3cupsdiced uncooked butternut squash(from about 1/2 large squash)
1cupmilkpreferably whole
kosher salt and black pepperto taste
grated parmesan cheesefor serving (optional)
Instructions
Melt butter (4 tablespoons) in a large skillet with a lid (or pot) over medium heat. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
Turn heat to high and stir constantly; butter will begin to foam on the surface and turn brown after about 2 minutes.
Once butter begins to brown, immediately turn heat to medium and add the diced onion and chopped fresh rosemary (1 tablespoon). Sauté over medium heat until softened (about 3 minutes).
Add the chicken stock and diced butternut squash. Bring to a boil, cover pot, and simmer on low, until squash is fork-tender (this will take about 10-20 minutes- the smaller it's diced, the shorter time it will take).
Once the butternut squash is starting to soften, cook fettuccini according to directions in the boiling salted water (I like to wait until this step so the cooked pasta doesn't sit around waiting for the sauce to finish getting dried up and sticky).
Use a potato masher to mash up the squash directly in the pot. It doesn't have to be smooth- just break it up a bit.
Add the milk to the squash and stir together.
Use an immersion blander to blend the squash right in the pot to make the sauce. Be careful- it's hot! You may need to tilt the pot to get a deep enough area to fully immerse the blender so it doesn't splatter. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender or food processor in batches.
Add kosher salt and black pepper to the sauce to taste.
Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Serve immediately, with parmesan cheese and fresh cracked pepper if desired.
Notes
Make it Vegan: Substitute the butter with olive oil and skip the "browning" step, or use a vegan butter substitute. Substitute the milk for coconut milk, and be sure to use veggie stock or water in place of chicken stock.
Time Saving Tip: you can usually buy already prepared (peeled and diced) butternut squash at the store, or you can use frozen.
Money Saving Tip: peeling and dicing the butternut squash yourself will save you some money. Here's a great tutorial.