Ultimate Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake: A Cozy Fall Family Favorite
Embrace the comforting essence of autumn with our Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake. This simple yet sophisticated pasta meal combines a lusciously creamy butternut squash and goat cheese sauce with crispy bits of savory bacon and the earthy aroma of fresh sage, creating a heartwarming dish that truly brings everyone to the table. It’s the perfect way to celebrate fall flavors in a truly unforgettable way.
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Sprouts Farmers Market. As always, all opinions are my own.
As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like a hearty pasta bake to warm the soul. This week, we’re diving headfirst into fall with a recipe that’s destined to become a seasonal staple: a Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake. Even if the calendar hasn’t officially declared it autumn, our kitchens are already humming with anticipation for those beloved fall flavors.
Celebrating the Flavors of Fall
September always ignites a sense of excitement for the change of seasons. While many flock to the pumpkin spice latte craze, my true passion lies in the broader spectrum of fall flavors. Imagine comforting bowls of chili, endless varieties of nourishing soups, and, of course, the star of so many autumnal dishes: butternut squash. Its naturally sweet, nutty profile makes it incredibly versatile, lending itself beautifully to both sweet and savory creations. From pies and muffins to rich sauces and hearty stews, butternut squash truly shines this time of year.
The Secret Ingredient: Sprouts Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
This year, my enthusiasm for butternut squash has reached new heights, largely thanks to an incredible product from Sprouts: their Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. I often rave about delicious foods on this blog, but it’s rare that a single product captures my excitement quite like this one. Seriously, this sauce is an absolute game-changer.
It’s perfectly smooth, incredibly rich, delightfully creamy, and bursting with authentic butternut squash flavor. The deep, earthy sweetness of the squash truly comes through, making it feel like a homemade sauce without any of the extensive labor. Forget roasting, chopping, and blending your own squash – this sauce eliminates all those steps, allowing you to whip up a gourmet-tasting meal with remarkable ease. It’s ready to transform any pasta dish into something extraordinary, saving you precious time without ever compromising on taste.
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Elevating the Dish: Goat Cheese, Bacon, and Sage
While the Sprouts Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is fantastic on its own – I’d honestly be tempted to eat it straight out of the jar with a spoon! – we’re taking it to the next level in this baked fettuccine dish. To infuse an extra layer of gourmet flavor, I’ve incorporated creamy, tangy goat cheese. You all know my love for cheese, and goat cheese provides a delightful counterpoint to the sweetness of the squash, adding a sophisticated zest that truly elevates the sauce.
But the indulgence doesn’t stop there. We’re also folding in generous amounts of crispy bacon and fragrant fresh sage. The salty crunch of the bacon provides a wonderful textural contrast and a rich, savory depth that balances the creamy sauce. Meanwhile, fresh sage, with its slightly peppery and earthy notes, introduces that classic cozy comfort reminiscent of autumn evenings. Together, these ingredients create a symphony of flavors and textures, making each bite an experience to savor.
Why Shop at Sprouts for Your Fall Favorites?
One of the main reasons I consistently choose Sprouts Farmers Market for my grocery needs is their incredible selection of seasonal and unique products. Your local Sprouts isn’t just a place to find this amazing Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce; it’s also a treasure trove of other limited-time fall-themed ingredients that can inspire countless delicious meals. From specialty cheeses to fresh herbs and a wide variety of produce, Sprouts makes it easy to embrace the bounty of the season.
Their shelves are always stocked with something new and exciting to try, ensuring that your fall cooking remains fresh and inspired. By utilizing products like their butternut squash sauce, you’re not just taking a convenient shortcut; you’re elevating your culinary creations with high-quality, flavorful ingredients. It’s truly a win-win for busy weeknights and special occasions alike – a truly delicious “dinner win” that proves you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for convenience.
Other Delightful Butternut Squash Recipes: Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Empanadas | Curried Butternut Squash Soup | Roasted Butternut Squash Black Bean Tacos | Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Essential Tools for This Recipe
Gathering the right tools can make all the difference in the kitchen, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. For this Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake, you’ll need a few key pieces of equipment. I found all the fresh ingredients and the star Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce at my local Sprouts – a truly convenient one-stop shop!
To perfectly boil your fettuccine, a sturdy Dutch oven is ideal. Its heavy bottom ensures even heat distribution, preventing sticking and allowing the pasta to cook uniformly. For preparing the rich and creamy sauce, a medium saucepan will work wonders. You’ll want one that’s large enough to comfortably stir in the goat cheese and other delicious additions without overflowing.
