Pumpkin Feta Pasta

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta recipe is a delightful blend of flavors that transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, comforting dish. It’s perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings with friends. The combination of roasted butternut squash and tangy feta cheese creates a unique taste that will impress everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying your meal and less time in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy Texture: The roasted pumpkin and melted feta blend beautifully to create a rich sauce.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes of total cooking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can easily adjust the veggies or spices based on what you have on hand.
• Nutritious Option: Packed with vitamins from the pumpkin and spinach, this meal is both delicious and healthy.
• Impressive Presentation: The vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up this delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta, you’ll need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will not only make the cooking process smoother but also help achieve great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Oven-safe dish
• Large pot
• Fork
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Oven-safe dish: This allows you to roast the pumpkin and feta together, enhancing their flavors.
• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta while you prepare the sauce simultaneously.
• Fork: Ideal for mashing garlic and mixing ingredients smoothly.

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 Dish

• 360 g pasta shells
• 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 ensures that your pumpkin roasts perfectly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

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

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

1. Add garlic cloves (leave them in their skins), thyme leaves, and olive oil to the dish.
2. Season with salt and pepper, then mix well so that all ingredients are coated in oil.

Step 4: Add Feta Cheese

1. Place a block of feta cheese in the center of the dish.
2. Arrange the pumpkin mixture evenly around it.

Step 5: Season Feta Cheese

Drizzle extra olive oil over the feta cheese and sprinkle with remaining thyme leaves.

Step 6: Roast in Oven

Put the dish in the oven for about 25 minutes or until the pumpkin is tender, and the feta has softened.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

While roasting, cook pasta in heavily salted water when there are about 10 minutes left on your timer. Remember to save some pasta water!

Step 8: Mash Garlic

Once done roasting, remove the oven dish from heat. Gently peel garlic cloves from their skins. Use a fork to mash them directly in the oven tray.

Step 9: Combine Ingredients

Break up feta cheese in the mixture using your fork and stir well.

Step 10: Add Spinach & Pasta

Add baby spinach to your mixture followed by cooked pasta along with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 11: Create Creamy Sauce

Mix everything together until you achieve a beautiful creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add more pasta water until desired consistency is reached.

Step 12: Serve & Enjoy

Top with chilli flakes and crumbled walnuts just before serving so they remain crunchy! Enjoy your delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta!

How to Serve Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pumpkin Feta Pasta is not only delicious but also versatile when it comes to serving. You can elevate your meal with a few creative touches that will impress your family and friends.

With Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley – A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley adds a burst of flavor and a pop of color to your dish.

Drizzled with Balsamic Glaze

• Sweet and Tangy Kick – A drizzle of balsamic glaze enhances the overall taste, providing a sweet contrast to the creamy feta.

Accompanied by Crusty Bread

• Perfect for Dipping – Serve with slices of crusty bread to scoop up the creamy sauce, making each bite delightful.

Topped with Extra Cheese

• For Cheese Lovers – Sprinkle additional crumbled feta or grated Parmesan on top for an extra cheesy experience.

With a Side Salad

• Light and Refreshing – Pair with a simple green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing balance to the rich pasta.

Finished with Toasted Nuts

• Crunch Factor – Add toasted pine nuts or almonds for added texture and nutty flavor that complements the dish nicely.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Achieving the ideal creamy consistency for Pumpkin Feta Pasta is simple with these helpful tips.

• Use Quality Feta – Opt for high-quality feta cheese, as it greatly impacts the creaminess and flavor of the dish.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook pasta until al dente; this ensures it retains its shape and texture when mixed.
• Reserve Pasta Water – Always save some pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid helps bind the sauce.
• Adjust Creaminess – If your sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
• Incorporate Seasonal Veggies – Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like kale or roasted bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Garnish Generously – Finish with fresh herbs or nuts just before serving for an added touch of freshness and crunch.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pairing side dishes with your Pumpkin Feta Pasta can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:

1. Garlic Bread – A classic choice that complements any pasta dish, perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
2. Roasted Vegetables – Seasonal veggies like carrots, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to your plate.
3. Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing provides a crunchy contrast to creamy pasta.
4. Caprese Skewers – Cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls, and basil drizzled with balsamic makes a refreshing side.
5. Grilled Asparagus – Lightly seasoned grilled asparagus adds elegance and a smoky flavor that pairs well.
6. Antipasto Platter – A selection of cured meats, olives, and cheeses offers variety and satisfies different tastes.
7. Coleslaw – A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that balances out the richness of the main dish.
8. Mediterranean Quinoa Salad – This healthy option packed with veggies and spices complements your pasta perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Pumpkin Feta Pasta, it’s easy to make simple errors. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

• Skipping the salt: Not salting your pasta water can lead to bland pasta. Always season your water generously for flavor.
• Overcooking the pumpkin: If you cook the pumpkin too long, it may become mushy. Check for doneness after 25 minutes and adjust as necessary.
• Ignoring the pasta water: Forgetting to save some pasta water can result in a dry sauce. Always keep a cup of it handy to create a creamy texture.
• Using cold feta: Adding feta directly from the fridge can affect its melting quality. Let it sit at room temperature for a bit before using.
• Rushing the mixing process: If you don’t combine ingredients thoroughly, you’ll end up with uneven flavors. Take your time to mix everything well for a uniform taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Pumpkin Feta Pasta in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• To freeze, place the cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers.
• It will maintain its best quality for about 2 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Feta Pasta

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and cover your dish with foil. Bake until heated through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer individual portions to a microwave-safe dish and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed, stirring frequently until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Feta Pasta.

What type of pasta works best for Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

Any pasta shape that holds sauce well is ideal. Shells or penne work particularly well due to their shape.

Can I use other types of cheese instead of feta?

Yes! While feta adds a unique flavor, goat cheese or ricotta can also work as substitutes for a different taste profile.

Is Pumpkin Feta Pasta suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time. Just follow the storage instructions provided above.

How do I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Feel free to include veggies like bell peppers or zucchini. Just roast them along with the pumpkin for added flavor!

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this dish vegan-friendly, substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and choose whole grain or legume-based pasta.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta is not only creamy and delicious but also offers versatility in customization. You can add more vegetables or change up the cheese according to your preferences. It’s perfect for family dinners or meal prep, so give it a try today!