A Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Crispy Sage

Introduction

This recipe is a seasonal twist on a classic pasta dish, perfect for the holidays. It features a rich butternut squash puree as the base of the sauce, enhanced with the aromatic flavor of crispy sage. It's an excellent way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet and is a great option for those who may not typically enjoy butternut squash.

Ingredients

• Butternut squash, diced
• Salt
• Fresh sage leaves
• Red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
• Garlic, sliced thinly
• Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese
• Penne Ritorte pasta (or your choice of pasta)
• Olive oil
• Water (for boiling pasta and adjusting sauce consistency)
• Butter (truffle butter is used in the recipe, but regular butter is also suitable)

Preparation Steps

1. Prepare Butternut Squash: Peel and dice the butternut squash. Place the diced squash in a pot, cover with water, add some salt, and bring to a boil. Simmer until the squash is very soft.

2. Make Butternut Squash Puree: Once the squash is soft, blend it with a bit of water until it reaches the consistency of a tomato puree or passata. Adjust the thickness by adding more water if necessary.

3. Fry Sage Leaves: Heat some olive oil in a pan. Fry a few sage leaves until they are crispy, but not browned, and set aside for garnish. Use the same oil to infuse flavor for the sauce.

4. Cook Garlic and Chili Flakes: In the sage-infused oil, cook sliced garlic, sage stem (for added flavor), and red chili flakes until the garlic starts to brown slightly.

5. Combine Puree and Infused Oil: Carefully add the butternut squash puree to the pan with the garlic, chili, and sage oil. Cook on a low simmer, stirring to combine and prevent splattering.

6. Boil Pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until it's about two minutes away from being al dente.

7. Finish Pasta in Sauce: Transfer the partially cooked pasta into the butternut squash sauce, adding pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth consistency. Stir until the pasta is al dente.

8. Add Butter and Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in cold butter (truffle butter if available) and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese until well combined.

9. Garnish and Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with the crispy sage leaves. Serve hot.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Pasta with Crispy Sage is a delightful dish that captures the essence of the holiday season with its warm, comforting flavors. The combination of the sweet butternut squash puree with the savory elements of garlic, chili flakes, and sage creates a harmonious balance that's sure to please the palate. Enjoy this hearty and flavorful pasta dish with friends and family!