When you cook with the seasons, it is not just the farms, the environment, your pocketbook, & the community the benefits. Your tastebuds reap the good too. This simple dish came about from walking around my local market and talking to some farmers. The squash is from Capay Organic, the sage from Phan’s Farms. The pancetta was selected as a compliment by speaking to my local butcher who makes it in house. The result? Something truly spectacular yet so easy to make- it reminds me of mac and cheese. It is sophisticated in a rustic way.
We enjoyed this as part of a harvest supper with friends and family. I hope you can enjoy it as much as we did.
- INGREDIENTS BUTTERNUT SQUASH & PANCETTA PASTA
- 1 package gluten free orecchiette, cooked al dente, drained and 2 cups of cooking liquid, saved
- 1 butternut squash
- olive oil for roasting
- ¼ lb pancetta diced
- 6 leaves sage diced
- 3 oz Parmesano Reggiano cheese shredded
- Salt and pepper as needed.
- INSTRUCTIONS BUTTERNUT SQUASH & PANCETTA PASTA
- Preheat oven to 425º and line a baking sheet with parchment paper
- Halve and seed a medium butternut squash and rub with olive oil
- Roast on baking sheet for 35 minutes until golden brown and bubbly
- While squash is roasting, sauté pancetta in a large chef’s pan over medium-low heat and discard most of the fat – keeping 1 tablespoon in the pan (saving it should you choose)
- Scoop the butternut squash from the skin and add to the pancetta, mashing well into the fat. Add 1 cup of the starchy cooking liquid from the pasta to form a sauce then add the pasta itself, stirring gently.
- Add more liquid as needed. Stir in the cheese and sage.
- Taste, season as needed, NOTE: pancetta is often salty and peppery, so extra seasoning may not be required.
- Serve while piping hot.
yum definitely one of my favorite combinations. Something I crave often. Delicious 🙂
Yes! I found your blog. I am that crazy thirteen year old from Foodbuzz today. How have I not been to your blog before?! Your pictures are stellar. What kind of camera do you use?
Kelly, so nice to meet you. Thanks for the lovely comments. I use a canon 60D with either a 100mm macro lens (canon also) or a 28 to 75 tamron. I also just bought a 50mm fixed canon, but no pix on the site from that lil' sweetie yet. I am headed to check out your blog when I'm off tonight.
S
I just cooked butternut squash (with risotto) for the first time yesterday and am a totally convert! This pasta looks insanely good. I echo the comments about your photos!
Sorry to be negative but this was not good; it was not flavorful, did not look appetizing, and really lacked flavor…..very disappointing
I\’m sorry it wasn\’t to your taste. It was a big hit at my dinner party. Did yours end up looking like the one I made? Perhaps I can help troubleshoot the problem.