Imagine a plate of pasta that captures the essence of fall in every single bite - creamy, rich butternut squash blended with crispy, salty prosciutto that creates a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to the Italian countryside. This Butternut Squash Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto isn't just a meal; it's a culinary experience that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish you can easily create in your own kitchen.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 oz prosciutto, sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Peel and cube the butternut squash into small, even-sized pieces to ensure even cooking. Slice the prosciutto into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the cubed butternut squash. Season with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Sauté the squash for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is tender and lightly caramelized.
- Once the butternut squash is cooked, add the sliced prosciutto to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until the prosciutto becomes crispy and golden brown.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding a little reserved pasta water as needed to create a creamy sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and coats the pasta evenly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more salt or pepper as desired.
- To serve, divide the pasta among four plates. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious butternut squash pasta with crispy prosciutto!
Tips
- Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or penne, to maximize flavor in every bite.
- Cut butternut squash into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency is key to creating a silky, smooth sauce.
- Use high-quality prosciutto and crisp it slowly to develop deep, rich flavor.
- Fresh sage leaves aren't just a garnish - they add an aromatic, earthy note that elevates the entire dish.
- Don't overcook the squash; you want tender pieces with slight caramelization for the best texture.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for maximum flavor and smoothest melting.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 30mg
