Butternut squash, a winter squash variety, is packed with flavor and nutrients. This versatile vegetable can be roasted, steamed, or boiled and added to soups, salads, or pasta dishes. Cavatappi, a type of short, corkscrew-shaped pasta, pairs well with the sweet and slightly nutty flavor of butternut squash. Together, these two ingredients create a delicious and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed for lunch or dinner. Cavatappi with butternut squash is a great recipe to try if you're looking for a new vegetarian or vegan meal option.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
CHEESY BUTTERNUT SQUASH CAVATAPPI BAKE
Yes, this healthy casserole recipe has bacon! Unlike most healthy casseroles, this dish features plenty of gooey cheese, pasta, and a sprinkle of bacon -- while still staying healthy!
Provided by BHG Test Kitchen
Time 58m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 2-quart rectangular baking dish with nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
- In a medium microwave-safe bowl combine squash and 2 Tbsp. water; cover with vented plastic wrap. Microwave on high for 4 minutes; stir. Microwave, covered, about 4 minutes more or until squash is tender. Carefully remove plastic wrap. Mash squash; set aside.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions; drain. In a medium saucepan heat butter over medium heat. Add mushrooms and green onions. Cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle flour over mushroom mixture. Cook and stir for 1 minute. Add milk, salt, and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat; stir in squash. Add pasta. Gently fold to combine.
- Transfer half of the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with half of the cheese. Add remaining pasta and cheese. Top with bacon, if desired. Bake, uncovered, for 20 to 25 minutes or until heated through and cheese is melted. Top with additional green onions, If desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 334 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Cholesterol 39 mg, Protein 16 g, SaturatedFat 7 g, Sodium 366 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 12 g, UnsaturatedFat 4 g
CAVATAPPI WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH AND BACON
Steps:
- Heat large covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Coarsely shred butternut squash.
- In 12-inch skillet, cook bacon on medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until bacon is crisp, stirring occasionally. With slotted spoon, transfer bacon to small plate. Drain and discard all but 2 tablespoons fat from skillet.
- To same skillet, add garlic and crushed red pepper. Cook 30 seconds, stirring. Add butternut squash and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cook 10 minutes, stirring and mashing frequently. Stir in half-and-half and sage. Cook 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- While squash cooks, cook pasta as label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water. Drain pasta well; return to pot. Add bacon, squash mixture, Pecorino, reserved cooking water, and 1/2 teaspoon salt, tossing until well coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 510 calories
BAKED CAVATAPPI WITH SAUSAGE
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 40m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 500˚ F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook 2 minutes less than the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 cup cooking water, then drain.
- Meanwhile, cook the sausage in 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking up the meat, until browned, 5 to 6 minutes. Remove to a plate using a slotted spoon.
- Heat 1 more tablespoon olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and herbes de Provence and cook 30 seconds. Stir in the tomatoes, sausage and 1/4 cup of the reserved cooking water; season with salt and pepper. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until thickened, 3 to 5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more cooking water. Stir the pasta into the sauce.
- Whisk the ricotta, 1/4 cup cheese blend, the lemon zest, 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and 3 tablespoons cooking water in a bowl. Layer half of the pasta and ricotta mixture in an 8-inch square baking dish, then top with the remaining pasta, ricotta mixture and cheese blend. Bake until bubbly, 8 to 10 minutes.
- Toss the lettuce with the lemon juice and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil; season with salt and pepper. Serve with the pasta.
CAVATAPPI WITH BUTTERNUT SQUASH
Categories Cheese Pasta Vegetable Vegetarian Quick & Easy Parmesan Squash Butternut Squash Fall Winter Gourmet
Yield Makes 4 main-course servings
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a 6- to 8-quart pot of boiling salted water until al dente.
- While heating water for pasta, pulse squash in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Cook garlic in oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat, stirring, until pale golden, about 1 minute. Add squash, water (1 cup), sage, and salt and simmer, covered, until squash is tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add butter and stir until incorporated.
- Reserve 1 cup pasta-cooking water, then drain pasta and return to pot. Stir in squash mixture, cheese, and pepper to taste until combined well. Season with salt and add some of reserved cooking water to moisten if necessary.
Tips:
- Choose the right pasta. Cavatappi is a great choice for this recipe because it holds the sauce well and is fun to eat. However, you can use any short pasta shape, such as penne or macaroni.
- Roast the butternut squash until it is tender and caramelized. This will bring out its natural sweetness and flavor. You can roast the squash in the oven or on a grill.
- Make the sauce creamy and flavorful. Use a combination of heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and spices to create a rich and flavorful sauce. You can also add some roasted garlic or shallots for extra flavor.
- Garnish the pasta with fresh herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. This will add a pop of color and flavor to the dish.
Conclusion:
Cavatappi with Butternut Squash is a delicious and easy-to-make pasta dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. The roasted butternut squash adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish, while the creamy sauce and Parmesan cheese make it rich and flavorful. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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