Category: Pasta Recipes

Main Course Recipes, Pasta Recipes, Sauces

Italian Sausage Red Sauce with Zoodles or Noodles

emilyalwayscooks

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, not much makes me happier than a pot of red sauce simmering on the stove. I like to make a big batch of this sauce over the weekend and freeze it in 2-4 cup increments.  Then on a busy weeknight, just defrost in the refrigerator for 8 hours (I usually do this during the day while at work) and reheat on the stove for 15 minutes. You can also defrost this sauce quickly in a large bowl with warm water for 30ish minutes on the counter.

I like to serve this sauce over pasta, zoodles, spaghetti squash, french bread (with a big dollop of ricotta), on a pizza, in a panini … lots of options.

Last night when I got home from work I realized all I had in the refrigerator was 2 zucchini and a wedge of Parmesan cheese … shoot, zucchini for dinner isn’t going to cut it … either is take-out. Freezer sauce to the rescue! Zoodles for me, spaghetti for the hubs and sauce for both. Phew, crisis averted.

I went to bed happy and full … and grateful for a freezer with Italian sausage red sauce in it.

Italian Sausage Red Sauce2Italian Sausage Red Sauce

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, removed from casings (pork or chicken)
  • 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 28 oz crushed tomatoes tomatoes
  • 28 oz tomato sauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (more if you like it spicy, or leave out if you do not like spice)
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped (alternatively, 2 tsp dried oregano)
  • 1 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped (alternatively, 2 tsp dried parsley)
  • Handful fresh basil, leaves torn into pieces (no alternative, gotta use the fresh stuff)

Directions:

  1. In a large pot, cook Italian sausage over medium-high heat until the fat is rendered and the sausage starts to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Remove all but 2 tbsp of fat from the pan.
  2. To the fat remaining in the pan, add the onions and garlic and cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
  3. Add tomato paste and cook 1 minute, then add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, parsley, and reserved Italian sausage.
  4. Bring sauce to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer and cook for as long as you can, but for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Remove from heat, adjust seasoning to taste and add fresh basil.
  6. Serve as you please!
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Pasta Recipes, Salads

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken

emilyalwayscooks

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad2

 

Some of the best memories are made in flip flops … while eating this dish.

Summer’s back.  Time to make Greek tortellini pasta salad.  Here’s my update on the classic Greek salad. I mixed it up by adding cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, and a couple other tid bits.  I’ve always got cheese tortellini on hand for simple weeknight suppers.  Always a crowd (or, just me) pleaser.

I toss the cheese tortellini with chicken breasts (use a rotisserie chicken as a huge time saver), cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, artichoke hearts, chickpeas, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and parsley. On the side, I’ll put together a simple homemade Greek salad dressing.  Give it all a toss, and ,dinner is served.  Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for a couple of days.  Lunch, a simple after workout snack, or even breakfast.  (Yes, I’ve been known to eat leftover pasta salad for breakfast before work. No shame!)

This also works wonderfully for picnics, potlucks, bbqs, or a weeknight meal.  Perfect for summer.  Bright and easy. Just like my favorite pair of flip flops.

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad1Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad3

 

Ingredients:

  • 20 oz cheese tortellini
  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 2 large breasts), or 1 rotisserie chicken
  • 1 1/2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 1/2 cups cucumber (about 1/2 of a hothouse cucumber), peeled, seeds removed and diced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 14 oz can artichoke hearts packed in water, drained and chopped
  • 14 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup kalamata olives, halved
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 5 oz block feta cheese, crumbled (I prefer feta packed in brine)
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Directions:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees F.  Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  Cook for 35 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.  Set aside until cool enough to handle and cut into bite sized pieces.  Alternatively, dice 3 cups of rotisserie chicken.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Cook tortellini in boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or according to package directions.  Drain and rinse under cold water until cool.  Set aside and reserve.
  3. Combine cooled tortellini, shredded chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, artichoke hearts, chickpeas and kalamata olives in a large bowl.
  4. Make dressing by combining olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and dried oregano.  Mix well.
  5. Toss salad with the dressing.  Start by adding half of the dressing and add more to suit your taste.
  6. Add feta cheese and fresh parsley.  Toss well and serve.

Note: Salad can be served right away but is best cooled in the refrigerator for a few hours.  Salad will keep well for 3 days in the refrigerator.

