Thanksgiving Recipe: Penne With Butternut Squash, Pancetta And Baby Spinach

I absolutely love Thanksgiving, and love not only an abundance of food, but a different variety of dishes that family and friends aren't expecting, but end up devouring. This is one of those dishes.

Ingredients:
1 lb. Butternut squash, peeled
3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
1/4 lb pancetta or bacon, coarsely chopped
3/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup half & half
Pinch of nutmeg
10 oz. baby spinach
1 pound penne pasta
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
salt & pepper

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Cut squash in half lengthwise. Remove all the seeds. Cut into 2" chunks. Place on a lightly oiled large baking sheet covered in foil and bake 40 minute or until tender. Remove from oven and transfer to food processor and process until smooth. Set aside. In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil on medium-low heat. Add the shallots and cook until soft, about 10 minutes. Add the pancetta and cook for about 7 minutes, until almost crisp. Add the baby spinach and stir until wilted. Add the squash puree, cream, half & half, nutmeg, salt & pepper to taste. Gently warm over low heat.

Meanwhile, cook the penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and place in large serving bowl (leaving some pasta water clinging to the pasta). Toss with the sauce, 3 Tbsp butter and a nice handful of parmesan cheese and stir. Taste & adjust seasonings.

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Comments

[LemonMeringue]

I'm grateful for this. Hope to use up some of the butternut squash from my garden that is wintering in my basement. My family is sick unto death of pureed squash soup.

Also try:
In a buttered casserole dish scatter walnut-size cubes of butternut squash, tart apple, red onion, and (optional) peeled beetroot. Sprinkle on cranberries or raisins. Combine melted butter, orange juice, grated orange or lemon peel, honey or brown sugar, and salt. (Grated ginger or toasted walnuts could go in this sauce also.) Pour the sauce over all. Cover and bake at 350 until the squash is tender.

[kellygrrrl]

I copied this one down immediately when I saw it. Can't wait to try it.