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Butternut Squash Pasta Shells Baked Skillet

Butternut Squash Pasta Shells Baked Skillet
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Butternut Squash Pasta Shells Baked Skillet is a warm, comforting, and creamy pasta dish featuring tender pasta shells enveloped in a rich roasted butternut squash and cheese sauce, baked to a golden bubbly finish. Perfect for cozy dinners, this one-pan meal combines indulgent flavors with ease and versatility, making it a family favorite that is customizable to suit vegetarian, dairy-free, or extra protein preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, cubed, roasted, and pureed
  • 12 ounces large pasta shells
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream or milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Once cooled, puree the squash in a blender or food processor until smooth.
  2. Cook the Pasta Shells: While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta shells until just al dente according to package directions. Drain them, reserving one cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
  3. Prepare the Sauce: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the pureed butternut squash and gradually add heavy cream or milk, stirring to create a velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it.
  4. Combine and Assemble: Mix the cooked pasta shells into the sauce, making sure each shell is well coated. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and evenly distributed. Transfer this mixture to a baking-safe skillet or dish. Evenly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top to form a golden crust when baked.
  5. Bake Until Golden: Place the skillet or dish in the preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes before serving to enhance flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use fresh butternut squash for a more vibrant flavor and better roasting results compared to frozen or canned.
  • Par-cook the pasta shells just until al dente since they will continue cooking during baking.
  • Mix sharp cheddar cheese inside the sauce and sprinkle Parmesan on top for a luscious melty texture and crispy crust.
  • Adjust the sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water as needed, aiming for creamy but not soupy consistency.
  • Optional herbs like fresh sage or thyme complement the butternut squash with seasonal notes.
  • Customize with sautéed spinach or kale for greens, cooked sausage or bacon for protein, or vegan substitutions for a dairy-free version.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash pasta, baked pasta shells, creamy pasta skillet, comfort food, fall recipes, one-pan meal, family dinner

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/butternut-squash-pasta-shells-baked-skillet/