Creamy Butternut Squash Ziti Recipe

As the leaves turn golden and a crisp breeze fills the air, there’s nothing more comforting than gathering around the dinner table with a warm, hearty meal. Our Creamy Butternut Squash Ziti is a perfect blend of creamy goodness and autumn elegance, making it an ideal centerpiece for any family dinner this season. This dish is a celebration of fall flavors, seamlessly marrying the natural sweetness of butternut squash with the rich creaminess of cheese. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, encourages bonding, and brings comfort to your home.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound ziti pasta
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large baking dish, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
3. While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
4. In a large skillet, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet, along with the chicken or vegetable broth. Let it simmer for 10 minutes.
6. Using an immersion blender or a regular blender, puree the squash mixture until smooth.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh thyme, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Combine the cooked ziti pasta with the creamy butternut squash sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
9. Transfer the coated pasta to a baking dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese on top.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
11. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with additional fresh thyme before serving.

Helpful Tips

• For a vegan version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and substitute nutritional yeast for the cheese.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a warm, autumnal twist.
• Feel free to mix in some spinach or kale for added greens.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Suggested Pairings

This Creamy Butternut Squash Ziti pairs wonderfully with a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette. For drinks, consider a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cozy spiced apple cider.

We hope this Creamy Butternut Squash Ziti brings warmth and joy to your family table this season. Don’t forget to share your culinary creations with us by using #ZynahzRecipes or tagging Zynahz on Instagram. We love seeing your masterpieces!

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