Casarecce with Butternut Squash, Walnuts, and Burrata
Category: Pasta Dishes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Casarecce pasta | 320g |
| Delica squash (butternut squash) | 300g |
| Ground turmeric | 5g |
| Walnuts (shelled) | 70g |
| Fine salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh thyme | To taste |
| Burrata cheese | 125g |
| Water | 125g |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the squash. Peel off the skin, remove the seeds, and cut the squash into irregular chunks of about 2 cm each.
- In a large pan, drizzle a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and add the garlic clove. Allow it to sizzle for a couple of minutes, releasing its flavor.
- Once the garlic has softened, add the squash pieces to the pan. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- After 5 minutes, pour in 125g of water, season with salt to taste, and cover the pan with a lid. Let it cook on low heat for approximately 10 more minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the squash cooks evenly.
- During the cooking process, add the ground turmeric to infuse the squash with flavor.
- Once the squash is tender, remove the garlic from the pan. Stir in some fresh thyme and drizzle a little more extra virgin olive oil for added richness. Season with black pepper to taste, then turn off the heat and keep the mixture warm.
- While the squash is cooking, roughly chop the walnuts and set them aside for later use.
- In a separate large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the casarecce pasta until al dente. Drain the pasta, saving a small amount of the cooking water.
- Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the squash about two minutes before the pasta is fully cooked. Add a bit of the reserved pasta cooking water to help combine the flavors.
- Stir well to combine the pasta with the squash, then toss in the chopped walnuts, another drizzle of olive oil, and a few fresh thyme leaves.
- Gently tear the burrata cheese and distribute it over the pasta, allowing its creamy texture to meld with the warmth of the dish.
- Serve immediately, garnished with a final sprinkle of black pepper and a few extra thyme leaves for a fresh, aromatic touch.
Enjoy this rich and satisfying dish of Casarecce with Butternut Squash, Walnuts, and Burrata—a perfect blend of earthy squash, crunchy walnuts, and creamy cheese!
