Fall Fest: Kabocha Squash Pasta

By: Cameron Curtis
Pasta With Winter Squash

We’re continuing our season long Fall Fest 2011, which welcomes food and garden bloggers to feature garden-to-table recipes and tips. We’ll help you to enjoy all that this season has to offer. First up was the classic fall favorite, apples, then potatoes, pumpkin, and now: winter squash.

I've never met a squash I didn't like but I think I might be in love with a certain winter variety: kabocha squash. It's sweeter than butternut squash (if that's possible) and it doesn't have a stringy texture that some squash varieties are prone to. So when I found Mark Bittman's super-simple Pasta with Winter Squash recipe, I knew the kabocha variety would be the perfect choice.

Kabocha Squash

Kabocha is the generic Japanese word for squash and this variety is often referred to as the "Japanese pumpkin."

Inside Kabocha Squash

Slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.

Sliced Kabocha Squash

Use a mandolin to finely chop or grate the peeled squash.

Cooking Shallots and Garlic

Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and saute shallots and garlic for about 1 minute.

Cooking Kabocha Squash

Add sliced tomatoes, squash, salt and pepper and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. For a creamier pasta sauce, add Mascarpone.

Finished Squash Pasta

Top pasta with the squash mixture and sprinkle with parsley.

Get the Recipe: Pasta with Winter Squash
More Squash Recipes:
More Recipes From Family & Friends:
And Love It Too: Warm Winter Chili
Bay Area Foodie: Delicata Squash Soup

The Sensitive Epicure: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

CIA Dropout: Stuffed Winter Squash
What's Gaby Cooking: Quinoa Stuffed Acorn Squash

Next Up

Fall Fest: Pumpkin and Winter Squash Lasagna

Rachael Ray's pumpkin and winter squash lasagna recipe will make a vegetable lasagna lover out of you.

Fall Fest: Winter Squash Macaroni and Cheese

Since I'm constantly looking for ways to incorporate veggies, Ellie's Macaroni and 4 Cheeses seemed like the perfect inspiration to get my pasta and squash fix.

Fall Fest: Pumpkin Risotto

Yes, pumpkins make great jack-o-lanterns, but did you also know they make a great dinner? Small and plump pie or sugar pumpkins are great in pumpkin recipes.

Fall Fest: Carrot Recipes to Covet

Turn carrots into soup, salad, dessert and even jam with these clever ideas.

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