dish should I use?
Use a 2 1/2 to 3-quart baking dish that has been lightly coated with cooking spray.
How should the roasted squash be processed before adding to the sauce?
After roasting, the squash should be transferred to a bowl and mashed until smooth.
Is there any garlic in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe requires 2 teaspoons of minced garlic.
What kind of milk is specified?
The recipe specifies 1 1/4 cups of skim milk.
Does this dish contain any fiber information?
The provided data does not list a specific fiber count, but the use of whole wheat penne and squash contributes to fiber content.
How many ingredients are needed in total?
There are 12 main ingredients in this recipe.
What should the texture of the bake be when finished?
The top should be lightly browned in a few spots and the walnuts should provide a crunchy texture.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include baked pasta, butternut squash, ricotta, walnuts, healthy, one-dish meal, comfort food, vegetarian, and casserole.
How much butternut squash is required?
The recipe calls for 20 ounces of fresh butternut squash.
When do you add the ricotta cheese?
The ricotta cheese is dolloped in spoonfuls across the top of the pasta mixture right before baking.
Is salt and pepper used?
Yes, the recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in the sauce, plus additional table salt for roasting.
Is this recipe good for entertaining?
Yes, the description notes it is a wholesome one-dish meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining friends.
Should the walnuts be toasted?
Yes, the recipe specifies that the 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts should be toasted.
What garnish is used at the end?
Garnish the dish with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of fresh thyme before serving.
Can I use all-purpose flour for the sauce?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to help thicken the milk-based sauce.
How is the pasta combined with the sauce?
After adding the mashed squash to the sauce, pour the mixture over the cooked pasta and toss well to coat before transferring to the baking dish.