If you’re looking for a cozy dinner that brings warmth and comfort to your table, then this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is just what you need! It’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug, perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. The creamy, baked feta combined with sweet butternut squash creates an irresistible dish that everyone will love. Plus, the aromatic hints of sage and garlic make it extra special.

What I adore about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. Even on the craziest days, you can whip up this delightful meal in no time. You might just find yourself making it a regular in your dinner rotation this Fall!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to prepare: This dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners.
Deliciously comforting: The combination of baked feta and roasted butternut squash creates a creamy and flavorful sauce that’s hard to resist.
Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the flavors in this pasta; it’s a hit at the dinner table!
Flexible ingredients: You can easily customize it based on what you have on hand or your taste preferences.
Perfect for meal prep: Make a big batch for easy lunches throughout the week!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this dish, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

5 cups Butternut Squash (about 1 large butternut squash)
1/2 cup Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling)
2 hefty pinches Kosher Salt (just shy of 1/2 tsp)
1 hefty pinch Red Pepper Flakes (optional)
1 block (8 oz) Feta Cheese
1 lb Pasta (such as rotini, orzo, or ditalini)
10 leaves Fresh Sage (minced)
3 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
1 tbsp Hot Honey (regular honey is fine too)
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Here are some fun ideas to switch things up:

Add greens: Toss in some fresh spinach or kale right before serving to boost nutrition and color.
Change the cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using goat cheese or a creamy vegan alternative for a different flavor profile.
Switch the pasta: Experiment with different shapes like penne or farfalle to give the dish your own twist.
Make it herbaceous: Swap out sage for other herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique taste.

How to Make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F. This step is crucial because you want that perfect roasting temperature for the butternut squash and feta.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

In a large mixing bowl, toss your chopped butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and fresh cracked pepper. Spread it out in a baking dish and place your block of feta right in the center. Drizzle some olive oil over the feta, sprinkle red pepper flakes if you’re feeling spicy, then pop it into the oven for about 30 minutes. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness of the squash while making that feta beautifully creamy.

Step 3: Brown the Feta

After 30 minutes have passed, take out your baking dish carefully. Gently move around the butternut squash without disturbing the feta—this ensures even cooking. Now crank up your oven to 450°F and bake everything for another 5-10 minutes until your feta has golden brown spots. This browning adds depth of flavor!

Step 4: Cook Your Pasta

While your veggies are roasting away, bring a pot of salted water to boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save about two cups of that starchy pasta water before draining! It’s like liquid gold when you want to make your sauce creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once that delicious feta is browned just right, pull out your baking dish again. Stir in minced garlic, minced sage leaves, and honey right away—this will help infuse those wonderful flavors into every bite! Then add your drained pasta along with one cup of reserved pasta water. Mix everything together until well combined.

Step 6: Adjust Consistency

If you find that the pasta looks dry after mixing everything together, add more reserved pasta water gradually until you reach that creamy consistency you love. Season with more salt and pepper as needed. Don’t forget—you can always drizzle on extra hot honey if you’re craving a bit more sweetness!

And there you have it—a delightful Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic that’s sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy every cheesy bite!

Pro Tips for Making Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

This delightful dish is not only easy to make, but a few pro tips can elevate it even further!

Choose ripe butternut squash: Using fresh, ripe squash enhances the sweetness and flavor of your dish. Look for squash that feels heavy for its size and has a smooth, firm skin.
Customize your pasta shape: While rotini, orzo, or ditalini work wonders in this recipe, feel free to experiment with different shapes! Pasta with ridges will hold onto the creamy sauce better, making every bite scrumptious.
Don’t skip the reserved pasta water: This starchy water is your secret weapon for achieving that creamy consistency in the sauce. Add it gradually until you reach your desired texture.
Make it ahead: If you’re meal prepping, you can roast the butternut squash and feta ahead of time. Just combine everything right before serving for a quick weeknight dinner!
Adjust spiciness to your taste: The red pepper flakes can be adjusted according to your preference. Add more if you like a kick or leave them out for a milder flavor!

How to Serve Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic

Serving this pasta dish is all about presentation and pairing it with complementary flavors. Here are some ideas to make your meal shine!

Garnishes

Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.
Toasted pine nuts: Adding a handful of toasted pine nuts gives a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy feta.

Side Dishes

Simple Green Salad: A crisp green salad topped with seasonal vegetables and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta dish perfectly.
Garlic Bread: Warm slices of garlic bread are always a hit! They make an excellent accompaniment for scooping up any leftover sauce.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These caramelized bites add an earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of butternut squash. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting until crispy.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds color and nutrition to your meal while providing a satisfying crunch when paired with creamy pasta.

Now you have everything you need to create a comforting plate of Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! Enjoy every delicious bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Allow the pasta to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing

To freeze, portion out the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags.
Label with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen.
Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce.
For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

FAQs

If you have questions about this delicious recipe, you’re in the right place!

How do I make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic vegetarian-friendly?

This recipe is already vegetarian! Just ensure that your feta cheese is made without animal rennet, which some brands do offer.

Can I use different pasta types for Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with any pasta you have on hand. Rotini, orzo, or even whole wheat options work beautifully in this dish.

Is it necessary to add honey to Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic?

While honey adds a lovely sweetness that balances flavors, you can omit it or replace it with maple syrup if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this cozy Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic! It’s such a comforting dish that’s not only easy to whip up but also packed with flavor. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to warm your heart (and belly). I’d love to hear how yours turns out—happy cooking!