This recipe is a delightful combination of penne pasta, roasted butternut squash and smoked ham, enhanced by the rich flavor and creamy texture of mascarpone cheese. It's a perfect dish for those who love the combination of sweet and salty, with the butternut squash providing a sweet contrast to the salty ham. A simple yet impressive dish that can be served at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are fairly commonplace and should be readily available at your local supermarket. However, you may need to look a bit harder for mascarpone cheese and smoked ham. Mascarpone is an Italian cream cheese that’s rich and creamy with a slightly sweet flavor. It can usually be found in the dairy or cheese section of your supermarket. Smoked ham, on the other hand, is typically available at the deli counter.
Ingredients for Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham
Butternut squash: A winter squash that has a sweet, nutty taste similar to pumpkin.
Olive oil: Used to roast the butternut squash and gives the dish a rich flavor.
Salt: Enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds a spicy kick to the dish.
Dried sage: Gives a warm and aromatic flavor.
Mascarpone cheese: Brings a rich and creamy element to the dish.
Half and half: Adds creaminess to the sauce.
Scallions: Provides a mild, onion-like flavor.
Penne: A type of pasta that holds up well in hearty dishes.
Smoked ham: Adds a hint of smokiness and a salty flavor.
Parmesan: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and a nice finish to the dish.
One reader, Brynn Kiefer says:
This penne pasta with roasted butternut squash and ham recipe is a game-changer! The combination of flavors is simply divine. The roasted butternut squash adds a delightful sweetness, while the ham brings a savory touch. It's a comforting and satisfying dish that's perfect for a cozy night in. Highly recommended!
How To Make Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham
Sweet and savory flavors from the roasted butternut squash and ham amplifies this rich and filling penne pasta! Whip up a serving in just under an hour.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1butternut squash,(about 2 lbs)
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1tspsalt
- tspfresh ground black pepper
- 1¼tspdried sage
- 1cupmascarpone cheese
- ½cuphalf and half
- 3scallions,including green tops
- ¾lbspenne
- ¼lbsmoked ham,sliced
- ¼cupgrated parmesan
Instructions
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Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
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Put the squash on a large baking sheet and toss with the oil, ¼ teaspoon of the salt, the pepper and sage. Spread the squash out in a single layer.
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Roast, turning occasionally, for 15 to 20 minutes, until tender and starting to brown.
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In a small bowl, stir together the mascarpone, half-and-half, scallions and the remaining ¾ teaspoon of salt
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In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the penne for about 13 minutes, until just done. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta-cooking water and drain.
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Return the pasta to the hot pan. Stir in the squash, mascarpone sauce, and ham. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the reserved pasta-cooking water.
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Serve topped with the Parmesan, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 743.69kcal
- Fat: 34.31g
- Saturated Fat: 16.16g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 12.06g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.33g
- Carbohydrates: 85.74g
- Fiber: 5.87g
- Sugar: 8.50g
- Protein: 25.36g
- Cholesterol: 86.45mg
- Sodium: 823.74mg
- Calcium: 293.85mg
- Potassium: 850.61mg
- Iron: 2.78mg
- Vitamin A: 928.76µg
- Vitamin C: 28.88mg
Expert Advice for Perfecting the Roasting Technique
When roasting the butternut squash, make sure to cut the pieces evenly. This ensures that they all cook at the same rate and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are undercooked. Additionally, tossing the squash in olive oil and seasoning before roasting helps to bring out its natural sweetness and gives it a nice caramelized exterior.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham
Prep ahead: Chop and roast the butternut squash in advance to save time when assembling the dish. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Use pre-cut squash: Purchase pre-cut butternut squash to skip the peeling and chopping step, saving you valuable time in the kitchen.
Quick cook: Opt for quick-cooking penne pasta to reduce the overall cooking time for this recipe.
Multi-task: While the squash is roasting, prepare the mascarpone sauce and cook the penne simultaneously to streamline the cooking process.
Leftover ham: Utilize leftover ham from a previous meal to cut down on prep time, adding a flavorful element to the dish without the need for additional cooking.
Efficient assembly: Assemble the dish efficiently by having all the ingredients prepped and ready to go, making the final steps quick and seamless.
Substitute Ingredients For Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham Recipe
penne pasta - Substitute with rigatoni: Rigatoni has a similar shape and texture to penne, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
butternut squash - Substitute with acorn squash: Acorn squash has a slightly nuttier flavor and a similar texture to butternut squash, making it a good substitute in this recipe.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for olive oil in this recipe.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, adding a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder flavor compared to black pepper and can be used as a substitute in this recipe.
dried sage - Substitute with dried thyme: Dried thyme can provide a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor to the dish as dried sage.
mascarpone cheese - Substitute with cream cheese: Cream cheese can be used as a substitute for mascarpone cheese, providing a similar creamy texture and flavor to the dish.
half and half - Substitute with whole milk: Whole milk can be used as a substitute for half and half, providing a slightly lighter texture to the dish.
scallions - Substitute with chives: Chives can be used as a substitute for scallions, adding a mild onion flavor to the dish.
penne - Substitute with farfalle (bowtie) pasta: Farfalle pasta has a similar texture and shape to penne, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
smoked ham - Substitute with smoked turkey: Smoked turkey can be used as a substitute for smoked ham, providing a similar smoky flavor to the dish.
parmesan - Substitute with pecorino: Pecorino cheese can be used as a substitute for parmesan, adding a slightly sharper and saltier flavor to the dish.
How to Beautifully Present Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham
Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing presentation. Use a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. Arrange the penne pasta with roasted butternut squash and ham in a way that highlights each component.
Garnish with fresh herbs: Add a touch of freshness and color to the dish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. The vibrant green hues will contrast beautifully with the golden butternut squash and add a pop of flavor.
