Pumpkin Feta Pasta

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta recipe is a delightful way to enjoy creamy flavors while celebrating seasonal ingredients. It’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to impress without too much effort. The combination of roasted butternut squash and feta creates a rich and comforting dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The roasted pumpkin and feta blend beautifully to create a rich, creamy sauce.
• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or as a side dish; it pairs wonderfully with various proteins.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with vegetables and healthy fats from walnuts, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious.
• Flavorful Experience: The mix of garlic, thyme, and chili flakes brings out the best in every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are the essential tools you’ll need for this recipe.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Oven-safe dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Fork for mashing garlic
• Knife for chopping

Importance of Each Tool

• Oven-safe dish: Essential for roasting the pumpkin and feta together evenly.
• Large pot for boiling pasta: Allows you to cook the pasta perfectly al dente while saving some water for the sauce.
• Fork for mashing garlic: Helps incorporate the roasted garlic into your sauce smoothly.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you will need to make this delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta:

For the Pasta

• 360 g pasta shells

For the Pumpkin Mixture

• 1 kg butternut squash pumpkin
• 8 garlic cloves
• 180 g feta cheese (I’ve used Bulgarian feta)
• 2 big handfuls baby spinach
• 1 handful walnuts
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chilli flakes (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. This ensures that your pumpkin roasts evenly, bringing out its natural sweetness.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

1. Peel and chop the butternut squash pumpkin into 2cm cubes.
2. Place the chopped pumpkin in an oven-safe dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

1. Add garlic cloves (in their skins), thyme leaves, and olive oil to the pumpkin.
2. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. Mix everything well so that all ingredients are coated in olive oil.

Step 4: Add Feta Cheese

1. Place a block of feta cheese in the center of the dish surrounded by the pumpkin mixture.
2. Season the feta with additional thyme leaves and drizzle with more olive oil.

Step 5: Roast in Oven

Place your dish in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and the feta has softened.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

When there are about 10 minutes left on your pumpkin, start cooking your pasta in heavily salted water. Remember to save some pasta water!

Step 7: Mash Garlic

Once roasted, remove your oven dish from the oven. Gently peel garlic cloves from their skins using a fork, mashing them directly in the same tray.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Break up the roasted feta cheese into chunks and stir it into the pumpkin mixture along with fresh spinach.

Step 9: Mix with Pasta

Top with your cooked pasta, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. Mix until everything is well combined; add more water if needed.

Step 10: Final Touches

Before serving, sprinkle with chilli flakes and crumbled walnuts on top to keep them crunchy.

Now you have a delicious plate of Pumpkin Feta Pasta ready to be enjoyed!

How to Serve Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Serving Pumpkin Feta Pasta is a delightful experience that enhances its creamy texture and rich flavors. Here are some creative ways to present this dish for a memorable meal.

Pair with a Fresh Salad

• Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together arugula, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber for a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Spinach and Avocado Salad: Combine baby spinach with ripe avocado, olive oil, and lemon juice for a vibrant side.

Add Grilled Vegetables

• Grilled Zucchini: Slice zucchini into strips and grill until tender. The smoky flavor complements the pasta beautifully.
• Roasted Bell Peppers: Sweet roasted peppers add color and a hint of sweetness that pairs well with the savory feta.

Serve with Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread: Warm slices of garlic bread brushed with olive oil or butter for a perfect accompaniment.
• Focaccia: Soft and fluffy focaccia drizzled with olive oil is great for dipping into the creamy sauce.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta

To achieve the best Pumpkin Feta Pasta, attention to detail is key. Here are some helpful tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh butternut squash and high-quality feta cheese for maximum flavor.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the pasta al dente so it maintains its texture when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Keep some pasta water aside to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed.
• Season Generously: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and other seasonings before serving to enhance flavors.
• Add Fresh Herbs Before Serving: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley adds freshness right before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Complementing your Pumpkin Feta Pasta can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some fantastic side dishes you can serve alongside.

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Oven-roasted broccoli tossed in garlic creates a flavorful and healthy side.
2. Caprese Skewers: Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and fresh basil drizzled with balsamic glaze make for an appealing starter.
3. Lemon Herb Quinoa: Lightly seasoned quinoa provides a nutritious base that pairs well with creamy pasta.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers filled with rice, vegetables, and herbs add variety to your meal.
5. Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts tossed in balsamic vinegar offer a crunchy texture that contrasts nicely.
6. Zucchini Noodles: Spiralized zucchini lightly sautéed can be a low-carb alternative served alongside or under the pasta.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Feta Pasta, it’s important to steer clear of common errors that can affect the dish’s quality.

• Bold flavor choices: Using overly strong or conflicting spices can overpower the dish. Stick to salt, pepper, and mild herbs like thyme for balance.
• Improper pasta cooking: Cooking pasta too long can make it mushy. Always check for al dente texture and remember to reserve some pasta water for a creamier sauce.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season each layer can lead to blandness. Ensure you season the pumpkin, feta, and pasta adequately for flavor.
• Overcooking vegetables: Burning or overcooking the pumpkin can change its texture. Monitor closely while roasting; it should be tender but not mushy.
• Skipping the garlic: Garlic adds depth to the dish. Don’t skip mashing it into the mixture after roasting; it enhances the flavor significantly.
• Ignoring serving temperature: Serving this dish cold can reduce its appeal. Serve hot for a creamy and delicious experience.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Feta Pasta in an airtight container.
• It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C/350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some commonly asked questions about Pumpkin Feta Pasta that may help you along the way.

What is Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

Pumpkin Feta Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish made with roasted butternut squash pumpkin, feta cheese, and pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Can I customize my Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like kale or zucchini or substitute feta with plant-based cheese for different flavors.

How do I ensure my Pumpkin Feta Pasta is creamy?

Make sure to reserve some pasta water when cooking your pasta. Adding this water helps create a silky sauce when mixed with the roasted ingredients.

Is Pumpkin Feta Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s great for meal prep! Just store it properly in containers and reheat as needed throughout the week.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer—shells, penne, or spaghetti all work well with this creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta is not only rich and creamy but also versatile enough to accommodate your personal taste preferences. You can easily customize with additional vegetables or different cheeses. Try this delightful recipe today!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Pumpkin Feta Pasta

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Experience the comforting flavors of our Pumpkin Feta Pasta, a creamy and rich dish that celebrates seasonal ingredients. With roasted butternut squash and tangy feta cheese, this recipe is effortless yet impressive, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. The addition of garlic, fresh spinach, and walnuts elevates the dish, offering a delightful mix of textures and tastes. Whether served as a main course or a side dish, this simple pasta recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 360 g pasta shells
• 1 kg butternut squash pumpkin
• 8 garlic cloves
• 180 g feta cheese
• 2 big handfuls baby spinach
• 1 handful walnuts
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chili flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F.
2. Peel and chop the butternut squash into 2cm cubes; place in an oven-safe dish.
3. Add garlic (in skins), thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper; mix well.
4. Center a block of feta cheese among the pumpkin; season with more thyme and olive oil.
5. Roast for about 25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and feta softens.
6. Cook pasta in salted water; reserve some water before draining.
7. Mash roasted garlic in the tray; mix with pumpkin and broken feta.
8. Combine with cooked pasta, adding reserved water as needed for creaminess.
9. Serve topped with chili flakes and crumbled walnuts.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 575
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 25g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 61g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 15mg