Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

I am such a huge fan of Mac & Cheese, and this roasted butternut squash sauce makes any noodle look like it's covered in a super cheesy-goey sauce, but it's really just blended veggies! You can keep this recipe entirely vegan, or you can sprinkle the top with parmesan, it's completely up to you! This recipe comes together with just a few pantry ingredients, and is loved by adults and children!

Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Bake 1 butternut squash, cut in half 1 white onion, peeled and quartered 1 clove of garlic, skin still on 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon red chili flake 1 cup veggie or chicken stock 1 lb pasta (I used a whole wheat penne) 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil salt & pepper to taste.

Start by preheating your oven to 400. Lay halved squash, quartered onion, and garlic clove on a sheet pan, drizzle with olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and roast for 35 minutes, or until squash is soft. While veggies roast, cook pasta according to box instructions, and drain. When Squash is done, pull pan from the oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Once squash is cool enough to touch, scoop out seeds and discard. Peel the garlic clove. Scoop the remaining squash into a blender, adding the quartered onions, peeled garlic clove, veggie stock, chili flake, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend on high until sauce is creamy and smooth! Pour sauce over pasta and combine. Add pasta to an oven-safe baking dish, and top with panko and fresh basil. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are a golden brown color! Serve as is, or serve with grilled chicken and a side salad! Enjoy!