Emphasize balance and symmetry: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Aim for a balanced composition, ensuring that the butternut squash, ham, and penne are evenly distributed. This attention to detail will demonstrate precision and care in the presentation.
Incorporate a drizzle of balsamic reduction: Create an artistic drizzle of balsamic reduction around the edge of the plate to add a touch of acidity and depth to the dish. This not only enhances the flavor but also adds a sophisticated visual element to the presentation.
Consider the use of edible flowers: For an extra touch of elegance, delicately place a few edible flowers on the plate. Choose edible flowers that complement the flavors of the dish and add a subtle floral note to the overall presentation.
Focus on the visual contrast: Highlight the rich, earthy tones of the butternut squash against the vibrant hues of the pasta and the smoky ham. The visual contrast will captivate the judges and emphasize the complexity of flavors in the dish.
Attention to detail in plating: Pay close attention to the cleanliness of the plate and the arrangement of the components. Every detail matters, from the placement of the penne to the spacing of the garnishes. Showcasing meticulous attention to detail will impress the judges.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Delicious Pasta Recipe
- Oven: Used for roasting the butternut squash and ham.
- Baking sheet: To roast the butternut squash.
- Small bowl: Used for mixing the mascarpone, half-and-half, and scallions.
- Large pot: For boiling the penne pasta.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta.
- Large pan or pot: For combining the cooked pasta, roasted squash, mascarpone sauce, and ham.
- Stirring utensil: To mix the ingredients together.
- Grater: For grating the parmesan cheese.
Tips for Storing and Freezing Leftover Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for penne pasta with roasted butternut squash and ham:
- Refrigerate any leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. The mascarpone sauce may thicken when chilled, so you might need to add a splash of half-and-half or milk when reheating to loosen it up.
- To freeze the pasta, transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Squeeze out any excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.
- When ready to enjoy the frozen pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little extra half-and-half or milk to restore the creamy consistency of the sauce.
- If you plan to freeze the pasta, it's best to slightly undercook the penne so that it retains some texture after thawing and reheating. Cook the pasta for about 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest.
- For optimal results, freeze the pasta and butternut squash separately from the mascarpone sauce. When you're ready to serve, thaw and reheat the pasta and squash, then prepare the sauce fresh for the best flavor and texture.
How To Reheat Leftovers for Optimal Taste and Texture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover penne pasta with roasted butternut squash and ham in an oven-safe dish. Cover the dish with aluminum foil to prevent the pasta from drying out. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the pasta is heated through.
For a quicker reheating method, use your microwave. Transfer the leftover pasta to a microwave-safe bowl and cover it with a damp paper towel. This will help keep the pasta moist during reheating. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the pasta is heated to your desired temperature.
If you prefer a crispy texture, reheat the pasta in a skillet. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter to a large skillet over medium heat. Add the leftover pasta and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges. This method works best if you have a smaller amount of leftover pasta.
To maintain the original flavor and texture of the dish, you can also reheat it using a double boiler. Fill a large pot with a few inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place the leftover pasta in a heat-safe bowl that fits on top of the pot without touching the water. Cover the bowl with a lid or aluminum foil and let the pasta steam for 5-10 minutes, or until heated through.
If you have leftover mascarpone sauce, you can add a small amount to the pasta while reheating to help keep it moist and flavorful. If the sauce seems too thick, you can thin it out with a splash of half-and-half or pasta water.
Interesting Trivia About the Ingredients Used in This Dish
The recipe is a great source of essential nutrients, as butternut squash is rich in vitamins A and C, while ham provides a good amount of protein. This dish is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a balanced meal.
Is Making Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham Budget-Friendly?
The cost-effectiveness of this penne pasta with roasted butternut squash and ham recipe is quite high. The ingredients, such as butternut squash, penne pasta, and smoked ham, are relatively affordable and can be found in most grocery stores. The dish's versatility and ability to serve a family of four make it a practical and economical choice. The estimated cost for a household of four people is approximately $20, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe has both healthy and unhealthy elements. The use of butternut squash provides a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The whole wheat penne pasta is also a healthier choice compared to regular pasta. However, the recipe is high in fat and calories due to the use of mascarpone cheese, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese. The smoked ham also adds to the sodium content.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of mascarpone cheese and half-and-half, or replace them with lower-fat alternatives like Greek yogurt or light cream cheese
- Use a leaner protein source, such as turkey ham or grilled chicken, instead of smoked ham
- Increase the amount of butternut squash and add other vegetables like spinach or kale to boost the nutrient content
- Use a smaller amount of Parmesan cheese or opt for a low-fat version
- Replace some of the pasta with spiralized vegetables like zucchini or carrots to lower the carbohydrate content and increase the fiber
Editor's Opinion: Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
The combination of roasted butternut squash, savory ham, and creamy mascarpone sauce creates a delightful and comforting dish. The use of sage adds a warm and earthy flavor to the roasted squash, while the mascarpone sauce brings a rich and velvety texture to the pasta. The addition of scallions provides a subtle hint of freshness, balancing the dish beautifully. This recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures, making it a wonderful choice for a cozy and satisfying meal. The suggested wine pairing of gewurztraminer from Alsace is a thoughtful touch, adding an unexpected but delightful complement to the dish.
Why trust this Penne Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Ham Recipe:
This recipe features butternut squash roasted to perfection, creating a rich and savory flavor. The addition of smoked ham adds a delightful smokiness, while the creamy mascarpone cheese and half-and-half create a luscious sauce. The use of dried sage adds a warm and earthy aroma, enhancing the overall dish. The incorporation of penne pasta provides a comforting and satisfying base. With these high-quality ingredients, this recipe promises a delightful and flavorful dining experience.
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