Winter Squash Pasta with Pumpkin

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

   1 min hands-on

   • Set the oven to 180°C (356°F).
   • Allow it to preheat while preparing the squash.

2. Prepare the Squash

   10 min hands-on40 min waiting

   • Peel the winter squash and remove the seeds.
   • Chop into bite-sized pieces and place in a roasting tray.
   • Drizzle with half of the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
   • Add unpeeled garlic cloves to the tray.
   • Roast for 40–45 minutes until tender and caramelized.

3. Cook the Leeks

   4 min hands-on8 min waiting

   • Thinly slice the white and light green parts of the leeks.
   • Heat the remaining olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
   • Add leeks and cook until soft and buttery, about 8–10 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and set aside.

4. Toast the Pumpkin Seeds

   3 min hands-on

   • Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry frying pan over medium heat.
   • Stir frequently until golden and aromatic, about 3–5 minutes.
   • Set aside.

5. Blend the Squash Sauce

   3 min hands-on

   • Transfer two-thirds of the roasted squash to a blender.
   • Squeeze roasted garlic out of skins and add to blender.
   • Add water, salt, and pepper.
   • Blend until smooth and creamy, adjusting with water as needed.

6. Combine Sauce Components

   2 min hands-on

   • Pour squash puree into the pan with cooked leeks.
   • Add Greek yogurt and remaining squash pieces.
   • Stir to combine, ensuring a smooth, creamy sauce with some texture.

7. Cook the Pasta

   4 min hands-on

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Cook whole-grain pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
   • Reserve some starchy pasta water before draining.

8. Finish the Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Add reserved pasta water to the squash sauce to loosen it.
   • Stir in freshly chopped basil.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

9. Combine Pasta and Sauce

   2 min hands-on

   • Add cooked pasta to the pan with squash sauce.
   • Toss gently to ensure pasta is evenly coated.

10. Serve and Garnish

    2 min hands-on

    • Divide pasta into serving bowls.
    • Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds.
    • Serve immediately while warm.
    • Cooking tips:
    • To enhance the roasted garlic flavor, slightly mash the garlic before blending.
    • If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add more pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
    • For extra flavor, sprinkle grated Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top before serving.
    • Use fresh basil for a vibrant herbaceous note, or substitute with dried basil or Italian herbs if unavailable.