There’s nothing quite like a warm and comforting meal to celebrate sweater weather. The viral TikTok trend of baked feta pasta, which took 2020 by storm, is making a comeback with a delightful twist – Pumpkin Feta Pasta. Ahead, we explore a unique take on this cosy pasta dish, bringing its own delicious approach to the table.
Pumpkin Baked Feta Pasta: A Hearty Sweater-Weather Meal
This rendition of the viral baked feta pasta introduces a twist by incorporating pumpkin puree into the creamy sauce. The amalgamation of garlic, shallot, and sage with the feta cheese creates a luscious pumpkin sauce that blankets every noodle in warmth and flavours.
The sauce boasts a silky smooth texture without the need for cream, deriving its creaminess from the baked feta. Rich in vitamins A, E, and C, pumpkin not only adds a fall twist but also contributes to skin health and immunity. This healthy pasta bake is versatile–pair it with chicken, salmon, or opt for plant-based protein by using chickpea or lentil-based pasta.
Recipe: Pumpkin Feta Pasta
Ingredients
- ¼ cup Olive Oil
- 18 oz. block of Feta Cheese
- 2 small/medium Shallots, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic, cut lengthwise into thirds
- 4-5 Sage Leaves
- ¼ tsp. Red Pepper Flakes
- 1 tsp. Salt
- ½ tsp. Freshly Cracked Pepper + more for garnishing
- 1 lb Penne Pasta
- 2 cups Pasta Water
- ⅔ cup Pumpkin Puree
Method
- Preheat the oven to 415 degrees F/200 degrees C. Place feta in a baking dish, add olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake for 20 minutes.
- Add shallots, garlic, and sage to the dish. Bake for an additional 10-12 minutes until golden and fragrant.
- Cook pasta, reserving 2 cups of pasta water.
- Break up the baked feta, mix with garlic, sage, shallots. Stir in pumpkin puree and 1 cup pasta water.
- Combine with pasta, adding more pasta water until smooth. Top with cracked black pepper and enjoy!
