Hey there, foodies! It’s Jovana Petrovic, here to bring a burst of autumn flavors into your kitchen. Today, I am thrilled to share with you a recipe that will make you fall head over heels in love with the season all over again. Get ready to indulge in the creamy goodness of Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta! Trust me, the combination of roasted butternut squash, tangy goat cheese, and aromatic sage creates a harmonious medley of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Jovana Petrovic is a talented fashion designer from Serbia, known for her unique and eclectic style. With a passion for creative cooking and exploring new flavors, Jovana loves experimenting with international cuisines and infusing traditional recipes with a modern twist. Her love for travel and cultural exploration has fueled her curiosity in the culinary arts, inspiring her to create delicious and innovative dishes.
Jovana Petrovic currently resides in the United States and grew up in Serbia.
As someone born and raised in the beautiful country of Serbia, food has always held a special place in my heart. Growing up in a place where hearty, comforting meals are a cornerstone of our traditions, I developed an affinity for rustic and flavorful dishes. That’s why this Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta recipe resonates so deeply with me. It captures the essence of fall, celebrating the abundance of seasonal ingredients and the warmth of autumnal flavors.
Although this recipe is not traditionally Serbian, it’s amazing how culinary inspiration can transcend borders. The combination of squash, cheese, and pasta is reminiscent of the comfort food my grandmother used to make, always bringing our family closer together. While exploring different cuisines during my travels, I came across a similar dish in a small Italian village. Legend has it that this recipe originated in the heart of Tuscany, where butternut squash is abundant during the fall months. And now, I’m excited to share my twist on this delightful pasta dish with all of you, infusing it with the flavors that remind me of my Serbian heritage. So let’s dive in and embark on a journey of flavors!
What you need
Get ready to fall in love with autumn all over again with this delightful recipe for Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta! The combination of creamy goat cheese, roasted butternut squash, and fragrant sage creates a flavor symphony that will make your taste buds sing. First, we roast the squash to caramelized perfection, then we cook our pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Next, we toss the pasta with the roasted squash, crumbled goat cheese, and chopped fresh sage, creating a luscious sauce that coats every single noodle. To top it off, a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty finish. With each bite, you’ll experience the sweet, tangy, and savory notes that make this dish an autumn delight. So grab a fork, a cozy sweater, and indulge in the comforting flavors of the season!
Ingredients:
- Pasta – The base of the dish, pasta adds substance and texture to the recipe. You can use any type of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Butternut Squash – Roasted butternut squash adds a sweet and nutty flavor to the dish. If you don’t have butternut squash, you can substitute with other types of winter squash like acorn or pumpkin.
- Goat Cheese – Creamy and tangy, goat cheese brings richness to the pasta. If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can use feta or even cream cheese instead.
- Fresh Sage – With its earthy and slightly peppery taste, sage complements the sweetness of the squash and adds depth to the dish. You can substitute with dried sage, but use half the amount.
- Olive Oil – Used for roasting the squash and cooking the pasta, olive oil enhances the flavors and adds a nice richness. You can substitute with vegetable oil if needed.
- Salt – Helps to season the dish and bring out the flavors of the other ingredients. Use less salt if you’re using salted pasta water.
- Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice and warmth to the pasta. Feel free to adjust the amount of black pepper according to your taste.
- Parmesan Cheese – Optional, but adds a salty and nutty element to the dish. Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving for added flavor.
Utensils:
- Large Pot
- Baking Sheet
- Colander
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Spoon or Tongs
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Serving Plate or Bowl
Goat Cheese: A Creamy Tang that Elevates the Dish
Ah, goat cheese, my dear friend with its tangy flavor and creamy texture. It adds a luxurious touch to any dish, and this Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta is no exception. Goat cheese is generally considered a healthier option compared to other cheeses because it is lower in fat and calories. It’s also a great source of calcium and protein. Despite its health benefits, some may find the distinct taste of goat cheese overpowering. However, in this recipe, the sweetness of the roasted butternut squash beautifully balances the tang of the cheese, creating a harmonious and delightful flavor combination.
Fresh Sage: Aromatic Herb that Adds Depth
Picture this: you enter the kitchen and are greeted by the earthy aroma of fresh sage. It’s like a warm hug from Mother Nature herself. Sage is a herb that steals the show with its powerful taste and unique fragrance. In this Autumn Delight Pasta recipe, fresh sage brings a vibrant burst of flavor and complexity. Not only does it enhance the natural sweetness of the roasted butternut squash, but it also adds a touch of warmth to the creamy goat cheese. Fun fact: sage has been used since ancient times for its medicinal properties and to ward off evil spirits. So, as you indulge in this pasta dish, not only will your taste buds be happy, but you might just be protected from any lingering culinary curses!
What to serve it with?
One of my favorite ways to serve this Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta is alongside a crisp and refreshing green salad. As a fashion designer, I am always drawn to vibrant colors and textures, and a well-crafted salad provides the perfect contrast to the creamy pasta. The combination of fresh lettuce, crunchy vegetables, and tangy vinaigrette enhances the overall dining experience, adding a burst of brightness to each bite. Plus, the lightness of the salad offsets the richness of the pasta, creating a harmonious balance on the plate. So, whether I’m hosting an intimate gathering or simply enjoying a cozy night in, this pasta and salad duo never fails to delight my guests and satiate my craving for a well-rounded meal.
Summary
And there you have it, my dear food enthusiasts, the recipe for Autumn Delight: Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta! I hope this flavorful dish brings warmth and comfort to your table, just as it does to mine. Now, I want to hear from you! Have you ever tried a similar dish in your travels? Or perhaps you have some creative variations that you’d like to share? Leave me a comment below and let’s continue the culinary conversation. Together, let’s celebrate the beauty of autumn and the joy of discovering new flavors. Stay adventurous and keep cooking, my friends!
Here’s the recipe:
Autumn Delight: Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- Baking Sheet
- Colander
- Knife
- cutting board
- Spoon or Tongs
- Large mixing bowl
- Serving Plate or Bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Pasta
- 2 cups, diced Butternut Squash
- 4 ounces Goat Cheese
- 1 tablespoon, chopped Fresh Sage
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- For garnish Parmesan Cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Roast the Squash - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside. - To make the squash roasting process more efficient, make sure to cut the squash into evenly-sized pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and uniformly.
- Step 2: Cook the Pasta - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta in a colander and set aside. - To enhance the flavor of the pasta, cook it in well-salted water. As a general guideline, add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. This will season the pasta from the inside out.
- Step 3: Prepare the Sauce - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, chopped fresh sage, crumbled goat cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. - Feel free to modify the sauce by crumbling the goat cheese into small chunks for a more rustic texture or whisking it with a bit of pasta cooking water to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Step 4: Serve and Enjoy - Transfer the Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta to a serving plate or bowl. Garnish with freshly grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy! - For an extra touch of flavor, drizzle some extra virgin olive oil over the pasta just before serving. It adds a wonderful richness and shine to the dish.
