Print

Autumn Pasta Bowl: A Warm Hug in a Dish

A comforting pasta dish enveloped in a creamy, nutty squash sauce with fresh spinach and topped with Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces of pasta (whole wheat or chickpea)
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 cups of fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Crushed red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

  1. Boil a large pot of salted water and add your pasta. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced squash and sauté for about 10-12 minutes, or until tender and lightly browned.
  3. Add another tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add the spinach and stir to wilt.
  4. Stir in half of the reserved pasta water, salt and pepper until a creamy sauce forms. Blend if you desire a smoother consistency.
  5. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything. Heat through for a minute.
  6. Plate your Autumn Pasta Bowl and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Add a pinch of crushed red pepper if desired.

Notes

For a lighter dish, increase the ratio of squash and spinach and decrease the pasta. You can also substitute cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan option.

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn pasta, butternut squash, vegetarian pasta, comfort food