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Butternut Squash & Leek Pasta Bake

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Pixicook editorial team

A warm and comforting pasta bake with butternut squash, leeks, ricotta, and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash & Leek Pasta Bake

units in
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serves
6 peoplechevron

Parmesan Cheese, grated

0 oz

Lemon Zest, grated

teaspoons

Salt

teaspoons

Pepper

teaspoons

Butternut Squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch pieces

0 lb

Leek, white and light green parts only, halved lengthwise, sliced thin, and washed thoroughly

0 lb

Garlic Clove, minced

cloves

Water

cups

Jumbo Pasta Shells

0 oz

Fresh Basil, chopped

tablespoons

How to Make Butternut Squash & Leek Pasta Bake

1. Prepare Ricotta Mixture

In a bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta cheese, half of the grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, 0.25 teaspoons of salt, and 0.25 teaspoons of pepper. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until needed.

2. Cook Squash and Leeks

Heat the extra-virgin olive oil in a 12-inch ovensafe nonstick skillet over medium heat until it shimmers. Add the butternut squash, leeks, and 0.5 teaspoons of salt. Cook for about 5 minutes until the leeks are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper, cooking for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the white wine and cook until it’s almost evaporated, about a minute.

3. Add Liquids and Pasta

Stir in the water and heavy cream, then add the jumbo pasta shells. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring everything to a vigorous simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has thickened, about 15 minutes.

4. Bake

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the top and dollop the ricotta mixture across the surface. Place the skillet in a preheated oven at 375 degrees and bake for about 5 minutes, until the Parmesan is melted and spotty brown.

5. Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes. Before serving, sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped basil.

Variations

Spicy Sausage and Kale Bake

Spicy Italian sausage, kale, robust pecorino cheese, and a breadcrumb and parmesan topping.

Autumn Harvest Bake

Roasted brussels sprouts and sweet potatoes with sage-infused cream sauce, gruyere cheese, and topped with crushed hazelnuts.

Mediterranean Spin

Roasted red peppers and zucchini, feta cheese sauce, olives, and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.

Seafood Delight

Shrimp or lump crab meat, leeks and garlic, lemon zest sauce, topped with panko breadcrumbs and chopped parsley.

Caramelized Onions

Use caramelized onions for a deeper, sweeter flavor profile that complements the squash.

Pitfalls and tips

Roast the Butternut Squash

Enhance the natural sweetness of the squash by roasting it in the oven until it is caramelized around the edges. This step concentrates the flavors and adds a delightful texture contrast in your bake.

Create a Silky Sauce

For the creamiest sauce, make a roux with equal parts butter and flour, cook it until it's just golden, then whisk in your milk or cream. Once thickened, add a pinch of nutmeg to complement the squash and fold in a generous amount of grated Parmesan or Gruyère for a rich, nutty flavor.

Cheese Matters

Use a mix of cheeses for complexity. A combination of sharp cheddar for tang, mozzarella for gooeyness, and Parmesan for a salty kick creates a well-balanced, indulgent topping.

Layer Flavors

Build depth by adding fresh herbs such as sage or thyme when you sauté the leeks. A splash of white wine can deglaze the pan and add acidity to balance the sweetness of the squash.

Breadcrumbs for Texture

Top your pasta bake with panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter for an extra crunchy, golden crust. You might also add some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for additional texture and a nutty flavor.

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