Ingredients
1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeds scooped and discarded, and cut into 1" cubes
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt
Freshly ground black pepper
10 oz. pasta, such as cavatelli or gemelli
1/2 c. (1 stick) salted butter
4 cloves garlic
1/4 c. chopped fresh sage
1 c. roasted chopped walnuts
1/2 c. crumbled gorgonzola
2 tbsp. cocoa nibs (optional)
Preparation
Step 1Preheat oven to 350º. On a large baking sheet, toss squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast until tender and golden, 35 to 40 minutes. Step 2Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.Step 3In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add garlic, sage, and walnuts and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, 2 minutes. Add roasted butternut squash and cook, tossing, 30 seconds. Add cooked pasta and pasta water and season with salt and pepper. Toss until combined.Step 4Sprinkle pasta with gorgonzola and cocoa nibs, if using.
This recipe is part of “Netflix Cooking School," Delish’s partnership with Netflix where we bring readers exclusive content tied to some of their most popular food shows.
Do you have to peel the squash before roasting?
We recommend peeling the skin off of butternut squash before roasting. This way you can maximize carmelization all the way around the pieces when roasting. You shouldn’t eat the skin of the squash anyways! If you are making squash puree or soup the cutting squash in half, scooping out the seeds, and roasting skin side up is an option. That way you can neatly scoop the squash flesh out and discard skin. This is a similar method to cooking spaghetti squash.
How do you roast butternut squash?
Butternut squash is a sturdy vegetable that’s easy to roast. You can cook it for awhile until it’s golden in color and yet the vegetable still stands on its own; some might disintegrate after cooking. When roasting squash, season with desired spices, salt, and oil. Toss well in a large bowl and spread evenly onto a roasting pan or baking sheet. Roasting at high temperatures will speed up the bake time but also bring on good caramelization action.
What are cocoa nibs?
These tiny bits of cocoa come a long way to your table. After harvesting they are dried, roasted, and broken up into what we know as cocoa nibs. A great addition to sweet recipes like ice cream, cake toppings, or tarts. But, it doesn’t stop at sweets. Cocoa nibs add a subtle chocolate undertone to any dish and they aren’t super sweet so they balance well especially in this pasta recipe.
Made this recipe? Let us know in the comments below!
Editor’s Note: This recipe was updated on August 25, 2022.
