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Butternut Squash Pasta with Crispy Prosciutto & Herbs

A warm, simple pasta dish that beautifully combines sweet roasted butternut squash and crispy prosciutto for an ultimate comfort food experience.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine Comfort Food, Italian
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients
  

For the Roasted Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 cups butternut squash, sliced
  • 6–10 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped divided
  • 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 8 slices prosciutto

For the Pasta and Sauce

  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1 pound pasta (long or short cut)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
  • 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese
  • 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions
 

Roasting

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss butternut squash, garlic, thyme, 1 tablespoon rosemary, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and olive oil. Arrange prosciutto slices around the squash.
  • Roast for 20 minutes, check prosciutto, then roast another 10–15 minutes until squash is tender.

Prepare the Puree

  • Set aside 1 cup roasted squash for later. Add remaining squash, garlic, and ricotta to a food processor. Blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain.

Making the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, melt butter with sage and remaining rosemary over medium heat until butter begins to brown.
  • Stir in butternut puree and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water. Add gouda and parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.

Combining Ingredients

  • Toss cooked pasta into the sauce and gently fold in the reserved 1 cup roasted squash for texture and sweetness. Thin sauce with more pasta water if needed.

Serving

  • Divide pasta between plates. Top with crispy prosciutto, a sprinkle of parmesan, and fresh herbs. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce. Freeze the sauce (without pasta) for up to 2 months.
Keyword Butternut Squash, Comfort Food, pasta, Prosciutto, Quick Dinner