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad4

Main Course Recipes, Pasta Recipes

Lazy Ravioli Lasagna

emilyalwayscooks

Lazy Lasagna

 

So, you’re in a precarious “situation” with the mafia?  (It happens … I guess)  Cooking up a tasty lasagna would really ease some tensions, right?  Problem is, you’ve got neither the time nor the fresh ingredients for a proper dish. Lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese filling, the timely/messy process of layering of everything together?  Here’s the perfect shortcut.  We’re using frozen cheese ravioli!

So, you’re in the above precarious situation? (Figurative … play along) Here’s whatcha do:

No need to pre boil the noodles or make the ricotta cheese filling.  Simply layer together marinara, frozen cheese ravioli, mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.  Then bake until bubbly and golden.  Lasagna on a mafia pressured weeknight just got a whole lot easier. (Phew!)

Lazy LasagnaLazy Lasagna

 

I had to get somewhat fancy with my marinara sauce.  (I couldn’t help it.)  I added some aromatics and Italian sausage.  If you need to save time, then crack open a jar of store-bought marinara.  In this case, make sure you remember to add 1/2 cup of water.  The ravioli’s need a bit more liquid to cook in.

Your family will think you’ve been slaving away all day.  The guys in velvet sweat suits and greased back hair will think “uncle so and so” made it fresh.

Lazy Lasagna.  Saving family dinner … one meal at a time.

Lazy LasagnaLazy Lasagna

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 lb bulk Italian sausage (leave out to make vegetarian)
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 3 cups marinara, store-bought (25 oz jar) or homemade
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 tbsp fresh herbs, divided (parsley/basil/rosemary – whatever you have on hand)
  • non-stick cooking spray
  • 24oz frozen ravioli, I used a spinach and ricotta variety
  • 3 cups shredded mozzarella
  • 1/4 cup fresh Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

  1. Heat olive oil in a large saute pan over medium heat.  Add onion and cook for 3-5 minutes until translucent.  Add garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.  Add Italian sausage and cook, stirring frequently, about 8 minutes.  Once sausage is fully cooked, remove from heat and drain off any excess fat.
  2. Put saute pan with sausage mixture back over medium heat.  Add red pepper flakes and dried oregano.  Stir well and allow herbs to hit the warm oil to “wake them up.”
  3. Add marinara, water, and 2 tbsp fresh herbs.  Bring to a low boil and cook for 15-20 minutes.  Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before assembling lasagna.
  4. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees F.
  5. Spray casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray or grease with a small amount of vegetable oil or butter.
  6. Time to begin assembling the lasagna.
  7. Add one cup of marinara to prepared casserole dish to coat the bottom.
  8. In the following order, add half of the ravioli, 1.5 cups marinara, 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella, and 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese.
  9. Repeat with another layer – the other half of the ravioli, the remainder of the sauce (about a cup and a half), 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella and 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese.
  10. Cover dish with aluminum foil and bake covered for 50 minutes. Note, spray the inside of the aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray (or smear with a small amount of vegetable oil) so it does not stick to the cheese.
  11. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes.  The cheese will be melted and sauce will be bubbling in the corners.  Add 1 tbsp fresh herbs on top and allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before digging in.

Servings: 8 (serving size: 1 1/2 cups)

My sous chef couldn’t resist the aroma!

Lazy Lasagna

Pasta Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes

Stove-top Gnocchi (not mac) and Cheese with Peas

emilyalwayscooks

Fun enough for the kids.  Just grown up enough for the adult palate as well.  So simple to make.  Ready for it?  Sure you are.

Gnocchi3

 

This is a fun twist on macaroni and cheese.  I like creating an opportunity to introduce children to new foods and expand their palates, while simultaneously eating something with a sense of familiarity.  Stove-top Gnocchi (not Mac) and Cheese with Peas … does just that.  It’s a rich, decadent cheese sauce.  Move over kiddies, I’m diving in too.

If you’ve never cooked gnocchi (small potato dumplings) before, the time is now. Your family will love these little potato pillows.  Just bring a big pot of salted water to a boil (as you would for pasta).  Then add the gnocchi, give it a stir, and wait until they rise to the surface. About 3-ish minutes.  Once they’ve floated to the top, just strain out the water and you’re ready to go!  Easy peasy!

Prepare your ingredients ahead of time.  Shred your cheeses and have your milk and seasonings out and ready.  The thing about cheese sauce is that things happen fast.  Because you’re working with milk, butter, cheese and heat – this sauce can burn easily if you’re not careful.  By getting everything prepared ahead of time, you can focus on the cooking.

