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Creamy Butternut Squash Rigatoni Bake

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ThisCreamy Butternut Squash Rigatoni Bakeis the ultimate comfort food, blending roasted butternut squash, creamy ricotta, fresh spinach, and a medley of melted cheeses. Perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, this versatile dish is easy to prepare, packed with flavor, and customizable for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 2 cupscubed butternut squash
  • 1shallot, halved
  • 6–10garlic cloves, smashed
  • 2 tablespoonsfresh oregano leaves
  • Pinch of chili flakes
  • Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cupricotta cheese
  • 1pound rigatoni or other short-cut pasta
  • 1 cupmilk or cream
  • 1 tablespoonItalian seasoning
  • 2 cupsfresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cupoil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cupshredded Gouda cheese
  • 1/4 cupgrated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cupshredded Fontina or Provolone cheese

Instructions

  1. 1. Roast the Vegetables:
  2. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  3. On a baking sheet, toss together the olive oil, butternut squash, shallot, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 20-25 minutes until the squash is tender.
  4. 2. Make the Butternut Squash Puree:
  5. Remove the garlic cloves from their skins and transfer them along with the roasted squash, shallot, and ricotta to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. 3. Cook the Pasta:
  7. In a large, oven-safe skillet with sides, bring 3 1/2 cups of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook, stirring often, for about 8 minutes or until al dente.
  8. 4. Combine the Ingredients:
  9. Stir the butternut squash puree into the cooked pasta. Add the milk or cream, Italian seasoning, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, mixing until combined.
  10. Stir in the Gouda and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
  11. 5. Bake the Dish:
  12. Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the Fontina cheese evenly over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  13. 6. Serve and Enjoy:
  14. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Garnish with additional oregano or Parmesan if desired. Dig in and savor the cheesy, creamy goodness!
  15. Notes:
  16. Substitute any of the cheeses with your favorites, such as mozzarella or Gruyère.
  17. Add protein like cooked chicken or crispy bacon for a heartier dish.

Find it online: https://www.kitchensara.com/creamy-butternut-squash-rigatoni-bake/