Delicata Squash Pasta

Delicata squash pasta with creamy ricotta and sage is bursting with Fall flavor, simple to make, and so incredibly comforting.  And since this dish can be made in about 40 minutes, it's perfect for weeknights when all you want to do is cozy up with a bowl of pasta after a long day.  

If you've never tried delicata squash before, you're in for a real treat.  

Delicata squash is one of my favorite Fall foods for a few reasons: 

1. Its thin skin makes it easy to work with (the skin is edible so you can leave it on).
2. It has an almost sweet potato-like flavor with a splash of pumpkin thrown in.
3. It happens to go really well with ricotta and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.

And with cheese in mind, that is how this recipe came to be.  

We have already made a number of cheesy squash recipes that we adore, like our baked butternut squash pasta, and butternut squash parmigiana, and we knew we wanted to do something using delicata squash.

For our delicata squash bucatini recipe, we toss the roasted half-moons of delicata with pasta in a buttery sage, shallot, and parmesan sauce, and then top with more Parmigiano Reggiano and a heaping half-cup of ricotta. 

The creaminess of the ricotta and the nutty flavor of the Parmigiano Reggiano pair perfectly with the delicata.

How to make it

Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.

1. Preheat the oven to 425f and set the rack to the middle level.  Begin by washing and cleaning the delicata squash very well.  Slice in half, remove the seeds, and slice the pieces into ¼" thick half-moons.  Note: The delicata squash, like any squash that grows on the ground, will have accumulated a lot of dirt, and since the skin is being used a good cleaning is essential.

2. Place the cut delicata squash into a large bowl and toss with a ¼ cup olive oil, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and a ¼ teaspoon of black pepper.
3. Spread the pieces out onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes or until fork-tender.  Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water (2 tablespoons kosher salt) to a boil.

4. Dice 2 shallots, grate ¾ cups Parmigiano Reggiano and chop 3 tablespoons of sage.  Begin boiling the bucatini after the squash has been roasting for about 15 minutes.  Note:  Use any pasta you like.  Linguine, spaghetti, and fettuccine would all be great substitutes.
5. Set the roasted delicata squash aside once fork tender.

6. In a large pan sautee the shallots in 4 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat until soft and translucent (about 5-7 minutes).  
7. Add the sage to the pan and add 1 cup of pasta water.

8. Add the al dente pasta to the pan and toss for 30-60 seconds.  Next, turn off and remove the pan from the heat then add in the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese.
9. Mix it well with tongs or if you feel comfortable toss to coat and emulsify the sauce.  If needed, add a bit more pasta water to loosen things up.  Note:  If the cheese clumps just add a couple ounces of cold water to the pan and toss once more and the cheese will become smooth again.

10. Add the roasted delicata squash to the pasta, mix together and taste test.  Adjust salt and pepper to taste.  Serve each plate with a large dollop of ricotta cheese and with more parmesan cheese on the side.

What to serve with delicata squash pasta

If you're serving this as the main course, we recommend serving this with some type of green, such as sauteed baby spinach with garlic, a green salad, or even roasted broccolini with breadcrumbs and toasted pignoli.   

Honey balsamic Brussels sprouts would also be perfect.

If you're serving the pasta as an appetizer, or first course, we recommend following it with chicken marsala, dry brined turkey breast, or pan-seared pork chops with apples and cinnamon, and any of the greens mentioned above.

More Fall recipes

If you love squash, you've come to the right place.  We have several squash recipes, and non-squash Fall recipes we think you'll love.  Let us know which is your favorite!

• Butternut squash gnocchi - With sage brown butter sauce, Parmigiano Reggiano, and grated amaretti cookies.
• Sausage and apple stuffed acorn squash - Italian sausage and Granny Smith apples nestled in acorn squash shells.
• Butternut squash soup - With apples and maple syrup.
• Butternut squash chili - With roasted poblano peppers and stewed butternut squash.
• Creamy walnut pasta - Also known as Salsa di Noci, this hearty pasta dish is perfect for Fall.

If you’ve enjoyed this bucatini with roasted delicata squash recipe or any recipe on this site, give it a 5-star rating and tell us about it in the comments below.

We would love to hear how you did and it’s nice to show others as well. Thanks!

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