If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish to warm up your fall evenings, this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is exactly what you need. It’s a delightful blend of creamy feta and sweet butternut squash, all tossed together with garlic and fresh sage. This recipe has quickly become one of my favorites, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings where everyone will leave the table happy and satisfied.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With minimal prep time and wholesome ingredients, you can create something truly special without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies while enjoying a comforting bowl of pasta!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have dinner on the table in under an hour.
Family-Friendly: The combination of flavors makes this dish appealing to both kids and adults alike.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the components earlier in the day for an even quicker meal when you’re ready to eat.
Deliciously Satisfying: The creamy feta combined with roasted butternut squash creates a rich flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine. You probably already have many of these staples at home!

5 cups Butternut Squash (about 1 large butternut squash)
1/2 cup Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling)
2 hefty pinches Kosher Salt (just shy of 1/2 tsp)
1 hefty pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 8 oz block Feta Cheese
1 lb Pasta (such as rotini, orzo, or ditalini)
10 leaves Fresh Sage (minced)
3 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
1 tbsp Hot Honey (regular honey is fine too)
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the pasta shape: Use your favorite pasta like penne or farfalle instead of rotini or orzo.
Add more veggies: Toss in some spinach or kale during the last few minutes of baking for an extra boost of greens.
Change up the herbs: If you don’t have sage, try thyme or rosemary for a different flavor profile.
Make it vegan-friendly: Substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese alternative for a delicious dairy-free option.

How to Make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F degrees. This ensures that your butternut squash roasts perfectly and the feta becomes beautifully creamy.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and fresh pepper. Place it in a baking dish and nestle the block of feta right in the middle. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the feta along with red pepper flakes if you like a little kick. Bake for about 30 minutes until everything is tender and aromatic.

Step 3: Brown the Feta

After your initial baking time, check on your squash. Give it a light stir—just enough to prevent burning—but be gentle with the feta. Increase your oven temperature to 450°F and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes until the feta is slightly browned on top. This step adds depth to its flavor!

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While everything bakes away in the oven, bring a pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta once it’s bubbling fiercely. Cook until al dente according to package instructions—this usually takes about eight minutes. Don’t forget to reserve two cups of that starchy pasta water before draining!

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once your baked feta is golden brown, remove it from the oven and stir in minced garlic, fresh sage leaves, and honey immediately! The heat will infuse those flavors beautifully into every bite. Add your drained pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water; give everything a good mix.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency & Season

If things look too dry, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach that lovely creamy consistency we all crave. Taste it! Season with additional salt and freshly cracked black pepper as needed. If you want more sweetness, drizzle in extra hot honey.

And there you have it—a cozy bowl of Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic that’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your household! Enjoy every savory bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

This recipe is as delicious as it is simple, so let’s make sure you get the most out of your cooking experience!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and herbs will enhance the flavors significantly, making your dish vibrant and full of life.
Adjust the spice level: If you like a little kick, feel free to increase the amount of red pepper flakes or drizzle in more hot honey. This will add depth and warmth to your pasta.
Reserve enough pasta water: Keeping extra pasta water on hand ensures you can achieve that creamy texture. It’s all about balancing the sauce consistency!
Experiment with different cheeses: While feta is a star in this dish, trying alternatives like goat cheese or a dairy-free cheese can add unique flavors and textures.
Add protein if desired: For those looking for a bit more substance, consider stirring in some cooked chickpeas or grilled chicken to make this meal even heartier.

How to Serve Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Presenting this dish beautifully can make it even more enjoyable! Here are some ideas on how to serve it up.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some additional minced sage or parsley on top just before serving for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Toasted Nuts: A handful of toasted walnuts or pine nuts can add a delightful crunch that complements the creamy pasta perfectly.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread: Nothing beats a slice of warm garlic bread alongside this pasta. The crispy, buttery goodness pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper, these caramelized veggies bring an earthy flavor that works well with the sweetness of butternut squash.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet effective! Steamed broccoli adds vibrant color and nutrients while complementing the flavors of your main dish.

Enjoy crafting your Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll have a delightful dinner that everyone will love.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is perfect for meal prep! It keeps well, allowing you to enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
It will last for up to 3-4 days.
For best results, reheat only the portion you plan to eat at a time.

Freezing

Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, removing as much air as possible.
It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water for moisture.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this recipe, you’re not alone! Here are some common inquiries:

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta in Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Yes! While feta adds a unique flavor, you can substitute it with goat cheese or a creamy plant-based cheese for a similar creamy texture. Just adjust your seasoning as needed since different cheeses have varying salt levels.

How do I make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic vegan?

To make this dish vegan-friendly, simply replace feta cheese with a plant-based alternative. Additionally, use maple syrup instead of honey for sweetness.

What types of pasta work best with this recipe?

You can use any pasta shape you like; rotini, orzo, and ditalini work particularly well due to their ability to hold onto sauce. Choose your favorite!

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is not only easy to prepare but also delivers comforting flavors that warm the soul. I hope you enjoy making this delightful dish as much as I do! It’s perfect for cozy evenings at home. Don’t hesitate to share your experience or variations; I’d love to hear from you!