Nov 1, 2010

Penne with Balsamic Roasted Butternut Squash, Goat Cheese, Pecans & Cranberries

Um. Longest title ever? Yes.
Best homemade dinner in a while? Double yes.
Have yall gotten friendly with your fall squashes yet? You really should. Growing up, my Grammy always made butternut squash during the holidays. I remember taking a bite or two thinking that I kiiiiind of liked it, but I was not about to admit I liked such a freaky looking vegetable. She and my great aunt really liked it and I didn't want to be one of those old ladies that liked butternut squash. Just kidding, Grammy - you're the best.


Ingredients:
  • 1 medium butternut squash, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 8 oz whole wheat penne pasta
  • 2 oz goat cheese
  • 1/2-1 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup pecan pieces
First, let's deal with the butternut squash. Butternut squash is too much to type - can we just call it butt nut? Thanks. First, chop off both ends - the head and the butt. Ha.
Then, using your favorite lime green veggie peeler, remove the skin. Don't have a lime green peeler? You're so crazy.
Peel it all off until it's naked. Where is my head today!? 
Scoop out the seeds, chuck them in the trash, and cut the butt nut into small cubes.
Then, grab your favorite store brand goodies.
Toss the butt nut in the balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, and salt. Roast for 40 minutes at 400*, tossing halfway through.
While the butt nut roasts, start making the pasta. Get on facebook, stop paying attention to your water, and let it overboil. Wait. Don't do that part. 
A few minutes later, toss in a few cloves of garlic because you just found them in your cabinet. Mmmm.
Once the butt nut has roasted, add it (with the juices) to the pasta and mix well. Top a bowl with crumbled goat cheese, cranberries, and pecan pieces. So Autumnal, no?
I figured it was about darn time for my blog to have a little sugar detox after all that cake. :)


Annnnddd, pardon the delay, but the winner of the Uncle Sam Cereal Giveaway is...
 
Congrats, Lauren! :) 

HAPPY NOVEMBER!!

33 comments:

  1. Delicious! A great combination of flavors. I have been eating tons of squash lately- I can't get enough. I always have trouble cutting titles down- you want to get the whole idea of the dish across. And a Happy november to you too

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  2. Holy yum...I love roasted butt nut, but I've never put it honey AND cranberries. I've got to do this soon!

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  3. Sounds like a meal fit for fall--love it! :-)

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  4. I have bnut in the fridge right now...never thought to roast it in balsamic! Might have to try that :)

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  5. Absolutely in love with goat cheese. This sounds fabulous.

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  6. Gosh, I feel like a pagan. I've never tried Butternut Squash. Sacrebleu!

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  7. Oh my gosh, I think I love everything about your meal!

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  8. That looks absolutely perfect for this time of year!

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  9. I have a butternut squash just waiting to be devoured! The pasta looks delicious!

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  10. That looks delicious. I live everything squash related. :P I'm about to start digging into the pumpkin I bought for Halloween..I've never eaten pumpkin like that but I'd imagine it'd act just like squash would. We'll see! :P

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  11. I definitely need to try some butt nut... sounds delish, no? ;)

    I love how autumn-y that dish is... YUM!

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  12. Oh, YUM. I can't wait to try this one out!

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  13. i'm such a fan of roasting butternut squash, but for some crazy reason i've never thought of putting into a pasta dish.

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  14. That dinner looks so good - perfect for autumn. Plus, it would be a good way to try squash for the first time. :-)

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  15. This sounds way better than the butternut squash soup we made last night! I wish this recipe was up a few days ago- just another excuse to buy a new squash I guess :)

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  16. Just bought a butternut squash today! I know just what to do with it now, thanks :)

    Jen
    http://jenslosinit.blogspot.com/

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  17. I laughed a little too hard at the part where you called it butt nut. Apparently I have the sense of humor of a second grader.

    And, I must say, perfect timing. I just got butternut squash on Friday and I haven't decided what to do with it yet. I may or may not test out this lil' gem of a recipe, because I have pretty much everything for the recipe already. No need for a trip to the store = winning recipe.

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  18. Hahaha butt nut. U so crazeeee.

    This looks seriously delicious! I've made it my goal to cook every squash this fall and I haven't done butt(er) nut yet, so this is definitely getting bookmarked. :D

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  19. Happy November to you! This recipe looks great - love the fall look and all of the colors!

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  20. I love that you used cranberries in your pasta. I have never seen that before, but it sounds really good!

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  21. I like how you roasted the squash with some honey. I have never done that but I will!! Sounds great. I made something kind of like this but I used dried cherries. They were delish.

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  22. When I read the title of this post, my mouth started watering. I love the combination of butternut squash + strong cheese + nuts! Mmmmm. Perfect fall recipe!

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  23. Oh WOW! Do you know how intimidating butternut squash has been for me? Butternut squash = A bully at the playground. You made it look easy to work with, though! Now I'm gonna see what I can do with this odd looking gourd! Hopefully the family will appreciate it as much as I probably will.

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  24. Great pasta dish! I just happen to have a b-nut squash sitting on my counter!

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  25. Sounds so delish! I actually call my bf butt nut instead of other mean names at times ;)

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  26. My favorite thing to do with squash, pumpkin, zucchini, sweet potato and egg plant is broil them! They are so yummy in your tummy when broiled, make sure you put it on low though, trust me!

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  27. what a fabulous combo! I definitely must give this a try!

    xo

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  28. Feta cheese on butternut squash is awesome too! Gives that sweet versus salty taste :)

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  29. Wow I want to try this! It looks so good! I might omit the pasta, and make it a side dish at thanksgiving!

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