If you’re craving a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a plate, this Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. It brilliantly combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the tangy creaminess of feta cheese, creating a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to your favorite chunky pasta. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe transforms humble autumn produce into a vibrant, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in crafting a dish that’s rich, balanced, and bursting with flavor. From the earthy sweetness of butternut squash to the robust saltiness of feta and the fragrant touch of fresh thyme, every component adds texture, color, and depth.
- Butternut squash: Provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture when roasted and blended.
- Feta cheese: Adds a tangy, salty creaminess that perfectly complements the squash.
- Olive oil: Enhances richness and helps roast the squash evenly.
- Kosher salt: Brings out the flavors of the squash and feta while seasoning the dish.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a mild heat and complexity.
- Crushed red pepper flakes: Offers a subtle spicy kick to elevate the overall flavor.
- Fresh thyme: Infuses a fragrant herbal note that brightens the sauce.
- Pasta (chunky shape): Holds the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is satisfying.
How to Make Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. This high temperature is perfect for roasting the butternut squash and feta until the cheese softens and the squash becomes tender and caramelized, which forms the base of your creamy sauce.
Step 2: Combine Squash and Feta
Place the diced butternut squash and crumbled feta cheese together in either a 9×13 baking dish or on a rimmed sheet pan. This easy setup helps the ingredients roast evenly, allowing their flavors to mingle beautifully as they cook.
Step 3: Season and Oil
Drizzle the olive oil over the squash and feta, then sprinkle kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly chopped thyme right on top. These seasonings not only elevate the natural flavors but also give the dish a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and aromatic notes.
Step 4: Roast the Mixture
Pop your baking dish into the oven and roast for about 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly golden. During this time, the feta will soften and mingle with the squash juices, making the future sauce incredibly flavorful and luscious.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While your squash and feta roast, boil a large pot of very salty water and cook your chunky pasta according to the package instructions. Once done, drain the pasta but be sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water – this starchy liquid is gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 6: Blend the Sauce
Once the squash and feta are roasted, add the reserved pasta water to the baking dish. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender to purée the mixture until mostly smooth. This creates a beautifully creamy, slightly chunky sauce that’s packed full of flavor.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked pasta to your pot or a large bowl and pour the butternut squash and feta sauce over it. Toss everything together so every piece of pasta is lovingly coated with that rich, velvety sauce.
Step 8: Final Touches for Leftovers
If you’re not serving immediately, keep in mind that the sauce can thicken as it cools. When reheating leftovers, simply add a splash of water to loosen the sauce and bring it back to the perfect creamy consistency.
How to Serve Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or more fresh thyme adds a gorgeous pop of color and fresh herbal flavor. For an extra touch of richness, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil right before serving never hurts. If you’re a fan of crunch, toss on some toasted pine nuts or walnuts to add texture and depth.
Side Dishes
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that don’t compete with its bold flavors. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness nicely, while roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus complement the autumn vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe in rustic bowls for a cozy vibe, or dress it up on a crisp white plate to highlight the vibrant orange squash and crumbly white feta. Garnishing with edible flowers or microgreens can turn this humble pasta into a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store your cooked Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it a great weekday lunch or quick dinner option.
Freezing
While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When freezing, be sure the sauce isn’t too watery, as reheated pasta can sometimes lose texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water to help loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?
Absolutely! While feta provides a tangy and salty element that’s signature to this recipe, you could try goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier, milder flavor. Just keep in mind that changing the cheese might alter the overall taste balance.
What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?
Chunky pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli are ideal because they hold the creamy butternut squash and feta sauce well. Smaller shapes like macaroni can also work but may not cling to the sauce as nicely.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, featuring wholesome plant ingredients and cheese without any meat or animal-based broths.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make it vegan, swap the feta cheese for a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast or cashew cream to add a cheesy flavor. Roast and blend the butternut squash just the same for that wonderful creamy texture.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that lifts the flavors without overwhelming the sweetness of the squash. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred spice level or omit them altogether for a milder dish.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe is one of those delightful meals that feels both hearty and elegant, all made with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, or simply treating yourself to a comforting dinner, this dish promises warmth, flavor, and satisfaction in every bite. Give it a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Butternut Squash and Feta Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A creamy, flavorful Butternut Squash Feta Pasta that combines roasted butternut squash and tangy feta cheese into a smooth sauce, tossed with your favorite chunky pasta for a comforting and delicious meal perfect for fall and winter.
Ingredients
Roasted Butternut Squash and Sauce
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 3 sprigs of fresh thyme, finely chopped
Pasta
- 1 pound chunky shaped pasta
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit to get it ready for roasting the squash and feta.
- Prepare the roasting dish: Combine the peeled and diced butternut squash and feta cheese in a 9×13 baking dish or on a sheet pan ensuring even distribution.
- Season the ingredients: Drizzle the squash and feta with 2 tablespoons of olive oil then sprinkle evenly with kosher salt, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, and freshly chopped thyme for balanced flavor.
- Roast the squash and feta: Place the baking dish or sheet pan in the oven and bake for 40 minutes or until the squash is tender and the feta softens.
- Cook the pasta: While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta cooking water.
- Prepare the sauce: Stir the reserved pasta water into the roasted butternut squash and feta mixture, then blend using an immersion blender or transfer to a stand blender and puree until mostly smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta with the butternut squash feta sauce until well coated and heated through.
- Storage and reheating tip: If refrigerating leftovers, add a tablespoon of water when reheating to loosen the sauce. Store in the refrigerator up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use a chunky shaped pasta like rigatoni or penne so the sauce clings well.
- For a vegan version, substitute feta with a plant-based feta alternative.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Adding fresh thyme brings an herby brightness to the dish.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave with added water for best texture.
