Tasty Thursday: Recipe

If you've been with me for awhile, you know we love some Giada up in here.   Her recipes never seem to fail us, and Joe loves anything pasta…so when I saw this last year, I couldn't wait to try it when I wasn't prego!  I decided to give this a whirl over the weekend. Boy, it did not disappoint!

Giada's Penne with Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese 

So yummy!

It doesn't require much, just some simple fresh ingredients.

1 box penne pasta

1 onion

1 butternut squash, cubed and seeded (my store has it all ready in a container!)

1 cup goat cheese (I personally only used 4 oz, as it's pretty powerful!)

it calls for walnuts, but I omitted those since Joe can't do nuts…

I cup packed basil leaves*

1/3 cup of parmesan cheese

425 degree ove-- 

Place sliced onion & squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with EVOO, a little salt & pepper.

Bake 40 minutes.

While they cool, boil a pot of water for the pasta, cook as per directions.

Reserve 2 cups of the pasta water.

In a bowl, place goat cheese, basil and add pasta.  

Mix and stir in the pasta water, which should create a creamy mixture.  

Add in the squash/onion.  

Toss with the parm cheese & walnuts if used.

It's a warm, hearty and meatless dish.  Perfect for cool weather in the Fall.  The basil and butternut squash bring a sweet element that mixes well with the goat cheese. 

Enjoy!

*my friend Alison made the suggestion of trying this with sage, as it may be even better!