Quick Penne & Butternut Squash Recipe

Name: Quick Penne & Butternut Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 garlic clove, crushed; 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs; 1 lb butternut squash or 1 lb acorn squash, peeled & seeded; ½ cup water; 1 lb penne pasta; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 onion, sliced; ½ cup cooked ham or ½ cup smoked turkey breast, diced; 1 cup light cream; ½ cup cheddar cheese or ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped; salt & pepper

Servings: persons

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
1 lb butternut squash or 1 lb acorn squash, peeled & seeded
½ cup water
1 lb penne pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 onion, sliced
½ cup cooked ham or ½ cup smoked turkey breast, diced
1 cup light cream
½ cup cheddar cheese or ½ cup mozzarella cheese, grated
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
salt & pepper

1
Mix together the oil, garlic and bread crumbs and spread on a large plate.
2
Cook in microwave for 4-5 minutes on HIGH power.
3
Stir every minute until crisp and beginning to brown; set aside.
4
Dice the squash.
5
Place in a large bowl with half of the water.
6
Cover and cook on HIGH for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally; leave to stand for 2 minutes.
7
Place the pasta in a large bowl.
8
Add a little salt and pour boiling water to cover by 1 inch over.
9
Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring once, until the pasta is just tender, but still firm to the bite.
10
Leave to stand, covered, for 1 minute before draining.
11
(Feel free to sub dry pasta and cook it traditionally).
12
Place the butter and onion in a large bowl.
13
Cover and cook on HIGH power for 3 minutes.
14
Coarsley mash the squash.
15
Add to the onion with the pasta, ham, cream, cheese, parsley and remaining water; season generously to taste and mix well.
16
Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 minutes until heated through.
17
Serve the pasta sprinkled with the crisp garlic crumbs.

1766

kcal

Calories

132

Fat

115

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Coconut cream is a reliable plant-based alternative to dairy cream.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 13 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 garlic clove, crushed, 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs, 1 lb butternut squash or 1 lb acorn squash, peeled & seeded, and more.

Yes, Quick Penne & Butternut Squash falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Quick Penne & Butternut Squash

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions