Baked Trofie with Sausage and Butternut Squash Recipe
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as hearty and satisfying as Trofie with Sausage and Butternut Squash. This dish combines the rich flavors of golden, roasted butternut squash with the savory depth of Italian sausage, creating a perfect blend of textures and tastes. It’s topped with melted provolone cheese and a creamy béchamel sauce that brings everything together into one deliciously comforting meal. Here’s how to make it!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Trofie Pasta | 500g |
| Butternut Squash | 1kg |
| Italian Sausage (bulk) | 300g |
| Provolone Cheese | 100g |
| Water | 200g |
| Dry White Wine | 40g |
| Garlic | 2 cloves |
| Fresh Rosemary | to taste |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | to taste |
| Fine Salt | to taste |
| Ground Black Pepper | to taste |
| Whole Milk | 250g |
| Butter | 25g |
| All-Purpose Flour | 15g |
| Ground Nutmeg | to taste |
| Grana Padano DOP Cheese | 2 tablespoons |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by prepping the butternut squash. Carefully peel the skin, remove the seeds, and cut the flesh into small cubes. Place the cubed squash into a baking dish. Add 200g of water and roast in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden. Once done, set aside a few tablespoons of the roasted squash cubes for garnish later.
Step 2: Make the Béchamel Sauce
While the squash roasts, prepare the béchamel sauce. In a small saucepan, heat the whole milk, seasoning it with a pinch of salt and a dash of ground nutmeg. As the milk warms up, in a separate pan, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Stir constantly for 2 minutes, creating a roux. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a smooth, creamy consistency. Once ready, remove from heat and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Sausage
In a large pan, heat a small drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic cloves and sauté until fragrant. Then, add the sausage, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned, pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan. Let the wine evaporate, and then remove from heat. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Step 4: Cook the Trofie Pasta
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the trofie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually for about 9-10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little bit of pasta water to adjust the consistency of the sauce later if needed.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted butternut squash, cooked sausage, and cooked pasta. Pour the béchamel sauce over the mixture, stirring well to coat everything evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. If the mixture seems too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 6: Add the Cheese and Bake
Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Grate the provolone cheese and fold it into the pasta mixture. Transfer everything into a greased baking dish and top with the grated Grana Padano cheese. Bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is slightly golden.
Step 7: Serve and Garnish
Once the dish is out of the oven, garnish with the reserved roasted butternut squash cubes and a sprinkle of fresh rosemary. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting flavors of this savory baked trofie with sausage and butternut squash!
Nutritional Information (Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 600 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 75g |
| Dietary Fiber | 7g |
| Sugars | 15g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 10g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Potassium | 850mg |
| Calcium | 220mg |
| Iron | 3mg |
This Baked Trofie with Sausage and Butternut Squash dish is perfect for cozy family dinners, providing a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The combination of roasted squash, juicy sausage, and cheesy béchamel sauce offers a comforting dish that everyone will love. The hearty pasta makes this a fulfilling meal, while the addition of fresh rosemary and Grana Padano cheese adds a layer of gourmet richness. Enjoy every bite, and make this recipe your go-to comfort food!
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