A satisfying blend of creamy butternut squash sauce, taco spices, and tender pasta in a fusion dish.
# Components:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 medium butternut squash (approx. 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 - 1 small yellow onion, chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 - 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
→ Dairy & Pantry
06 - 3/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for vegan variation)
07 - 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese (or vegan cheese alternative)
08 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
09 - 1 pound pasta (rotini, penne, or shells)
10 - 1 1/2 cups vegetable broth
→ Spices
11 - 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
12 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
14 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
15 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
16 - 1/4 cup sliced green onions
17 - Optional: lime wedges and sliced avocado
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
02 - Prepare pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining and setting pasta aside.
03 - Heat remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion, red bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) until softened, approximately 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 additional minute.
04 - Add roasted butternut squash to the skillet. Stir in taco seasoning, smoked paprika, ground cumin, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
05 - Transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve desired sauce consistency.
06 - Return the pureed sauce to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream and grated cheddar cheese. Simmer gently for about 2 minutes until cheese melts and sauce becomes creamy.
07 - Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat evenly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Thin sauce with additional pasta water if necessary.
08 - Plate pasta and garnish with chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, and optional lime wedges or avocado slices. Serve immediately.
