3lbs.Hubbard squashhalved and seeded (about 2 cups cooked)
5tbsp.olive oil
3clovesgarlic
1 1/2ouncesblue cheesegorgonzola dolce or bleu d'auvergne recommended
1cupchicken or vegetable stock
1lb.short pastapenne, fusilli, rigatoni
1/4cupheavy cream
1/2cuppasta waterreserved
1/2cuppacked sage leaves
salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (375 convection) / 200°C. Drizzle 2 tbsp. olive oil over squash halves and season with salt and pepper. Place cut side down on parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30 - 45 minutes, until very soft.
Remove squash from oven and let cool slightly. While squash is cooling, cook pasta according to package directions.
When squash is cool enough to handle, scoop flesh from squash and place in pitcher of blender. Add garlic, cream and stock to the blender, then purée until smooth.
Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of water. Toss pasta with squash sauce in a large pot, adding a few tablespoons of pasta water at a time, if needed, to loosen the sauce.
Break up blue cheese and sprinkle over warm pasta, stirring to let the cheese melt and incorporate into the sauce. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
Heat remaining oil in a small skillet and fry sage leaves for one minute, or until crispy. Remove from pan and place on paper towel to absorb excess oil. Garnish pasta with fried sage leaves and serve.
Video
Notes
*Reserve a few fried sage leaves to garnish individual bowls, if desired.