Winter Squash Parmesan Penne

The other week I went over to my boss's house for dinner. She was stressed because she hadn't planned anything, but she quickly put together the most delicious dish, that I've spent the past three weeks dreaming about. Have I mentioned how much I love my boss? She's awesome. In so many ways :)

I don't generally put pepper in things. Right, Michelle? Remember when we'd make dinner together, and would leave salt and pepper out entirely so that you could over-pepper everything, and i'd over-salt it? But this is the first dish that I willingly put pepper in. and it's great! And, have I ever told you that Rosemary is my favorite herb? Because it totally is.

You can use any time of squash that you have on hand - pumpkin, acorn, butternut. Doesn't quite matter. We had acorn already cooked up. This recipe is fast if the squash is already cooked. If it's not..well then...

Also, this dish is easily veg. But for the non veg, I have to say that I was craving tuna, so I bought a can, and it was delicious with it.

Winter Squash Parmesan Penne

1 box penne (pref whole wheat)

1 small squash (acorn, pump, butternut), when done, cut off outside, cut into small-ish chunks.

2 TBS butter (i mean, if you want to be healthier, use some EVOO)

3 healthy handfuls of parm (or, you know, how much you want)

2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary (for dried use about a tablespoon. Dried herbs are stronger than fresh)

Some black pepper to taste, if you have fresh, use it. (it should be a bit spicy)

salt to taste.

(other veggies if you want, red bell pepper, etc. Some tuna if you want too.)

If your squash uncooked, you'll have to look up specific baking times. A good way to start - cut in half, scrape out seeds, put flesh side up in a dish with about 1/4 inch of water at the bottom. Bake at 375 until "flesh" is tender - about 50 mins or more. If you want to put more water in the bottom when it runs dry it can help - as does a little bit of butter in the top the squash.

When squash is done (or almost):

Boil water- cook for directions, til al dente.

In a sauce pan, melt butta. add parm, melt a bit, add squash and other veggies Add the Pasta when it's done, add in black pepper and rosemary. stir and heat til it's warm through.

EASY PEASY! yum yum yum!

I just love food. Can you blame me?