This dish comes together in under 30 minutes.  Being prepared in one pot means minimal clean up.  (We love that!)  Happy family.  Easy clean up.  Delicious meal for the whole crew.

Gnocchi2Gnocchi1Gnocchi4

 

Ingredients:

  • 2 17.5 ounce boxes potato gnocchi
  • 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 tbsp flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1/4 tsp mustard powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 2 cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cups freshly shredded fontina cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 1/2 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • (Optional toppings: chopped fresh basil, extra Parmesan cheese)

Directions:

  1. Bring a large heavy-bottomed stock pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Drain, set aside, and reserve.  Make sure to toss the cooked gnocchi frequently so they do not stick together when preparing the cheese sauce.
  2. Next, make the béchamel sauce.  In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once the butter has melted, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.  Stir in the flour and cook the mixture, stirring constantly until light brown in color with a slightly toasted aroma, about 3 minutes. Add the milk slowly into the flour and butter mixture, whisking constantly so you get all the lumps out.  Bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly, then simmer,  still whisking occasionally, for 3 minutes to thicken.  The sauce should thicken enough to coat the back of a spoon.
  3. Stir in cheeses, mustard powder, salt and pepper until smooth.  Note: Do not add your cheese too fast or too soon as this could result in clumpy, greasy chaos instead of creamy, cheesy deliciousness.  Instead, wait for your béchamel to reach the right thickness.  Then, add the cheese in three batches, making sure each batch is completely melted before adding more cheese.
  4. Add the gnocchi and peas, stirring to combine, and cook over low heat just until warmed throughout. Serve immediately with fresh basil and additional parmesan cheese.

Note: It will originally seem that there is too much cheese sauce for the amount of gnocchi. Trust me – the sauce will continue to thicken and you will be happy with the extra creamy, cheesy deliciousness.

Note: Leftovers can be topped with homemade breadcrumbs (2-3 slices of day old bread pulsed in a food processor to form small crumbs then combined with 1 tbsp melted butter and 2 tsp fresh herbs) and baked in a 350 degree F oven for 40 minutes until bubbling and golden brown.

Servings: 6

Thank you Bell Family Company for featuring Stove-top Gnocchi (not Mac) and Cheese with Peas on your blog.  Anyone living in the New York or Chicago area looking for an incredible nanny service, look no further.  Need a sitter for date night? A TravelSitter for your summer vacation?  A full-time nanny for a new baby?  They have you covered.  Visit their website for details.  Let them know Emily Always Cooks sent you!

Pasta Recipes, Salads, Vegetarian Recipes

Roasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta Salad

emilyalwayscooks

Roasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta Salad

 

I’ve got roasted garlic and tomatoes, and I’ve got feta cheese, and I’ve got arugula, and I’ve got artichokes, and I’ve got a deliciously lemony dressing.  And, you may partake with me on one condition; that you listen to (read) my short rant about Spring weather in Chicago.  Those of you not dealing with these same weather conditions, just bare with me!

Mother Nature is currently unleashing her full schizophrenic arsenal on us.  One day the temperature “soars” to 60F.  The next day brings partial snow flurries and blustery winds followed by multiple days of perma-gray skies.  This time of year has me craving bright Spring flavors while simultaneously hankering for Winter comfort foods.  This dish is a lovely and beautiful combination of the two.

The produce isn’t exactly “there” yet.  My easy fix … roasting my veggies.  Roasting tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and concentrates the flavor.  The juice from the tomatoes combines with the vinaigrette.  This coats the pasta, adding a fat free component to the sauce.  The same goes for the roasted garlic.

Roasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta SaladRoasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta SaladRoasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta Salad

 

If you live in a warm weather climate, just chalk my above rant up to ‘another Midwesterner complaining about the weather.’  If you’re here with me … Just chalk my above rant up to ‘another Midwesterner complaining about the weather.’  Either way, this dish is not weather discriminant.  Great when served cold or at room temperature.  Light and bright, yet hearty and comforting.  The answer to this cold/warm/cold/warm weather.

Roasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta SaladRoasted Tomato and Arugula Pasta Salad

 

Ingredients:

  • 16oz whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 pints cherry tomatoes
  • 1/3 cup plus 2 tsp olive oil, divided
  • 3 garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1 sprig rosemary (optional: I add rosemary to all of my roasted vegetables because I have a rosemary plant on my windowsill garden, this can easily be left out if you do not have it on hand.)
  • 1 lemon, zested
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • A small handful of basil, about 1/8 cup, julienned
  • 15oz can artichoke hearts, quartered
  • 2 scallions, finely sliced
  • 4-6 cups arugula
  • 1 cup feta crumbled (or substitute 8 oz container ciliegine “small cherry” fresh mozzarella balls)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions in a large pot of boiling salted water.  For al dente, my whole wheat penne took 15 minutes.  Drain and run under water to cool and stop the cooking.
  2. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.  Combine cherry tomatoes with 2 tsp olive oil, garlic cloves, fresh rosemary, salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  Cook for 20-25 minutes until tomatoes are soft, slightly charred, and some are just bursting. Discard rosemary and mince the freshly roasted garlic. Set aside to be added to the salad dressing.
  3. To make the vinaigrette, combine 1/3 cup olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced roasted garlic, fresh basil, salt and freshly cracked black pepper.  Give the dressing a good whisk. If using a mason jar,  give a few shakes.
  4. Combine cooked pasta, artichokes, and scallions with 1/2 of the dressing, and toss to coat. Add the fresh arugula and roasted tomatoes. Toss again *being careful not to crush the tomatoes.*  Add additional vinaigrette to your taste.  Note: The tomatoes are delicate and contain a lot of juice, so be careful when tossing.  Also, if the tomatoes burst, the tomato juice will add liquid and become part of the vinaigrette, so be careful not to over dress.
  5. Top with feta or mozzarella cheese.

Servings: 10 servings
Serving size: 1 cup – 1 1/2 cups (depending on the amount of arugula added)

Main Course Recipes, Pasta Recipes, Seafood Recipes

Zucchini Noodles and Spaghetti with Pesto, Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and Shrimp

emilyalwayscooks

Pesto Zucchini Noodles and Spaghetti with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and Shrimp

 

I’m a pesto loving fool.  I’m also a tomato loving fool.  Thankfully, this dish has ’em both (plus super cool spiraled zucchini noodles).  I’m a fool in love, and in this particular instance I’m referring to my dinner.

What do I love about this dish (other than the pesto and tomatoes?):

  • The harmonious balance of slightly chewy al dente pasta and crunchy veg achieved through the combination of pasta noodles and zucchini noodles.
  • The sweetness from the roasted garlic.  Enough said.
  • The toppings. Shrimp, garlic and herb panko breadcrumbs, lemon zest, fresh basil, and the parmesan cheese.

Tomatoesphoto 1photo 2

 

Spiral that fresh zucchini and slice up those pretty multi colored cherry tomatoes. Tear up that fresh basil, and take in that delicious aroma from the roasted garlic.  Lady Summer is still hanging around for a while, and she loves when you get a little foolhardy with her fresh ingredients … she told me so.

Pesto Zucchini Noodles and Spaghetti with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and Shrimp Pesto Zucchini Noodles and Spaghetti with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and Shrimp Pesto Zucchini Noodles and Spaghetti with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and Shrimp Pesto Zucchini Noodles and Spaghetti with Roasted Tomatoes, Garlic and Shrimp

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half
  • 1/4 cup plus 1 tsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 pound spaghetti (or 2 oz per person)
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 small garlic clove, minced
  • A small pinch of Herbs de Provence (or dried oregano)
  • A small pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1 head roasted garlic, squeezed from skins, and mashed with a fork
  • 1/2 cup pesto, homemade or store bought
  • 3 zucchini, spiraled (use a vegetable spiral slicer or a julienne peeler)
  • 1 lb large (16-20 count) shrimp, shelled and deveined (Ask your butcher for them this way.  If you have to devein your own shrimp, follow these steps.)
  • The zest from 1/2 of a lemon (approximately 1/2 tbsp)
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1/4 cup freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste

Directions:

