Penne with Roasted Butternut Squash

Preparation

1. Step 1

   1. Preheat the oven to 425°F.

   Step 2

   2. Toss the squash cubes in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of the oil and 1/2 teaspoon of the salt (if using) and mix well. Spread onto a baking pan in a single layer and roast for 20 to 30 minutes until soft. Increase the oven temperature to broil and broil the squash for 2 minutes more.

   Step 3

   3. When the squash is almost done, bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of the salt (if using) and the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/3 cup of the cooking water and drain the pasta.

   Step 4

   4. Place half of the squash into a blender along with the reserved pasta water and puree until it is smooth. It should have the consistency of tomato sauce.

   Step 5

   5. Put 2 tablespoons of the oil in a large pan over low heat. Add the onion and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt (if using) and cook until the onion is softened.

   Step 6

   6. Add the squash puree and roasted squash cubes to the onion, and sauté for 1 minute.

   Step 7

   7. Stir in the drained pasta, and remove the pan from the heat.

   Step 8

   8. Stir in the Parmigiano, parsley, and pepper, and drizzle with the remaining 3 tablespoons of oil.