Spiced Butternut Squash and Chorizo Whole Wheat Penne

I can try to describe this pasta to you, but words won’t do it justice. These flavors, all compiled into a single, simple pasta dish are an incredible combination. The chorizo is juicy and flavorful, the butternut squash has that soft sweetness, but is roasted with spices that make this meal comforting and warming. There’s no butter, no cream, nothing weighing this pasta down. The feta cheese and freshly chopped cilantro make it feel nice and fresh. Y’all…I promise you this pasta is SOMETHING ELSE. A simple weeknight meal everyone will love!

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Level: Easy

Ingredients - Serves 4

  • 12 oz. whole wheat penne

  • 2.5 cups of diced butternut squash

  • About 12 oz. ground chorizo

  • 3 cloves of minced garlic

  • 1 tbsp. olive oil, divided

  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta, divided

  • 2 tsp. dried oregano

  • 1 tsp. chili powder

  • 1/2 tsp. cumin

  • Salt and pepper

  • 3 tbsp. chopped FRESH cilantro

  • Optional: crushed red pepper

 

  1. Pre-heat your oven to 400.

  2. The butternut squash needs to be diced into small, 1/2” cubes. Add them to a baking sheet, along with 1/2 tbsp of the olive oil and sprinkle with the chili powder, cumin, as well as some salt and pepper. Use your hands to evenly coat the squash cubes, and place in the oven to roast for 25 minutes.

  3. While squash roasts, cook the pasta as package describes. Once done, drain, rinse, and set aside.

  4. Use a large skillet to put the pasta together. Heat up that skillet with the remaining 1/2 tbsp of olive oil. Once hot, add your chorizo and brown until fully cooked. Once cooked, add the minced garlic and the oregano and cook until soft and aromatic - about 1-2 minutes.

  5. Once the squash is done roasting, add that to the skillet and turn the temperature down to low. Add the cooked pasta, and stir to combine everything.

  6. Add 1/4 cup of the feta in the skillet and stir to combine under low heat. Turn temperature off.

  7. Serve the pasta topped with the remaining feta and the chopped cilantro. Add crushed red pepper for a little bit of heat if desired! Keep in mind some chorizo and some chili powders already have a little bit of heat. Enjoy!