Pumpkin Feta Pasta

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that brings comfort and joy to the dinner table. With its creamy texture and the warmth of roasted pumpkin, it’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. The combination of feta cheese and garlic elevates this dish, making it both satisfying and unique. Whether you’re looking for something special or just an easy meal, this pasta checks all the boxes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy goodness: The roasted pumpkin and feta create a rich, creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.
• Easy preparation: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have this delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with nutritious vegetables like pumpkin and spinach, this dish is as wholesome as it is tasty.
• Versatile dish: Perfectly suited for any occasion, whether it’s a casual family dinner or a festive gathering.
• Flavor-packed: The blend of garlic, thyme, and the nuttiness from walnuts offers a depth of flavor that will impress everyone.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here are some essential items you’ll need to whip up your Pumpkin Feta Pasta.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Oven-safe dish
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Baking sheet
• Fork for mashing garlic

Importance of Each Tool

• Oven-safe dish: Essential for roasting the pumpkin and feta together to meld their flavors.
• Large pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking of the pasta shells while providing enough space to prevent sticking.
• Baking sheet: Helps in evenly roasting the ingredients when placed in the oven.
• Fork for mashing garlic: A simple yet effective tool to break down roasted garlic into a spreadable paste.

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

For Flavoring

• 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 ensures that your ingredients will roast perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

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

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasonings

1. Add garlic cloves in their skins, thyme leaves, and olive oil to the pumpkin cubes.
2. Season with salt and pepper; mix well so that all ingredients are coated with olive oil.

Step 4: Add Feta Cheese

1. Place a block of feta cheese in the center of your prepared mixture.
2. Ensure that pumpkin surrounds it evenly.
3. Drizzle some extra olive oil over the feta block.

Step 5: Roast in Oven

Place the dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 25 minutes until the pumpkin is tender and the feta has softened.

Step 6: Cook Pasta

When there are about 10 minutes left on your roasting time:
1. Start cooking pasta shells in heavily salted water.
2. Remember to save some pasta water before draining!

Step 7: Combine Ingredients

1. Once out of the oven, gently peel garlic cloves from their skins.
2. Using a fork, mash these garlic cloves directly in the oven tray.
3. Break up the feta cheese into smaller pieces and stir it into your mixture.

Step 8: Finish with Spinach and Pasta

1. Add baby spinach to your mixture.
2. Top with cooked pasta shells along with a splash of reserved pasta water.
3. Mix everything together until you achieve a creamy sauce consistency; add more pasta water if needed.

Step 9: Serve

Top with chilli flakes and crumbled walnuts right before serving so that they stay nice and crunchy! Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta!

How to Serve Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pumpkin Feta Pasta makes for a delightful main dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you want to elevate your meal or keep it simple, here are some creative serving suggestions.

With Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Basil – Sprinkle fresh basil over the pasta for a burst of flavor and freshness.
• Parsley Garnish – A handful of chopped parsley adds color and enhances the dish’s aroma.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad – Pair with a light salad of mixed greens, tossed in a simple vinaigrette to balance the creamy pasta.
• Cucumber Salad – A refreshing cucumber salad with lemon juice complements the richness of the pumpkin feta.

Topped with Nuts

• Toasted Pine Nuts – Add toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
• Sliced Almonds – Use sliced almonds as a topping for added texture and flavor.

With Crusty Bread

• Garlic Bread – Serve alongside warm garlic bread for dipping into the creamy sauce.
• Ciabatta Rolls – Soft ciabatta rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on your plate.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta

To ensure your Pumpkin Feta Pasta turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh butternut squash and spinach will enhance the flavors and texture of your dish.
• Cook Pasta Al Dente – Aim for al dente pasta to maintain its shape and bite when mixed with the sauce.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Save some pasta water to adjust the creaminess of your sauce before serving.
• Experiment with Cheese – Try different types of feta cheese for varying flavors; Bulgarian feta is particularly rich and creamy.
• Season Generously – Don’t hold back on seasoning; taste as you go to achieve the perfect balance of flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Feta Pasta can elevate your meal. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli – Lightly seasoned broccoli roasted until crispy adds a healthy crunch.
2. Zucchini Noodles – Spiralized zucchini tossed in olive oil make a low-carb side that complements the pasta well.
3. Caprese Salad – A classic Caprese salad with tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil provides a refreshing contrast.
4. Roasted Brussels Sprouts – Crispy Brussels sprouts drizzled with balsamic glaze add depth to your meal.
5. Stuffed Bell Peppers – Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice make for an eye-catching side dish.
6. Herbed Couscous – Light herbed couscous adds another layer of flavor and is quick to prepare, making it an easy option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using the wrong type of pasta: Not all pasta works well with creamy sauces. Choose large pasta shells to hold the sauce better.
• Overcooking the pumpkin: Ensure the butternut squash is tender but not mushy. Check it at the 25-minute mark and adjust cooking time as needed.
• Skipping the reserved pasta water: This starchy water helps create a creamy sauce. Always save some before draining your pasta.
• Not mashing the garlic properly: For maximum flavor, make sure to mash the garlic cloves well before mixing them into the sauce.
• Forgetting to season adequately: Don’t skip salt and pepper! Taste your dish before serving and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow to cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.

Freezing Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
• Consider portioning it into smaller containers for easy thawing.

Reheating Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat in a covered dish for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals (1-2 minutes), stirring between, until hot.
• Stovetop: Add a splash of water or olive oil in a pan and heat over medium, stirring occasionally until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Feta Pasta:

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

Is Pumpkin Feta Pasta healthy?

This dish is packed with nutrients from pumpkin and spinach, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

Can I make this vegan?

To make it vegan, swap feta cheese for a plant-based alternative and omit any animal-derived ingredients.

How can I customize my Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

Feel free to add vegetables like roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor and texture!

Final Thoughts

Pumpkin Feta Pasta is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily modify it by adding different vegetables or cheeses according to your taste. Try this recipe for a comforting meal that everyone will love!