Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Butternut Squash Sauce:
- 1 small butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 2 ½ cups)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, skin on
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon each: fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, fresh sage (chopped)
- ½ cup pasta water
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Chicken:
- 4 Good Ranchers Chicken Breasts
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or your choice)
Instructions:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F. On a parchment-lined baking sheet, toss the cubed squash and garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly golden.
2. Cook the Pasta: In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Lightly drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, then set aside.
3. Cook the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry and season both sides with salt, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
4. Make the Sauce: Add the roasted squash, roasted garlic (remove skins first), herbs, ½ cup reserved pasta water, heavy cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine: Return the cooked pasta to a skillet over low heat. Pour the butternut squash sauce over the pasta and toss until evenly coated. Add grated Parmesan. If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Top with the sliced chicken and garnish with more fresh Parmesan, if desired.