Whole-Wheat Penne with Butternut Squash and Sage
Hearty pasta tossed with caramelized squash, velvety mascarpone, and fresh sage
Why This Recipe Works
Pairing hearty whole-wheat pasta with caramelized squash creates a deeply savory dish lightened by lemon and fresh sage. Mascarpone adds a velvety finish that bridges the sweet earthiness of the squash with the toasted notes of the grain.
Instructions
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke. Add the squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges are browned and caramelized, about 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer the squash to a bowl and set aside.
In the same skillet, cook the scallions until softened and starting to brown, about 2 minutes. Stir in the garlic and nutmeg and cook until fragrant.
Sprinkle the flour over the scallion mixture and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly whisk in the broth and wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
Return the squash to the skillet and simmer over medium-low heat until the sauce has thickened and the squash is tender when pierced with a fork, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir gently and only when necessary to keep the squash cubes from falling apart.
While the sauce simmers, cook the penne in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Off the heat, whisk the Parmesan, mascarpone, sage, and lemon juice into the squash mixture until the cheese is melted and the sauce is velvety. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Combine the pasta and sauce, tossing gently until the noodles are well coated. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of toasted almonds and extra Parmesan.
π½οΈ Complete the Meal
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this recipe?
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 3 days.
Can I make this ahead of time?
The squash can be roasted a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
What substitutions can I make?
- mascarpone cheese: cream cheese