Pasta with Butternut Squash Butter Sauce

Many times we fear consuming carbohydrates, but the truth is these macronutrients are responsible for providing our body with easily accessible energy, and they also play an important role in our brain function. This recipe contains carbohydrates and vegetables, is very quick to prepare, and can be complemented with a serving of salad and protein.

Approximate Nutritional Content: 4 servings of approximately 1/2 cup pasta

• Calories: 499 kcal

• Grams of fat: 14 gr. equivalent to 3 fat servings

• Grams of carbohydrate: 77 gr. equivalent to 5 carbohydrate servings

• Grams of protein: 17 gr. equivalent to 2 protein servings

Note: Nutritional information may vary according to the quantity and type of ingredients used as well as portion sizes

Ingredients:

• Salt and pepper

• 340 gr short pasta

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cups butternut squash cut into cubes

• 340 gr fresh mushrooms sliced

• 4 garlic cloves minced

• 1/2 purple onion minced

• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 3 tablespoons fresh oregano

Preparation:

• Place water with one tablespoon of salt in a large pot, bring to a boil, add the pasta and cook according to package directions. Reserve one cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

• In a large skillet, place one tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium-high heat. Add the butternut squash, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and a pinch of pepper. Cook stirring occasionally until golden, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

• In the same skillet, place 1 teaspoon of olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, pepper, and the mushrooms. Cook stirring until golden for 5 minutes. Then add the red pepper flakes, garlic, and onion. Cook until the onion softens, approximately 2 minutes.

• Add the cooked pasta, butternut squash, and half a cup of pasta water to the skillet. Cook stirring until everything is heated through (2 minutes). Add 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and the remaining pasta water, stir.

• Place on a serving plate, garnish with fresh oregano, salt and pepper (if needed), and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy!