Get ready to transform your dinner routine with a mouthwatering Italian-inspired pasta dish that combines the creamy richness of butternut squash with crispy, aromatic sage leaves. This isn't just another pasta recipe – it's a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Italy with every single bite. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this incredibly easy and surprisingly elegant dish is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of choice
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1/4 cup sage leaves
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cube the butternut squash into small, even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly. Rinse the sage leaves and pat them dry with a paper towel.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta cooks, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed butternut squash, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for about 8-10 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the butternut squash is cooked, use a fork or potato masher to mash it slightly in the skillet, creating a creamy texture. If it appears too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- In a separate small skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and fry them for about 1-2 minutes until they become crispy. Be careful not to burn them. Once fried, remove the sage from the skillet and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the butternut squash. Toss to combine, adding more reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce that coats the pasta evenly.
- Season the pasta with additional salt and pepper to taste. If desired, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese at this stage for extra flavor.
- To serve, plate the butternut squash pasta and garnish with the crispy fried sage leaves. Add more Parmesan cheese on top if desired, and enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Select a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, uniform color for the best flavor and texture.
- Cutting Technique: Ensure your butternut squash cubes are roughly the same size to guarantee even cooking and caramelization.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta cooking water – it's liquid gold for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta.
- Sage Frying Secrets: Watch your sage leaves carefully when frying. They should turn crisp and slightly darker but not burn. Remove them immediately when they reach the perfect golden color.
- Consistency is Key: If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve a creamy, luxurious texture.
- Optional Upgrades: For extra richness, consider adding a touch of brown butter when frying the sage, or sprinkle some toasted pine nuts on top for added crunch.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 330kcal
Carbohydrates: 49g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
