I have made this before and really liked it, but for some reason I wasn't really a fan of it last night. I did use skim milk instead of cream in an attempt to keep it figure-friendly for the adults, so maybe that made that much of a difference...? Or maybe my seasoning was off...? Anyway, last time I made this I LOVED it, and this time it was just okay...
Ingredients:
- 1 pound macaroni with lines, such as tubatini or mini penne rigate
- Salt
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, 1 turn of the pan
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme leaves, plus a few sprigs for garnish
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1 (10 ounce) box frozen cooked butter nut squash, defrosted
- 1 cup cream or half-and-half
- 2 cups (8 ounces) sharp Cheddar, grated
- 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple of handfuls
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, eyeball it
- Black pepper
Heat a pot of water to boil for the pasta. Salt the water then add the pasta and cook to al dente or, with a bite to it.
While pasta cooks, heat a medium heavy bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the extra-virgin olive oil and butter. When the butter melts into the oil, add the thyme and grate the onion directly into the pot with a hand held grater or Microplane. Cook the grated onion in butter and oil 1 to 2 minutes, then add flour and cook together 1 to 2 more minutes. Whisk in stock, then combine with butternut squash until warmed through and smooth. Stir in cream or half-and-half and bring sauce to a bubble. Stir in cheeses in a figure 8 motion and season the completed sauce with salt, nutmeg and pepper. Taste to adjust seasonings.
Drain cooked pasta well and combine with sauce. Serve alongside chicken sammies and top with thyme leaves picked from remaining sprigs.
I realized earlier today that I have a package of frozen diced butternut squash in my freezer and this recipe is perfect to use! Thanks!!
ReplyDelete