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Creamy Parmesan orecchiette pasta with roasted butternut squash and broccolini

Creamy Parmesan Orecchiette Pasta with Butternut Squash

Creamy Parmesan orecchiette pasta combines a silky cheese sauce with roasted vegetables for a comforting, flavorful dish. This creamy pasta is a satisfying choice for an easy weeknight meal or a cozy gathering.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 354
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Sauce
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1-2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, minced
  • 3 tablespoons flour
  • 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
  • 2-3 cups chicken or vegetable broth, or milk
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
  • lemon juice to taste
  • salt to taste
Pasta
  • 16 oz / 455 g orecchiette
Vegetables
  • 3 cups cubed butternut squash
  • 3 cups broccolini
  • olive oil, salt, and pepper
Toppings
  • pumpkin seeds
  • additional Parmesan cheese

Method
 

Sauce
  1. Melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and thyme, then cook until softened.
  2. Stir in the flour and whisk until smooth. Continue cooking for a few minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  3. Add the white wine and whisk to combine. Gradually add the broth or milk in 1/2 cup portions, whisking between additions until incorporated and slightly thickened.
  4. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and salt to finish the sauce. Keep the sauce smooth and light.
Vegetables
  1. Arrange the vegetables on two separate baking sheets. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Roast at 400°F (204°C) for about 20-30 minutes, until the vegetables are tender but still hold their shape.
Pasta
  1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Set aside.
Finish
  1. Combine the sauce, pasta, and roasted vegetables, adding additional broth as needed to maintain a loose consistency.
  2. Top with pumpkin seeds and additional Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper.

Notes

Keep extra broth available when combining the pasta and sauce to help maintain a smooth coating texture.