Main Meals04.29.2026

Butternut Squash Pasta

Name: Butternut Squash Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Ingredients: 1/2 cup 2% cottage cheese; 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 3 clove garlic; 1/2 tbsp avocado oil; 3/4 tsp salt, divided, plus more to taste; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; black pepper; 165 g short pasta; pinch cayenne; 1/2 cup milk; 20 g nutritional yeast; 1/2 cup sharp cheddar, grated; 140 g cooked chicken, diced; 130 g raw broccoli, steamed

Prep Time: 15 min

Total Time: 60 min

Serves 3

A creamy, cozy pasta with roasted butternut squash, sharp cheddar, and tender chicken and broccoli for a comforting weeknight bowl.

Ingredients

½ cup 2% cottage cheese

1 lb butternut squash (peeled and cubed)

3 clove garlic

½ tbsp avocado oil

¾ tsp salt (divided, plus more to taste)

½ tsp garlic powder

½ tsp smoked paprika

black pepper

165 g short pasta

pinch cayenne

½ cup milk

20 g nutritional yeast

½ cup sharp cheddar (grated)

140 g cooked chicken (diced)

130 g raw broccoli (steamed)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Peel and cube squash into about 1-inch pieces. Add to a parchment-lined baking sheet and toss with whole garlic cloves, avocado oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and pepper. Roast covered with tin foil until super tender, about 35–45 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and spread on a sheet pan so it doesn't stick.

Blend roasted squash and garlic with cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, remaining salt, and pepper until smooth. Add pasta water as needed to thin.

Warm sauce over medium-low heat (don't boil). Remove from heat and stir in cheddar gradually until melted and smooth.

Stir in chopped chicken and steamed broccoli. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Add pasta and toss to coat. Serve warm.