Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash Baked Feta Pasta Recipe
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The combination of sweet roasted squash and salty feta creates a perfectly balanced flavor
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It’s simple to prepare with minimal hands-on time
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The oven does most of the cooking for you
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Naturally vegetarian and easy to customize
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Creamy and comforting without feeling overly heavy
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Great for meal prep and leftovers
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
butternut squash, peeled and cubed
block of feta cheese
pasta of choice such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini
olive oil
garlic cloves, minced
salt
black pepper
red pepper flakes (optional)
fresh thyme or sage (optional)
fresh basil for garnish
Directions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Add the cubed butternut squash to a large baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
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Push the squash to the sides of the dish and place the block of feta in the center. Drizzle a little olive oil over the feta and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
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Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and caramelized and the feta is soft and lightly golden.
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While the squash and feta are roasting, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
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Remove the baking dish from the oven. Add the minced garlic and herbs if using. Mash the feta and squash together until smooth and creamy.
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Add the drained pasta directly to the baking dish and toss to coat. Gradually stir in a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and make it silky.
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Garnish with fresh basil and serve warm.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 40 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Variations
For added protein, stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, or crispy pancetta.
Add fresh spinach or kale at the end and allow it to wilt into the warm pasta.
Swap feta for goat cheese for a slightly tangier and softer sauce.
Sprinkle toasted walnuts or pine nuts on top for extra texture.
Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.
Add a splash of heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat with a splash of water, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even heating.
Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the feta-based sauce may become grainy after thawing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen squash works well. Roast it straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to ensure it becomes tender and lightly caramelized.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, and rotini are ideal because they hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Is this dish very salty?
Feta is naturally salty, so it’s best to taste before adding extra salt. Adjust seasoning at the end if necessary.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can roast the squash and feta ahead of time and refrigerate them. Cook the pasta fresh and combine everything just before serving for the best texture.
How can I make the sauce creamier?
Adding a splash of heavy cream, cream cheese, or reserved pasta water will create a smoother and creamier consistency.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, simply use a plant-based feta alternative and ensure your pasta does not contain eggs.
What herbs pair well with butternut squash and feta?
Thyme, sage, rosemary, and basil complement the sweetness of the squash and the tanginess of the feta.
Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. Mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, or bell peppers roast well alongside the squash and add more flavor and texture.
Why is my sauce too thick?
If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water or warm milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Is this recipe spicy?
The dish is only mildly spicy if you include red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount or omit them entirely to control the heat level.
Conclusion
Butternut Squash Baked Feta Pasta is a simple yet impressive meal that delivers rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort. The roasted squash provides natural sweetness, the feta adds creamy tanginess, and together they create a beautifully balanced pasta dish. Whether you keep it classic or experiment with different variations, this recipe is sure to become a reliable favorite in your kitchen.
