Pumpkin Feta Pasta

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta recipe is a delightful blend of creamy textures and classic flavors that will warm your heart. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish showcases the rich taste of butternut squash and the tangy goodness of feta cheese. It’s not just about comfort food; it’s also an easy-to-make meal that is sure to impress your guests with its vibrant colors and delicious aroma.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The combination of roasted pumpkin and melted feta creates an irresistibly creamy sauce.
• Quick Preparation: With only 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables and wholesome ingredients, this pasta dish is both satisfying and healthy.
• Versatile: Ideal for various occasions, whether it’s a cozy family meal or entertaining guests.
• Flavorful: The combination of garlic, thyme, and walnuts adds depth and richness to every bite.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making this delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta, gather your tools and equipment. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Oven-safe dish
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl
• Fork
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Oven-safe dish: Essential for roasting the pumpkin and feta together, ensuring even cooking.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot allows for proper cooking of the pasta without sticking.
• Fork: Useful for mashing garlic and breaking up feta in the oven dish.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping the butternut squash quick and easy.

Ingredients

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta recipe celebrates classic flavours and is super creamy. Perfect dinner for the family which is easy to make.

For the Pasta

• 360 g pasta shells

For the Roasted Pumpkin Mixture

• 1 kg butternut squash pumpkin
• 8 garlic cloves
• 180 g feta cheese (I’ve used Bulgarian feta)
• 2 big handfuls baby spinach
• 1 handful walnuts
• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 8 sprigs of thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Chilli flakes (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. This will prepare it for roasting the pumpkin mixture.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

• Peel and chop the butternut squash pumpkin into 2cm cubes.
• Place the cubes in an oven-safe dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Add garlic cloves in their skins along with thyme leaves and olive oil to the dish.
* Season with salt and pepper.
* Mix all together so that oil coats all ingredients.

Step 4: Add Feta Cheese

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish with pumpkin around it evenly.
Season the feta with thyme leaves and drizzle more olive oil on top.

Step 5: Roast in Oven

Put the oven-safe dish in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Cook until pumpkin is tender and feta has softened.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

While roasting, cook pasta shells in heavily salted water when there are about 10 minutes left on your timer.
Don’t forget to save some pasta water before draining!

Step 7: Mix Ingredients

Remove the oven dish from the oven.
Gently peel garlic cloves from their skin using a fork to mash them directly in the tray.
Break up the softened feta cheese into smaller pieces and stir it into the mixture.

Step 8: Combine with Spinach & Pasta

Add baby spinach to the mixture followed by cooked pasta shells.
Splash some reserved pasta water into the mix to create a creamy sauce. If it seems too thick, add more water as needed.

Step 9: Serve & Garnish

Top your delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta with chilli flakes (if desired) and crumbled walnuts right before serving. Enjoy your flavorful creation!

How to Serve Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pumpkin Feta Pasta is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Here are some serving suggestions that will enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Fresh Salad

• A light garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette adds freshness and balances the creaminess of the pasta.

Top with Extra Feta

• Crumbling additional feta cheese on top before serving elevates the flavor and gives a nice salty kick.

Drizzle with Balsamic Reduction

• A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds a sweet and tangy contrast, making each bite more exciting.

Serve with Garlic Bread

• Crispy garlic bread complements the creamy sauce perfectly and is great for scooping up any leftovers.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Fresh basil or parsley sprinkled on top provides an aromatic finish that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta

To achieve the best results with your Pumpkin Feta Pasta, consider these helpful tips.

• Use fresh ingredients: Opt for fresh butternut squash and spinach for better flavor and texture.
• Adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving; adding more salt, pepper, or chili flakes can enhance the dish.
• Save pasta water: Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed; it helps create a creamy texture.
• Don’t overcook pasta: Cook pasta until al dente; it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
• Mash garlic properly: Ensure you mash the roasted garlic well into the mixture for maximum flavor infusion.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Complement your meal with these ideal side dishes that pair well with Pumpkin Feta Pasta.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables drizzled with olive oil and herbs enhances the meal’s nutritional value.
2. Quinoa Salad: A refreshing quinoa salad loaded with cucumber, bell peppers, and a light dressing adds a nutritious touch.
3. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus spears provide a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
4. Chickpea Salad: A protein-packed chickpea salad with diced tomatoes, onions, and parsley makes for a hearty side.
5. Grilled Zucchini: Grilled zucchini slices seasoned with salt and pepper bring out natural flavors that complement the pasta.
6. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic offer comfort and pair wonderfully with rich dishes like this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Pumpkin Feta Pasta, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Not Salting the Pasta Water: If you don’t salt your pasta water, your pasta will lack flavor. Always remember to add a generous amount of salt to enhance the taste of the pasta.
• Overcooking the Pumpkin: Cooking the pumpkin too long can make it mushy. Keep an eye on it while roasting, aiming for a tender yet firm texture.
• Skipping the Garlic Mashing: Leaving garlic cloves whole will result in uneven flavors. Make sure to mash them before mixing with other ingredients for a more harmonious taste.
• Using Cold Ingredients: Cold feta or spinach can cause your sauce to cool down. Allow them to come to room temperature before adding them to ensure a creamy consistency.
• Ignoring Pasta Water: Not reserving pasta water means losing an essential ingredient for creating a creamy sauce. Always save some water to adjust the sauce’s thickness as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the dish to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• To prevent freezer burn, wrap in plastic wrap before placing it in a container.

Reheating Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Oven: Preheat oven to 175°C/350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring in between.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water as needed for moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Feta Pasta.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes! You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for different flavors and textures.

How can I make Pumpkin Feta Pasta dairy-free?

To make this dish dairy-free, use a dairy-free cheese alternative that melts well and adjust seasonings accordingly.

What can I serve with Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

This pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for added nutrition.

Is Pumpkin Feta Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Just store it properly and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta is not only creamy and delicious but also versatile enough to customize with various ingredients like extra veggies or different cheeses. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep! Give it a try and enjoy the wonderful flavors!