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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
¼ 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
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ 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
Valerie says
Beautiful dish! What's not to love about cozy butternut squash and earthy parsnips?!
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
Welcome back Chris! And congratulations on a new baby in your family! This baked pasta is super comforting... 🙂
Lenia says
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!
Annmarie Pipa says
lucky you!!!
Cathy at Wives with Knives says
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.
Angie's Recipes says
Looks super comforting and homey!
mia xara says
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
Jeannie Tay says
What a lovely bright dinner! Looks delicious too!
Rosita Vargas says
Una gran cena de otoño luce absolutamente deliciosa y tentadora,abrazos
Karen (Back Road Journal) says
Welcome home...it must have been nice to have a lovely meal waiting for you.
Kim Garceau says
I'm autumn lover too! This pasta dish is original and it looks pretty awesome and tasty!
Susan says
Congratulations, Chris!
This looks like a bowl of comfort!
Beth Newman says
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?
Sandra Lee says
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!!
Eri says
welcome back Chris, this is a great comfort like but light dish, perfect for this fall season!
Carol @ Always Thyme to Cook says
I love baked pasta dishes, looks fantastic. Big fan of the Trader Joe's chicken apple sausage, delicious combination with the pasta and vegetables.
GLENDA CHILDERS says
How sweet to be welcomed home by family and this delicious dinner.
Welcome home.
Fondly,
Glenda
ps. My Bicester girl arrives tomorrow.
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
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!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
Gorgeous dish as always, Chris! I love pastas with seasonal flavors.
Vicki Bensinger says
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.
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Baked pastas are the best and I love anything with butternut squash!
The Mom Chef says
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.
Hovkonditorn says
Welcome home! Lindsay's baked pasta sounds delicious!
Jan says
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.
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
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!