Creamy Penne with Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese & Walnuts
This Creamy Penne with Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese & Walnuts is a delightful European dish that combines the sweet, nutty flavors of butternut squash with the tanginess of goat cheese. The addition of toasted walnuts provides a satisfying crunch, while fresh basil adds a burst of herbaceous freshness. Ideal for a cozy dinner with family or friends, this recipe can easily be modified to include sausage for a heartier meal. Enjoy a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that is perfect for any season!
6
Servings
367
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Vegetable oil cooking spray
as needed (for greasing baking sheet)
Butternut squash or kombucha squash
2 lb (peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks)
Onion
1 (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
Olive oil
as needed (for drizzling)
Kosher salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Goat cheese
1 cup (crumbled)
Penne pasta
1 lb
Toasted walnuts
1 cup (coarsely chopped (see note for toasting method))
Fresh basil leaves
1 cup (chopped)
Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
1/3 cup (finely grated)
Instructions
1
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position an oven rack in the upper third.
2
2. Generously spray a large baking sheet with vegetable oil cooking spray and set it aside.
3
3. In a large bowl, combine the peeled and cubed butternut squash and diced onion. Spread them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
4
4. Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender, stirring halfway through for even cooking. Monitor the vegetables closely; they may be done sooner depending on your oven.
5
5. While the squash and onions are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta.
6
6. In a large serving bowl, combine the cooked penne, crumbled goat cheese, and reserved pasta water. Toss until the goat cheese has melted and a creamy sauce forms.
7
7. Add the roasted squash and onion mixture, toasted walnuts, and chopped fresh basil to the pasta. Toss gently to combine. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
8
8. Serve the pasta warm, garnished with finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
Nutrition Information
17
Fat
43
Carbs
10
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Penne with Roasted Butternut Squash?
It is a European-inspired pasta dish that combines sweet roasted butternut squash with tangy goat cheese, crunchy walnuts, and fresh basil.
What oven temperature is needed for the squash?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position the rack in the upper third for roasting.
How long does it take to roast the butternut squash?
The squash and onions should roast for 40-45 minutes, or until they are golden brown and tender.
Can I use a different type of squash?
Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with kombucha squash if preferred.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is naturally vegetarian as it uses vegetables, nuts, cheese, and pasta.
Can I add meat to this pasta dish?
Yes, the recipe description suggests that you can easily add sausage for a heartier meal.
What type of pasta should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of penne pasta.
Why do I need to reserve pasta water?
Reserving 1 cup of pasta water is essential for melting the goat cheese into a creamy sauce that coats the penne.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 servings.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 367 calories, 17g of fat, 43g of carbohydrates, and 10g of protein.
How should I prepare the butternut squash?
The squash should be peeled, seeded, and cut into 3/4-inch chunks before roasting.
What kind of cheese is used in the sauce?
The primary creamy element comes from 1 cup of crumbled goat cheese.
What is used for the final garnish?
The dish is garnished with 1/3 cup of finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
How should the onions be cut?
The onion should be diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
How do I toast the walnuts?
Toasted walnuts should be coarsely chopped; you can toast them in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant before adding to the pasta.
What herbs are used in this recipe?
One cup of chopped fresh basil leaves is added for herbaceous freshness.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute the traditional penne pasta with your favorite gluten-free penne brand.
Should I stir the vegetables while roasting?
Yes, stir the squash and onions halfway through the 40-45 minute roasting time to ensure even cooking.
What kind of oil should I use for roasting?
Use olive oil for drizzling over the squash and onions, and vegetable oil spray for the baking sheet.
Is this a good recipe for the fall season?
Yes, it is tagged as a fall recipe because it utilizes seasonal ingredients like butternut squash.
How do I ensure the goat cheese melts properly?
Toss the hot, cooked penne with the crumbled goat cheese and reserved pasta water immediately after draining.
How should I season the roasted vegetables?
Season the squash and onions generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper before roasting.
What is the calorie count for this dish?
The dish contains 367 calories per serving.
Is there a lot of fiber in this recipe?
While specific fiber data is not provided, butternut squash and walnuts are typically good sources of dietary fiber.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 17 grams of fat per serving in this recipe.
What is the preparation time for the vegetables?
The roasting process takes about 40-45 minutes, with a few minutes of prep for peeling and dicing.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh?
Fresh basil is recommended for a burst of freshness, but you can use 1/3 the amount of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol information?
Specific cholesterol values are not provided in the nutritional breakdown.
How do I know when the pasta is 'al dente'?
Cook the penne according to package instructions, usually for 8-10 minutes, until it is tender but still firm to the bite.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with: pasta, butternut squash, goat cheese, vegetarian, comfort food, easy dinner, fall recipes, and italian.