Butternut squash, penne, chicken, bacon, and spinach come together in a creamy and flavorful dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Easily adaptable to suit your dietary needs, this recipe can be made gluten-free, low-carb, or even vegan. With its vibrant colors and delicious flavor, this dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion brunch.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PENNE WITH CHICKEN, BACON AND SPINACH
The most delicious fall/wintertime recipe, hands down. I don't have the patience to roast squash and this is a great way to get picky kids to eat healthy vegetables.
Provided by LizzyGirl09
Categories Vegetable
Time 55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray 13x9 pan liberally with non-stick spray. Start a pot of 5 qt water with liberal salt for the penne.
- Cook bacon until crisp over medium heat in a large non-stick skillet. Drain bacon over paper towels and reserve 3 TBSP fat in pan.
- Salt and pepper chicken pieces. Cook chicken breast pieces in the bacon fat for about 4 minutes, until no longer pink in the center. Reserve chicken and tent with foil.
- Add enough olive oil to coat pan; add squash, salt, pepper and sage. Cover pan and stir occasionally for 5-7 minutes, until squash is semi-soft. Add onion and continue to cook for 3-5 minutes, until onion is translucent. Add garlic, red pepper, and spinach to skillet and cook until spinach is wilted, 3-4 minutes.
- Do not cook your penne until al dente; it will continue to cook in the oven. Only cook for about 7 minutes.
- In a seperate saucepan cook flour over medium heat, gradually adding milk and whisking continuously until boiling. Boil for two minutes or until thickened; remove from heat and add cheese, stirring until melted.
- Add flour/milk/cheese mixture to pasta; add pasta to squash mixture. Stir in the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon. Add more milk if mixture is too thick. Spread mixture into 13x9 pan; sprinkle more cheese on top if desired. Cook in oven 15-20 minutes or until cheese is browned and bubbling. Let cool for 10-15 minutes; serve.
PENNE WITH POINT REYES ORIGINAL BLUE, ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND SPINACH
Provided by Food Network
Time 55m
Yield Feeds 4 hungry blue cheese lovers!
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper and place on a baking sheet. Roast until slightly caramelized, about 20 minutes. (This can be done ahead.)
- Melt the butter in a heavy, large pot over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the squash and 1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary; saute 5 minutes to coat with the butter and soften. Add the wine and simmer until evaporated, about 1 minute. Stir in the stock, cream and Parmesan. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer on low heat.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain. Add the hot pasta to the sauce and mix well. Toss in the spinach and sprinkle with the blue cheese.
PENNE WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs; reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the squash, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until golden and tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil, the mushrooms, 1/4 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic, shallot and red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring, until the shallot softens, about 2 minutes.
- Add the pasta, squash and 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta cooking water to the skillet. Cook, stirring, until heated through,1 to 2 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup parmesan, then stir in enough of the remaining cooking water to loosen. Stir in the oregano and season with salt and pepper. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup parmesan.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH PENNE
Make and share this Butternut Squash Penne recipe from Food.com.
Provided by English_Rose
Categories Cheese
Time 45m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F Place the squash, onion, and garlic into a large roasting tin, drizzle well with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, and season to taste with salt and pepper. Roast for 40 minutes, or until cooked through and slightly caramelized, tossing from time to time.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta in a pan of salted boiling water according to the packet instructions, or until al dente, and drain. Stir the Gruyère and heavy cream into the vegetables to make a thick sauce. Add the sage leaves.
- Pour the sauce over the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil. Serve sprinkled with grated Parmesan.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 689.9, Fat 25.1, SaturatedFat 11.5, Cholesterol 59.1, Sodium 340.2, Carbohydrate 99.1, Fiber 14.2, Sugar 5.9, Protein 22
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash, chicken, bacon, and spinach will give your dish the best flavor.
- Roast the butternut squash: Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash and gives it a slightly caramelized flavor.
- Cook the chicken and bacon until browned: This will help to develop flavor and prevent the meat from becoming dry.
- Wilt the spinach: Wilting the spinach removes excess moisture and makes it easier to stir into the pasta.
- Use a creamy sauce: A creamy sauce will help to bring all of the flavors together and make the dish more cohesive.
- Serve immediately: Butternut squash penne is best served immediately after it is made, while the pasta is still hot and the sauce is creamy.
Conclusion:
Butternut squash penne with chicken, bacon, and spinach is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The roasted butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness, while the chicken and bacon provide protein and flavor. The creamy sauce brings all of the flavors together and makes the dish incredibly satisfying. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
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