  1. Reminder: If you haven’t already done so, roast your garlic now. This takes about 35 minutes!
  2. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.  Bring a large pot of water to a boil.  Line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
  3. Add the tomatoes to the sheet pan, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and sprinkle with salt. Toss to coat, then spread out into a single even layer.  Roast for 20-25 minutes.
  4. Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente.  You want the pasta to be tender but slightly firm to the bite.  Drain, reserving 1/4 cup of starchy pasta water.  Reserve pasta.
  5. Meanwhile, add 1 teaspoon olive oil, panko bread crumbs, minced garlic, Herbs de Provence, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt to a small skillet.  Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the breadcrumbs are toasted and fragrant.  Remove from heat and reserve.
  6. Combine roasted garlic, pesto, and a few tablespoons of the reserved cooking water in a small boil.  Stir to combine and reserve.
  7. Add 2 tbsp of olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add spiraled zucchini, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper.  Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until zucchini is cooked through.  (Note: Watch your spiraled zucchini carefully. You do not want it to overcook and become mushy. The goal is for it to retain a nice crunch.)
  8. Meanwhile, add 1 tbsp of olive oil to another large skillet over medium high heat.  Season shrimp with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, and cook for 5 minutes until cooked through.  Cover to keep warm and reserve.
  9. Once spiraled zucchini is cooked through, add the cooked spaghetti and pesto mixture to the pan. Toss to coat and cook for 3 minutes.  Add more pesto or pasta water if necessary.  You want the spaghetti and zucchini to be coated with a nice layer of pesto.
  10. Add the roasted tomatoes to the pan. Toss to combine and cook one additional minute.  Sprinkle with half of the toasted bread crumbs, lemon zest, fresh basil, and reserved shrimp.
  11. Transfer to a serving platter, or serve right out of the skillet.  Serve with remaining  bread crumbs and fresh parmesan cheese on the side.

Serves: 4

Pasta Recipes, Vegetarian Recipes

Roasted Butternut Squash and Parmesan Sauce

emilyalwayscooks

Roasted Butternut and Parmesan Sauce

 

Another vegetarian dish for y’all! (I know I’m a Midwesterner, but I just felt like typing “y’all”… ever get that urge?) Not to worry, carnivores.  This recipe will not disappoint.  A really cool substitute for the marinara/pesto sauces typically used in pasta dishes.

Roasted Butternut and Parmesan Sauce Roasted Butternut and Parmesan Sauce

 

The natural smoothness of the pureed butternut squash gives this sauce a velvety, creamy texture.  No actual cream required.   Butter, olive oil, shallot, garlic, sage, and red pepper flakes cook together to make a wonderful flavor base for the roasted squash puree.  High quality parmesan cheese is mandatory.  Toss with your favorite pasta; long, short, thick, thin, whole wheat, gulten free, low carb … all good options.  Top with extra parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, and you have yourself one flavorful and highly satisfying bowl of pasta.  Healthy and beautiful, I might add.

This is one of my make ahead go-to recipes. If you find yourself with a little spare time on your hands over a weekend, take advantage of it by putting this gem of a sauce together.  Prepare the sauce as directed, allow to cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container.  On the night you plan to serve, reheat the sauce on your stove top over low heat with a splash of water or vegetable broth.  Boil up some noodles to toss with the warmed sauce, throw together a little salad, and dinner is served.  Makes for a super simple weeknight meal.

Vegetarians and carnivores alike, this simple and elegant sauce is one to keep in your back pocket.  A great one for y’all!

Roasted Butternut and Parmesan Sauce

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 butternut squash, medium sized
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 shallots, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 5 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
  • Small pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth, plus more if needed
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • Additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish, optional

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees F.

Prepare butternut squash for roasting.  Cut butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.  Place butternut squash on a rimmed baking sheet, cut side down.  Add 1 cup of water to baking sheet.  Bake until fork tender, about 40 minutes.  Remove squash from oven and allow it to rest until it is cool enough to handle.  Scoop out the cooked squash, and discard the skin.  Place cooked squash into the base of your blender or food processor and reserve.

Meanwhile, add butter and olive oil to a saute pan over medium heat.  Once butter is melted, add shallot and garlic and cook for 2-3 minutes.  Add sage and red pepper flakes and cook one additional minute.

To the cooked squash, add shallot and garlic mixture, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, salt, and pepper.  Blend until well combined and sauce comes together.

Add pureed sauce to the same pan you sauteed your shallot and garlic in.  On low heat, cook for 2 minutes until warmed through, add parmesan cheese, and stir to combine.  If your sauce is too thick, add an additional 1/4 cup of vegetable broth.  At this point the sauce is ready to go.

Toss sauce with your favorite pasta.  Top with additional parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.

Servings: 4

Serving Size: 2 ounces of pasta and approximately 1/2 cup of sauce per person

Note: Sauce stores well in the refrigerator in an airtight contained for several days.

Roasted Butternut and Parmesan Sauce