Name: Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 5 cups Butternut Squash (about 1 large butternut squash); 10 leaves Fresh Sage (minced); 3 cloves Garlic (finely minced); 1 8 oz block Feta Cheese; 1 lb Pasta (such as rotini, orzo, or ditalini); 1/2 cup Olive Oil (plus more for drizzling); 1 tbsp Hot Honey (regular honey can be used too); 2 hefty pinches Kosher Salt (just shy of 1/2 tsp); 1 hefty pinch Red pepper Flakes (optional); Fresh Cracked Black Pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 8 reviews

If you have been searching for a comforting yet elegant pasta dish to impress yourself and your loved ones, look no further than this delightful Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe. It perfectly balances the creamy tang of baked feta with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, all elevated by fragrant sage and the savory kick of garlic. This dish not only dazzles the taste buds but also fills your kitchen with inviting aromas that make every dinner feel like a special occasion.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white shallow pot filled with many bright orange cubes of pumpkin evenly spread across the bottom layer, topped in the center by a large white block of feta cheese drizzled with golden olive oil and sprinkled with black pepper. The pot rests on a white marbled surface with a teal cloth underneath. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe plays an essential role, layering flavors and textures that bring the dish to life. From the rich creaminess of feta to the warm, autumnal notes of butternut squash and sage, simplicity meets sophistication in every bite.

Butternut Squash (5 cups): Roasted until tender, this adds a lovely natural sweetness and beautiful orange hue.
Olive Oil (1/2 cup plus extra for drizzling): Provides a luscious base for roasting and brings out the richness of the feta.
Kosher Salt (about 1/2 tsp total): Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Adds a subtle heat that contrasts perfectly with the creamy feta.
Feta Cheese (8 oz block): Baked until golden and melty, it’s the star that transforms the sauce.
Pasta (1 lb): Choose rotini, orzo, or ditalini for great sauce absorption and texture.
Fresh Sage (10 leaves, minced): Offers an aromatic, earthy layer that complements the squash and garlic.
Garlic (3 cloves, finely minced): Infuses the dish with a savory warmth.
Hot Honey (1 tbsp): Adds a touch of sweetness with a spicy flourish; regular honey works well too.
Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Gives a fresh, bold finish to the dish.

How to Make Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash and Feta

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, a generous pinch of kosher salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Transfer it to a baking dish, nestle an 8-ounce block of feta right in the center, and drizzle olive oil over the cheese before sprinkling with red pepper flakes and more cracked pepper—this layering of flavors is what makes the baked feta unforgettable. Bake for 30 minutes, allowing the squash to soften and the feta to start melting.

Step 2: Brown the Feta and Finish Roasting

After 30 minutes, remove the dish from the oven and gently stir the butternut squash away from the feta without disturbing the cheese block itself, ensuring the squash doesn’t burn on the bottom. Crank the oven up to 450 degrees and return the dish for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the feta develops golden, slightly browned edges that add a rich depth to the flavor.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the feta finishes roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta to al dente—meaning it still has a slight bite to it. Reserve two cups of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. This starchy water is crucial for achieving the sauce’s perfect, creamy texture.

Step 4: Combine and Flavor the Dish

Once out of the oven, add the minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, and hot honey to the hot feta and butternut squash mixture. Toss the cooked pasta into the baking dish along with one cup of the reserved pasta water, stirring everything together to create a luscious, creamy sauce. Adjust the texture by adding more pasta water if needed, and season with additional salt, pepper, or even a little more hot honey to suit your taste preferences.

How to Serve Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe

A white bowl filled with spiral pasta mixed with bright orange chunks and small pieces of white cheese scattered on top. Thin green herb leaves are spread over the pasta, adding some extra color. A shiny fork rests on the right edge of the bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To send this comfort food to the next level, sprinkle the pasta with freshly chopped parsley or a few extra sage leaves for a fresh herbal brightness. A drizzle of olive oil or a crack of fresh black pepper right before serving adds a final touch of sophistication and depth.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with simple, crisp greens such as a lemony arugula salad or roasted Brussels sprouts. The lightness of these sides helps balance the creamy richness of the baked feta and butternut squash, keeping the meal harmonious and flavorful.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving this pasta family-style in the baking dish it was made in for a rustic, inviting presentation. Alternatively, plate individual portions with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or walnuts for added texture, and perhaps a small wedge of lemon on the side to brighten each bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of this Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making the next-day meal just as delicious. Use within 3 to 4 days for best results.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta, although the texture of the squash may change slightly. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Avoid the microwave for the best texture, but if you must use it, reheat in short bursts and stir frequently for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Feta is key for this recipe’s tangy creaminess and ability to bake into a luscious sauce. However, if needed, you could try halloumi or ricotta, but keep in mind the texture and flavor will differ slightly.

What pasta shape works best in this recipe?

Rotini, orzo, and ditalini are fantastic because they hold onto the sauce beautifully. Feel free to experiment with other small or medium pasta shapes that can capture the roasted feta and butternut squash flavors.

Is hot honey necessary?

Hot honey adds a wonderful balance of sweetness and subtle heat, but regular honey or even maple syrup will work if you prefer less spice. It’s all about personal taste!

Can I prepare the roasted squash and feta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the squash and feta a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. When ready, reheat gently before adding the garlic, sage, honey, and pasta to combine.

How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make a vegan version, substitute the feta with a plant-based cheese that melts well and use maple syrup instead of honey. The roasted butternut squash and sage will still shine beautifully.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Feta and Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage and Garlic Recipe is a bowl of cozy elegance that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this dish brings out a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and aromatic notes that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite pasta!