Creamy Butternut Squash Penne with Sage and Gruyère
Indulge in this rich and flavorful Creamy Butternut Squash Penne with Sage and Gruyère, a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory notes of shallots and garlic. The pasta is enveloped in a luscious sauce made with melted Gruyère cheese and heavy cream, perfectly complemented by fresh sage. This comforting meal is ideal for a cozy family dinner or a festive gathering, sure to impress your guests with its beautiful colors and delicious taste.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Butternut squash
2 lbs (peeled, deseeded, and cubed)
Red onions
2 (roughly chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (crushed)
Olive oil
2 1/2 tablespoons (for drizzling)
Balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons
Salt
1 pinch
Black pepper
1 pinch (freshly ground)
Dry penne pasta
1 1/4 lbs
Gruyère cheese
5 ounces (grated)
Heavy cream
6 tablespoons
Sage leaves
10 (roughly chopped)
Parmesan cheese
3 ounces (grated, to serve)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2
In a large roasting tin, combine the cubed butternut squash, chopped red onions, and crushed garlic cloves. Drizzle generously with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3
Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for about 40 minutes, tossing halfway through, until they are cooked through and slightly caramelized.
4
While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the dry penne pasta according to the package instructions, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5
Once the vegetables are roasted, stir the grated Gruyère cheese and heavy cream into the roasting tin with the vegetables, mixing well to create a creamy sauce. Add the roughly chopped sage leaves and stir to combine.
6
Pour the creamy butternut squash sauce over the cooked penne pasta, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Drizzle with a little more olive oil if desired.
7
Serve the pasta hot, sprinkled with freshly grated Parmesan cheese to elevate the dish further.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are butternut squash, penne pasta, Gruyère cheese, heavy cream, sage, and red onions.
What type of pasta is best for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 1/4 lbs of dry penne pasta cooked until al dente.
How much butternut squash do I need?
You will need 2 lbs of butternut squash that has been peeled, deseeded, and cubed.
What oven temperature is required for roasting?
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for roasting the vegetables.
How long should I roast the vegetables?
The vegetables should be roasted for about 40 minutes, tossing halfway through.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The sauce is made using 5 ounces of grated Gruyère cheese mixed with heavy cream.
Which cheese is used for serving?
The dish is served with 3 ounces of freshly grated Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this Creamy Butternut Squash Penne is a vegetarian-friendly dish.
How many garlic cloves are included?
The recipe requires 2 crushed garlic cloves.
What herbs are used in this pasta dish?
Fresh sage is the primary herb used, with 10 leaves roughly chopped and stirred into the sauce.
What is used to dress the vegetables before roasting?
The butternut squash, onions, and garlic are drizzled with olive oil and 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar.
How much heavy cream is needed for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of heavy cream.
How should the red onions be prepared?
You need 2 red onions that are roughly chopped.
What is the texture of the sauce?
The sauce is luscious and creamy, created by melting Gruyère cheese into the roasting juices and heavy cream.
How do I know when the squash is done?
The squash is done when it is cooked through and slightly caramelized, which usually takes 40 minutes.
Should the pasta be cooked fully?
The pasta should be cooked to al dente according to the package instructions.
Is balsamic vinegar necessary?
Yes, balsamic vinegar adds a sweet and tangy note to the roasted vegetables.
Can I add extra olive oil?
Yes, you can drizzle a little more olive oil over the finished dish before serving if desired.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 total ingredients listed for this recipe.
When do I add the sage?
Add the roughly chopped sage leaves to the roasting tin once the vegetables are finished roasting and the cheese and cream are added.
How do I combine the pasta and sauce?
Pour the creamy butternut squash sauce over the cooked penne and gently toss to coat evenly.
Should the garlic be peeled?
The recipe specifies 2 garlic cloves that should be crushed before roasting.
What seasonings are used?
The dish is seasoned with a pinch of salt and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper.
Can this be served at a party?
Yes, its beautiful colors and rich taste make it ideal for a festive gathering or family dinner.
Is the Parmesan cheese mixed into the sauce?
No, the Parmesan is intended to be sprinkled on top to elevate the dish further just before serving.
What type of onions are used?
The recipe specifically uses red onions for roasting.
Is the squash peeled before roasting?
Yes, the butternut squash should be peeled, deseeded, and cubed.
What is the cook time for the penne?
The penne should be cooked while the vegetables are roasting, following the specific package instructions for al dente texture.
What makes this dish 'comfort food'?
The combination of roasted squash, melted Gruyère, and heavy cream creates a rich, comforting meal.
How is the sauce actually formed?
The sauce is formed directly in the roasting tin by stirring the cheese and cream into the hot, roasted vegetables.