Working with unfamiliar ingredients can always be intimidating, but I’m quite proud of how this next plant-based recipe turned out…
The sweetness of caramelized butternut squash tossed with the earthy flavors of sage and mushroom make for a mouthful of Fall-inspired deliciousness!
This nutrient-dense Butternut Squash and Mushroom Orecchiette only takes 30-minute from start to finish making it the perfect weeknight meal with a gourmet touch.
Get the recipe below!
Ingredients (makes 4 servings)
- 1 1/2 cups dry orecchiette pasta
- 1/4 cup packed fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 cups pre-cut raw butternut squash
- 1/4 tsp. pure cane brown sugar
- 2 tsp. chili flakes
- 1 shallot (peeled and thinly sliced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 cups button mushrooms (slice in half)
- 1/4 cup cashew parmesan (or regular grated parmesan if not dairy free)
- 2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp. vegan butter (or regular if not dairy free)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a medium pot bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt, then add the pasta. Cook for 12-14 minutes until tender (when finished reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the rest and set aside).
- Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the squash and sauté for about 8-minutes. Then add the brown sugar; cook for an additional 4 minutes until the squash is caramelized. Add the shallots and sage to the pan and continue cooking until shallots are translucent.
- Then add the chili flakes, a pinch of salt and the mushrooms. Cook until lightly browned, then stir in the garlic; cook until fragrant. Add a pinch more of salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked pasta, butter and parmesan to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minute until the butter has melted. Then add some pasta water a little at a time to make the pasta a little creamy and to keep the veggies from burning (you may not need the entire 1/2 cup of reserved water).
- Add more salt, pepper, chili flakes and parmesan to taste. Enjoy!
If you are following the SBH Plant-Based 21-day Meal Plan, one serving of the Butternut Squash and Mushroom Orecchiette is approximately:
- 1.25 servings of Grains
- 1 serving of vegetables
- 2 servings of healthy fats
Note: Strong.Bold.Healthy does not promote calorie counting. However, being that some may use calorie counting as a tool to help maintain a healthy weight, 1 serving of the Butternut Squash and Mushroom Orecchiette is approximately 331 calories. Nutritional information is a rough estimate.
