Fall Fest: Kabocha Squash Pasta
![Pasta With Winter Squash](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/finished-squash.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505158093196.jpeg)
![](http://food.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/food/fullset/2011/9/29/1/FNdish_fall-fest-logo-new_s4x3.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1371602771123.jpeg)
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](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/kabocha-squash.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.493.suffix/1505158095444.jpeg)
Kabocha is the generic Japanese word for squash and this variety is often referred to as the "Japanese pumpkin."
![Inside Kabocha Squash](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/inside-kabocha-squash.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505158097359.jpeg)
Slice the squash in half and scoop out the seeds.
![Sliced Kabocha Squash](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/sliced-kabocha-squash.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505158099274.jpeg)
Use a mandolin to finely chop or grate the peeled squash.
![Cooking Shallots and Garlic](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/shallots-and-garlic.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505158101076.jpeg)
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and saute shallots and garlic for about 1 minute.
![Cooking Kabocha Squash](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/cooked-squash.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.440.suffix/1505158103059.jpeg)
Add sliced tomatoes, squash, salt and pepper and cook until tender, about 15 minutes. For a creamier pasta sauce, add Mascarpone.
![Finished Squash Pasta](http://cook.fnr.sndimg.com/content/dam/images/cook/editorial/blog/legacy/devour/2011/12/finished-squash-small.jpg.rend.hgtvcom.616.462.suffix/1505158105059.jpeg)
Top pasta with the squash mixture and sprinkle with parsley.
The Sensitive Epicure: Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Thursday Night Dinner: Butternut Squash Gnocchi With Sage Brown Butter
Dishin and Dishes: Butternut Squash Bisque With Sage Cream
Napa Farmhouse 1885: Pomme d'or With Wild Mushroom Risotto