If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming dish that captures the essence of Fall, then this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is just what you need! It’s one of my go-to recipes for busy weeknights when I want something simple yet satisfying. The combination of creamy feta, sweet butternut squash, and fragrant sage creates a delightful melody of flavors that will make your kitchen feel like a warm hug.

This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with friends. With minimal effort required, it’s easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking to treat yourself after a long day, this pasta dish will be on your regular rotation all season long.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This pasta comes together in about 40 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Flavor-Packed: The combination of baked feta, roasted butternut squash, and fresh sage delivers an explosion of taste in every bite.
Family-Friendly: Kids love pasta, and the creamy texture makes this dish appealing to all ages.
Meal Prep Friendly: You can easily double the recipe for leftovers or meal prep for the week ahead!
Comforting Goodness: This dish embodies comfort food vibes while still being nutritious.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients to create this delicious dish. Most of these items are pantry staples or readily available at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

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

The beauty of this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up according to your taste preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some ideas:

Add Greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale for an extra dose of color and nutrients.
Change the Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using ricotta or goat cheese instead for different flavor profiles.
Boost the Protein: Add cooked chicken or chickpeas to the mix for a heartier meal.
Spice Level Up: For those who love heat, consider adding more red pepper flakes or even diced jalapeños!

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. This step ensures that our butternut squash roasts beautifully, becoming tender and caramelized while we prepare everything else.

Step 2: Prepare the Butternut Squash

Next, toss your cubed butternut squash in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and a few cracks of fresh black pepper. This seasoning will bring out the natural sweetness of the squash. Once coated, place the squash in a baking dish with the block of feta nestled in the center. Drizzle some olive oil over the feta along with red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy! Bake it all in the oven for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Brown the Feta

After those first thirty minutes have passed, take out your baking dish carefully. Gently move around the butternut squash without disturbing the feta—this helps prevent burning on the bottom. Turn up the heat to 450°F and pop it back into the oven for another 5-10 minutes until that feta gets beautifully browned.

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While everything is roasting away in the oven, boil your pasta according to package instructions in generously salted water. Once it’s al dente—firm but cooked through—drain it but save about two cups of that starchy pasta water; it’s liquid gold when it comes to creating a creamy sauce!

Step 5: Combine Everything Together

Once your feta is nicely browned, pull that baking dish from the oven! Stir in minced garlic, minced sage leaves, and honey right away so they infuse their flavors into that luscious cheese. Then add your drained pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water. Mixing it all together will create an indulgent sauce that clings perfectly to each piece of pasta.

Step 6: Adjust Sauce Consistency

If your dish seems dry after mixing everything together—no worries! Just add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach a creamy consistency that feels just right. Finally, season with more salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget—you can always drizzle on more hot honey if you like things sweet!

And there you have it—the perfect Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic ready to be enjoyed!

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

This delightful dish is sure to become a family favorite! Here are some tips to ensure it’s as delicious as possible.

Choose the right pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like rotini, orzo, or ditalini that hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
Mind the temperature: Baking the feta at higher temperatures towards the end allows it to get that irresistible golden crust, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Always taste your pasta before serving and feel free to adjust the salt and pepper. Each butternut squash can vary in sweetness, so a little extra seasoning might be necessary!
Make it your own: Feel free to add other vegetables like spinach or kale for added nutrition or swap out the sage for thyme or rosemary if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Save those leftovers: This dish stores well in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of olive oil or reserved pasta water to bring back that creamy texture.

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

When it comes to serving this baked feta and butternut squash pasta, presentation is key! Here are a few ideas to make your meal even more inviting.

Garnishes

Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle some additional fresh sage or parsley on top just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Toasted Pine Nuts: Add a handful of toasted pine nuts for a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish.
Grated Parmesan (or vegan alternative): A light dusting of grated cheese can add a savory finish, enhancing the overall taste experience.

Side Dishes

Mixed Green Salad: Toss together some mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette. The crispness of the salad provides a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Garlic Bread: A warm loaf of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. It’s an easy addition that everyone loves!
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized veggies add another layer of flavor and are packed with nutrients—plus, they’re super easy to make!
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and health benefits while balancing out the richness of the pasta dish.

Enjoy your meal with friends or family, and don’t forget to share your experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Divide the pasta into individual portions in freezer-safe containers.
Ensure to leave some space at the top for expansion.
Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Warm in a saucepan over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring frequently.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delightful dish, you’re not alone!

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

Yes! To make this dish vegan, simply substitute the feta cheese with a plant-based feta alternative.

What can I serve with Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or some crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

How do I enhance the flavors of Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

For an extra flavor kick, try adding roasted nuts or seeds on top for crunch, or sprinkle in some fresh herbs like parsley just before serving!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this comforting Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! It’s not just easy to whip up but also packed with flavors that celebrate Fall. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a meal prep staple, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your creations!