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Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Creamy Pumpkin Feta Pasta for a Cozy Weeknight Treat

This Creamy Pumpkin Feta Pasta features the sweet creaminess of butternut squash and tangy feta cheese, perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 250 grams Pasta Shells Any short pasta shape can be used.
For the Pumpkin Mixture
  • 400 grams Butternut Squash Pumpkin Regular pumpkin can be substituted.
  • 4 cloves Garlic Cloves Whole cloves, roasted.
  • 200 grams Feta Cheese Bulgarian feta is ideal.
  • 1 teaspoon Thyme Use dried thyme if fresh isn't available.
For the Greens
  • 150 grams Baby Spinach Kale or Swiss chard can be used as substitutes.
For the Crunch
  • 100 grams Walnuts Pecans or seeds work for nut-free adjustments.
For Cooking and Flavor
  • 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil Can substitute with a light oil.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper
  • optional Chili Flakes Add for extra heat.

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • Oven-safe dish

Method
 

Step‑by‑Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Peel and chop the butternut squash into approximately 2cm cubes and spread evenly in an oven-safe dish.
  3. Toss in the unpeeled garlic cloves with thyme, salt, and pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and mix.
  4. Create space in the center of the dish, place block of feta there and surround it with the pumpkin mixture.
  5. Roast in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until pumpkin is tender and feta is golden.
  6. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta shells according to package directions (8-10 minutes).
  7. Remove the dish from the oven, peel the garlic cloves and mash them into the pumpkin mixture.
  8. Break up the softened feta and stir it into the squash and garlic mixture.
  9. Add baby spinach and drained pasta to the dish, pour in a splash of reserved pasta water, and mix.
  10. Serve warm, garnished with chili flakes and crumbled walnuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 12gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 500mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 5gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 5000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use high-quality feta for best creaminess and save pasta cooking water for sauce consistency.

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