- PREP-TIME: 20 MINUTES / READY IN: 40 MINUTES
- MAKES 5 CUPS
- SERVING SIZE: ¼ OF RECIPE
Craving a meal that’s creamy, hearty, and crunchy all at the same time? This is the dish for you. Earthy butternut squash is simmered with savory spices and puréed into a velvety sauce that’s made even richer with a dollop of almond butter. Nutrient-dense black beans add substance, while roasted pumpkin seeds serve as a crunchy garnish that makes every bite the perfect combination of textures and flavors. Sprinkle the finished dish with paprika (or cayenne, if you prefer a little more spice), and dig into this delectable and healthy plant-based pasta.
Tip: The sauce for this comforting dish can also be made with cubes of fresh winter squash; simply double the cooking time.
By Mary Margaret Chappell,Mar 7, 2022
INGREDIENTS
- 2 10-oz. bags frozen butternut squash cubes
- 1 small onion, quartered
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon curry powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- 8 oz. dry whole wheat farfalle or bow tie pasta
- 1 15-oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained (1½ cups)
- 1 tablespoon almond butter
- Sea salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- ¼ cup unsalted roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
- Smoked paprika (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a medium saucepan combine the first six ingredients (through oregano) with 1½ cups water. Cover and bring to boiling. Cook about 10 minutes or until squash is very tender.
- Cook farfalle according to package directions for al dente, adding beans the last 1 minute of cooking.
- Meanwhile, transfer squash mixture and almond butter to a food processor. Process to a smooth sauce. Season with salt and pepper.
- Drain pasta and beans; return to pot. Add sauce, stirring to coat. If desired, sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and paprika.
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:
Per serving (¼ of recipe): 417 calories, 82 g carbohydrates, 18 g protein, 5.2 g total fat, 0.7 g saturated fat, 0 g cholesterol, 261 mg sodium, 17 g fiber, 6 g sugar
Note: Nutritional information is provided as an estimate only.