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Butternut Squash Green Chile Pasta Bake

Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour

Ingredients

  • 1 medium squash roasted until soft and with the flesh scooped out. Butternut works great in this recipe - but you could also use varieties like pumpkin or red kuri
  • Salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil + more for squash
  • 8 ounces pasta Choose a pasta shape that has air/volume (like ziti). You can also try a bean or lentil pasta for extra protein!
  • 1 yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage
  • ¼-½ cup green chile (more or less to taste), roasted, deseeded, and peeled
  • 1 cup cup of low/no sodium vegetable/chicken broth
  • cups shredded cheese, like Monterey jack, cheddar, or a blend
  • cups breadcrumbs

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
  • Cut the squash in half, lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. If the skin is tough, try microwaving the squash for 3-5 minutes, before slicing. Drizzle some oil and salt on the squash, and then place cut side down on a baking dish. Roast for 30-45 minutes, or until the flesh is very soft. Once cooled, scoop the flesh out and set aside.
  • Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to directions and set aside.
  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tbsp of oil. Add the onions, garlic, herbs, and cook until onions are soft.
  • Then add the scooped squash flesh, green chile, and 1/2 cup of broth. Mix until a thick sauce is created. Add broth and mash squash with a fork if needed. Add the pasta and gently fold it in. Then place the squash-pasta mixture in a baking dish.
  • Top with a layer of cheese, then breadcrumbs, and then another layer of cheese. Bake for 10 minutes in the oven, or until the cheese is bubbly.