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This Butternut Squash and Parsnip Baked Pasta is full of fall flavors and the perfect comfort food!
Though a bittersweet farewell, it felt wonderful to plant our feet on good old US soil once again! ......
..... We arrived home yesterday after spending two weeks with our daughter and her family in London, helping with and welcoming a new baby boy. We came home weary and a bit jet-lagged but so thrilled to have been able to be a part of this amazing, memorable experience. We loved every minute of it!
We thoroughly enjoy being in London and spending time with this sweet family, though we have to laugh each time, as we adjust to the cacophony of lovely little voices talking, laughing, playing, singing, crying you name it!! The sounds are music to our grammy and papa ears but are such a contrast to our quiet, peaceful (empty-nester) home!
As much as we enjoy traveling, it's always nice to return to life and family here in Carolina. We'd been missing our son and daughter-in-law and were delighted when they were able to come for dinner last night. But here's the best part; Lindsay brought dinner and it was fantastic! Loaded with lovely fall flavor, all went back for second helpings. But I'll let the chef tell you more about it. Thanks again Linds!
Ingredients:
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
ÂĽ teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 cups cubed peeled butternut squash (about ½ inch dice)
1 cup chopped parsnips (about ½ inch dice)
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
ÂĽ teaspoon ground nutmeg
ÂĽ teaspoon allspice
sea salt
freshly ground black pepper
4 chicken sausages diced (I used the sweet apple chicken sausage from Trader Joe's)
1 lb dried pasta shapes (like penne or farfalle)
½ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
½ cup shredded Mozzarella cheese
2 ½ tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 ½ cup milk
1 cup reserved pasta waterInstructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper and garlic, sauté about 3 minutes. Add squash and parsnip; sauté 10 minutes or until softened. The vegetables don't need to be completely cooked through as they will continue to cook in the oven. Stir in sage, parsley, nutmeg, allspice, salt and pepper.
3. Set aside cooked veggies and return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add chicken sausage and cook until lightly browned.
4. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
5. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for about 3 minutes stirring with a whisk. Add in milk, stirring constantly. Cook about 5 minutes or until thick. Slowly add the reserved pasta water cooking for about 2 more minutes or until thick. The sauce should be able to coat the back of a spoon. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. In a large bowl (or the pot you used to cook the pasta) combine the pasta, vegetables, chicken sausage, sauce and cheese (reserving a little Parmesan to sprinkle on top). Stir to make sure pasta is evenly coated. Pour into a large glass baking dish or individual ramekins. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan.
7. Bake at 375 for about 30 minutes or until lightly browned.
Adapted from Cooking Light
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I just had the chance to make this perfect fall dinner. It was delicious and a great way to use those wonderful fall veggies. Thanks as always, for another yummy meal.
Welcome back Chris! I'm sure you had a fantastic time with your daughter's family but I understand it's nice to be home. The world is smaller and you can always visit, and it's nice to have your own pace and routine too. 🙂 This baked pasta looks wonderful! Thanks Lindsay for sharing. I love butternut squash and what a lovely fall meal!
Beautiful dish! What's not to love about cozy butternut squash and earthy parsnips?!
Welcome back Chris! And congratulations on a new baby in your family! This baked pasta is super comforting... 🙂
Welcome back,dear Chris!What a delicious dish!I hope you are fine.Unfortunately I have no free time this year, hardly any time to blog:(I will be stopping by at least to admire your wonderful dishes!
Blessings, my dear friend!
lucky you!!!
Congratulations, Chris. A new grandchild is such a joy and a blessing. I just returned home from a week in Chicago with my family and I know what you mean about the noise. I lead such a quiet little life in comparison.
Looks super comforting and homey!
Welcome back, Chris! What a nice meal your daughter in law has chosen to make for you! It seems that we have something for you too @ cookandfeed, you are one of our three giveaway winners!!! Please e-mail me your address so that I can send you your gift!XO
What a lovely bright dinner! Looks delicious too!
Una gran cena de otoño luce absolutamente deliciosa y tentadora,abrazos
Welcome home...it must have been nice to have a lovely meal waiting for you.
I'm autumn lover too! This pasta dish is original and it looks pretty awesome and tasty!
Congratulations, Chris!
This looks like a bowl of comfort!
My autumn season is not complete without this dish on the table. Once Lindsay served it during a girls' night, and it's become part of my repetoire since then. Not only is it delicious, but it reminds me of her graceful hospitality and warm heart! Isn't that the wonderful thing about good food?
I hope you get to see them again soon. I know you have a bevy of delicious fall dishes to share with us. If they're anything like this one we are in for a treat. Welcome Home!!
welcome back Chris, this is a great comfort like but light dish, perfect for this fall season!
I love baked pasta dishes, looks fantastic. Big fan of the Trader Joe's chicken apple sausage, delicious combination with the pasta and vegetables.
How sweet to be welcomed home by family and this delicious dinner.
Welcome home.
Fondly,
Glenda
ps. My Bicester girl arrives tomorrow.
What a lovely daughter in law you have! Our seasons aren't quite as defined as yours over there but I love hearing you guys describe them.
Welcome home!
Gorgeous dish as always, Chris! I love pastas with seasonal flavors.
Oh goodness I know you must be pooped, I'm tired just thinking about it all but what a joy to be part of it all. Most of all I know how much your daughter needed you there. I look forward to that someday.
This pasta recipe your daughter in law made sounds so comforting. Anything with butternut squash has to be good. Sounds like you have a wonderful family!
Thanks for sharing and glad to have you back.
Baked pastas are the best and I love anything with butternut squash!
Welcome home, Chris! I'm glad that you're home safe and sound and that I was kind of able to keep the nice temps around for you (just don't go outside later this afternoon).
Lindsay, your pasta dish looks amazing. Much as I love the idea of the butternut squash, I have to admit that I kept peeking at that sausage. Apple chicken sausage? Perfect.
Welcome home! Lindsay's baked pasta sounds delicious!
Welcome home to you and your hubby. I love butternut squash it's my favorite! This dish looks delish and I will be trying it soon b/c I have all the ingredients already. Thanks.
What a wonderful welcome home present - dinner on the table! Glad you had a good trip and are home safe and sound. This dish does sounds amazing - thanks for sharing!