Butternut Squash & Kale Pasta Medley
Nothing quite says wintertime like flavorfully roasted winter squash. While soups are a delicious go-to for January dinners, there’s lots of other creative ways to spice things up with squash cooking. One of the easiest favorites is to mix it with kale and toss it in a pasta dish. Delicious both cold and warm, this squash pasta recipe will keep you coming back for leftovers day after day!
Ingredients
This recipe makes about 8 servings
-1 large butternut squash, cubed
-half of a large yellow onion
-1 bunch of kale (Curly and Dino both work great!)
-1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans
-1 cup of parmesan cheese, more to sprinkle on at the end
-bacon (optional to sprinkle on at the end)
-1 box of ziti pasta
-olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and any additional desired seasonings
Other tools needed: Large/deep saucepan or wok to mix together all ingredients at the end.
Method
1) Cut squash into 1 inch deep circles like image below. Then, roughly cut off skin and take out seeds from base. Cut squash into even cubes and coat with oil, salt, and any additional desired seasonings. Bake in oven at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until squash is soft and easy to poke with a fork.
2) While squash is baking, dice the 1/2 onion, cut kale into bite size pieces, and boil pasta for the amount of time designated on the box.
3) In a large and deep sauce pan, sauté onion on low with oil for 4-5 minutes then add kale. Add a few pinches of salt to the onion and kale and continue stirring on low for another 4-5 minutes or until kale turns bright green and tender. If this finishes before squash is done, turn off heat and set to the side.
4) Once squash is done baking and pasta is done boiling and drained, add squash, onions, kale, and pasta into large saucepan or wok and cook on medium-low for 1 minute. Add parmesan, nuts, and more seasonings to taste and mix together for another 2 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.
5) If desired, sprinkle cooked bacon on top and add additional parmesan. Serve immediately and enjoy!