The heart of this dish is its bake-in-the-oven finish, so a 2 to 2 1/2 quart baking dish is essential. This size is perfect for holding all the saucy fettuccine and ensuring that top layer gets wonderfully golden and bubbly. Lastly, a good pair of kitchen tongs will be your best friend for gently tossing the cooked pasta with the luxurious sauce, ensuring every strand is coated in savory goodness before it goes into the oven. And seriously, don’t forget to grab an extra jar of that Sprouts Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce – once you taste it, you’ll want it for everything!
Crafting Your Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake
Let’s walk through the simple steps to create this incredible fall pasta bake. Each stage is designed to build flavor and ensure a perfectly comforting dish that everyone will adore.
Perfectly Cooking the Fettuccine
Begin by bringing a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Don’t be shy with the salt here – a well-salted pot of water seasons the pasta from the inside out, greatly enhancing the overall flavor of your dish. Add your fettuccine and cook according to the package directions, but with a crucial adjustment: subtract 1 to 2 minutes from the recommended cooking time. This ensures your pasta is al dente and won’t become mushy during the baking process. For my pasta, 6 minutes was just right. Once cooked, drain the fettuccine well and set it aside, ready to absorb that luscious sauce.
Whipping Up the Creamy Sauce
While your pasta is cooking, turn your attention to the star sauce. Pour the delightful Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce into a medium saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Add the goat cheese, and begin stirring to combine it seamlessly with the squash sauce. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until the goat cheese has completely melted, creating a velvety smooth and tangy-sweet mixture. Next, stir in a generous tablespoon of freshly chopped sage leaves and half a cup of your crispy, cooked bacon. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water! Remove the saucepan from the heat and set it aside, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Assembling and Baking to Golden Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Lightly spray your chosen baking dish with nonstick spray to ensure easy serving. Transfer the perfectly cooked fettuccine into the prepared baking dish. Now, pour the creamy butternut squash and goat cheese sauce generously over the pasta. Using your trusty tongs, toss everything together meticulously, making sure every single strand of fettuccine is thoroughly coated in the rich, vibrant sauce.
For that irresistible golden, crispy topping, combine the remaining bacon, grated fontina cheese, and breadcrumbs in a small bowl. The fontina cheese will add a wonderful melt, while the breadcrumbs and bacon will provide an amazing crunch. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the pasta. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and bubbly.
The Final Touch: Crispy Fried Sage
While your pasta bake is finishing in the oven, prepare the exquisite fried sage leaves. Heat a small skillet over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the fresh sage leaves in small batches (about 5 at a time) and fry them for approximately 30 seconds. They will crisp up quickly and become incredibly fragrant. Remove them promptly to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Once your Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake emerges from the oven, golden and aromatic, scatter the delicate crispy sage leaves over the top. The visual appeal and burst of fresh flavor they provide are simply divine. Serve immediately and watch as this comforting, flavorful dish disappears before your eyes!
Need some more inspiration for pasta night? Check out my pasta recipes page!
Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake
equipment
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Stoneware Baking Dish
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9-Inch Tongs
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saucepan
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Dutch Oven
ingredients
- 1 lb fettuccine
- 1 25- oz jar Sprouts Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 1 Tbsp freshly chopped sage leaves
- 3/4 cup cooked crispy bacon chopped about 5 slices
- 1/2 cup grated fontina cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 8 to 10 fresh sage leaves
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C). Lightly spray a 2 to 2 1/2 quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside. This will be ready for assembly.
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Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Season the water generously with salt. Add the fettuccine and cook according to the package instructions, but reduce the total cooking time by 1 to 2 minutes to ensure the pasta remains al dente for baking. For a perfect al dente bite, I recommend cooking for 6 minutes. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside.
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In a medium saucepan, combine the Sprouts Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce and goat cheese over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the goat cheese has completely melted and incorporated into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency (this should take about 2 to 3 minutes). Stir in the freshly chopped sage and 1/2 cup of your crispy chopped bacon. Remove the saucepan from the heat and set the sauce aside.
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Add the cooked fettuccine to your prepared baking dish. Pour the rich, creamy sauce evenly over the pasta. Using kitchen tongs, gently toss everything together until all the noodles are thoroughly coated in the flavorful sauce.
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In a small bowl, mix together the grated fontina cheese, breadcrumbs, and the remaining crispy bacon. This mixture will form your delicious, golden topping. Sprinkle it evenly over the top of the sauced pasta in the baking dish.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating it’s perfectly heated through and delightfully crispy.
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While the pasta bake is in the oven, prepare the fried sage leaves. Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Carefully add the sage leaves in batches (about 5 leaves per batch) and fry for approximately 30 seconds until they are crisp. Remove them immediately to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
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Once the pasta bake is done, carefully remove it from the oven. Garnish generously with the freshly fried sage leaves.
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Serve your comforting Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Fettuccine Bake immediately and enjoy!