Butternut Squash Orecchiette with Sage Brown Butter

1. Caramelize Butternut Squash

Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of extra-virgin olive oil in a large stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until it just starts to lightly smoke. Add the butternut squash cubes, season with a generous pinch of kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes. The high heat will caramelize the squash, enhancing its natural sweetness. You'll know it's ready when the squash is well-browned and tender.

2. Brown Butter and Add Shallot

Once the squash is caramelized, add 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and the finely minced shallot. Continue cooking for about a minute until the butter is lightly browned and gives off a nutty aroma. This browning process deepens the flavor, making the dish more complex and satisfying.

3. Add Sage and Lemon Juice

Add the minced sage leaves and stir, letting the sage crackle and release its aromatic oils. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.

4. Cook Pasta

Meanwhile, bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook it for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This ensures that the pasta will finish cooking in the sauce, absorbing all the flavors. Drain the pasta, making sure to reserve some of the cooking liquid.

5. Combine Pasta with Squash Mixture

Add the pasta to the skillet with the squash mixture and pour in some of the reserved pasta water. Simmer everything together until the pasta is perfectly al dente and the sauce is loose and shiny, adjusted by adding more pasta water if necessary.

6. Finish and Serve

Finally, stir in 1 ounce of grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, which will add richness and help bind the sauce. Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve the pasta immediately, topping with more grated Parmigiano-Reggiano if desired. Enjoy your Butternut Squash Orecchiette with Sage Brown Butter while it's hot for the best texture and flavor.