Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Name: Pumpkin Feta Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 360 g pasta shells; 1 kg butternut squash pumpkin; 8 garlic cloves; 180 g feta cheese; 2 big handfuls baby spinach; ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; Optional: Chilli flakes and walnuts for garnish

Published: September 20, 2025

by Lucille

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Texture: The roasted pumpkin and feta create a wonderfully smooth sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
Easy Preparation: With minimal prep and cook time, you can have a delicious meal on the table in just 30 minutes.
Versatile Ingredients: Use your favorite pasta shape or replace spinach with other greens like kale or arugula.
Healthy Option: Packed with vegetables, this dish offers a nutritious twist without sacrificing flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience seamless.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Oven-safe dish
Large pot for boiling pasta
Fork
Cutting board
Knife

Importance of Each Tool

Oven-safe dish: Ideal for roasting the pumpkin and feta together, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
Large pot for boiling pasta: Ensures even cooking and plenty of space so your pasta doesn’t stick together.
Fork: Useful for mashing garlic and mixing ingredients without damaging them.

Ingredients

To create this delightful Pumpkin Feta Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Pasta Dish

360 g pasta shells
1 kg butternut squash pumpkin
8 garlic cloves
180 g feta cheese (I’ve used Bulgarian feta)
2 big handfuls baby spinach
1 handful walnuts
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
8 sprigs of thyme
Salt and pepper to taste
Chilli flakes (optional)

How to Make Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F. This step ensures that your pumpkin roasts evenly.

Step 2: Prepare the Pumpkin

Peel and chop butternut squash pumpkin into 2cm cubes.
Place the cubes in an oven-safe dish.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Add garlic cloves in their skins, thyme leaves, and olive oil to the dish.
Season with salt and pepper, mixing all ingredients so that they are well coated with oil.

Step 4: Incorporate Feta Cheese

Place the block of feta cheese in the center of the dish.
Arrange all the pumpkin around it evenly.

Step 5: Season Feta

Drizzle more olive oil over the feta cheese and sprinkle with additional thyme leaves.

Step 6: Roast in Oven

Put the dish in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes until the pumpkin is cooked through and feta has softened.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

When there are about 10 minutes left on the timer, start boiling water in a large pot with salt. Add your pasta shells once it’s at a rolling boil. Remember to save some pasta water for later!

Step 8: Mash Garlic

Once roasted, remove your dish from the oven. Gently peel the skins off garlic cloves using a fork, mashing them directly in the oven tray.

Step 9: Combine Ingredients

Break up the softened feta cheese, stirring it into the roasted mixture until well combined.

Step 10: Add Spinach

Mix in your fresh baby spinach, then add in the drained pasta along with a splash of reserved pasta water.

Step 11: Create Creamy Sauce

Stir everything together until you achieve a creamy consistency. If it’s too thick, add more pasta water as needed.

Step 12: Serve

Top with optional chilli flakes and crumbled walnuts right before serving for added crunch!

Enjoy this delicious Pumpkin Feta Pasta!

How to Serve Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Serving Pumpkin Feta Pasta can elevate your meal experience. This creamy dish pairs beautifully with various accompaniments that enhance its flavors and textures.

With a Fresh Salad

Mixed Greens Salad: A simple toss of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Spinach and Arugula Salad: Toss fresh spinach and arugula with lemon juice and olive oil for a zesty contrast.

Alongside Garlic Bread

Classic Garlic Bread: Crisp and buttery, garlic bread adds wonderful flavor while being perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
Herb-Infused Breadsticks: Soft and chewy, these breadsticks infused with herbs provide a delightful texture alongside your pasta.

Topped with Extra Ingredients

Crumbled Feta: Adding more crumbled feta on top enhances creaminess and provides an additional burst of flavor.
Chili Flakes: Sprinkle chili flakes for a touch of heat that balances the sweetness of the pumpkin.

How to Perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta

To ensure your Pumpkin Feta Pasta turns out perfectly every time, follow these simple tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and baby spinach make a significant difference in flavor and texture.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente pasta; it will continue cooking when mixed with the hot pumpkin sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: Saving some pasta water is crucial as it helps create a creamy sauce that adheres well to the pasta.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving; adding salt, pepper, or extra chili flakes can enhance the overall flavor profile.
Experiment with Herbs: Try different herbs like rosemary or basil to give your dish unique flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Pairing side dishes with Pumpkin Feta Pasta can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

Roasted Vegetables: A mix of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized, adding depth to your meal.
Quinoa Salad: A refreshing salad made with quinoa, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light dressing complements the creamy pasta.
Grilled Chicken or Turkey: A protein option like grilled chicken or turkey can round out the meal nicely.
Steamed Broccoli: Tender steamed broccoli brings color and nutrients to your plate without overpowering flavors.
Caesar Salad (without anchovies): Crisp romaine lettuce dressed in Caesar-style dressing offers a crunchy counterpoint.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with rice or grains can serve as a hearty side that fills you up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the perfect Pumpkin Feta Pasta can be a breeze, but avoiding common pitfalls is key.

Boldly ignore ingredient measurements: Skipping precise measurements can lead to an imbalanced dish. Always use a kitchen scale for accuracy.
Boldly overlook pasta cooking time: Undercooking or overcooking pasta affects the texture. Follow package instructions for the best results.
Boldly forget about seasoning: Neglecting to season your dish properly can result in bland flavors. Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper accordingly.
Boldly skip saving pasta water: Forgetting to reserve some pasta water can leave your sauce too thick. Always save a cup before draining.
Boldly rush the mixing process: Mixing ingredients too quickly can break the feta into large chunks. Take your time for a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Use freezer-safe containers.
Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Pumpkin Feta Pasta

Oven: Preheat to 180°C/350°F and reheat covered for about 15-20 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over low heat, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Pumpkin Feta Pasta:

What type of pasta works best for Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

Any pasta shape works well, but shells or penne hold onto the creamy sauce nicely.

Can I make this Pumpkin Feta Pasta vegan?

Yes! Substitute feta with a plant-based cheese alternative and omit any dairy products.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Pumpkin Feta Pasta?

Consider adding herbs like basil or oregano, or even a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness.

Can I prepare Pumpkin Feta Pasta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the pumpkin and garlic ahead of time and mix it with pasta just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Pumpkin Feta Pasta is not just easy to make; it’s also packed with rich flavors that everyone will love. Experiment with different vegetables or spices to tailor it to your taste. Enjoy this creamy dish as a comforting family dinner!

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