Squash Pasta in Tomato Sauce
A comforting, healthy weeknight dinner that combines sweet roasted squash with a vibrant, savory tomato sauce over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
- •2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced small (300g)
- •1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta (450g)
- •2 tablespoons olive oil (30ml)
- •1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (150g)
- •3 cloves garlic, minced
- •1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz / 800g)
- •1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- •1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- •1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50g)
- •1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- •Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with one tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
- 2
Roast the squash for 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, then set aside.
- 3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
- 4
While the pasta cooks, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- 5
Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
- 6
Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes, cooking for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- 7
Pour in the crushed tomatoes, season with salt and pepper, and let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes.
- 8
Gently fold the roasted squash and cooked pasta into the simmering tomato sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the pasta evenly.
- 9
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil, then remove from heat and serve warm.
💡 Chef tips
- You can substitute butternut squash with kabocha or acorn squash depending on what is in season.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
✅ How it should turn out
The finished dish features tender, sweet bites of squash enveloped in a rich, herbaceous tomato sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors.