Quick Penne & Butternut Squash

TattooedMamaof2's Note:

Made in the microwave. Great for the hot days when you don't want to turn on your stove!

• Total Time: 45 mins
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1 lb butternut squash or 1 lb acorn squash, peeled & seeded
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, sliced
• 1/2 cup cooked ham or 1/2 cup smoked turkey breast, diced
• 1 cup light cream
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese or 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Mix together the oil, garlic and bread crumbs and spread on a large plate. Cook in microwave for 4-5 minutes on HIGH power. Stir every minute until crisp and beginning to brown; set aside.
2. Dice the squash. Place in a large bowl with half of the water. Cover and cook on HIGH for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally; leave to stand for 2 minutes.
3. Place the pasta in a large bowl. Add a little salt and pour boiling water to cover by 1 inch over. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring once, until the pasta is just tender, but still firm to the bite. Leave to stand, covered, for 1 minute before draining. (Feel free to sub dry pasta and cook it traditionally).
4. Place the butter and onion in a large bowl. Cover and cook on HIGH power for 3 minutes.
5. Coarsley mash the squash. Add to the onion with the pasta, ham, cream, cheese, parsley and remaining water; season generously to taste and mix well. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 minutes until heated through.
6. Serve the pasta sprinkled with the crisp garlic crumbs.