Monday, October 14, 2013

chorizo and butternut squash shells


It's been so rainy all over Texas for the past few days, and it's supposed to last all week here in Dallas! Even though I love sunny weather, it's nice sometimes to have an excuse to stay in and snuggle up under a blanket for hours. We have a school holiday today, so I'm planning on doing just that!

This is a great meal for a rainy fall day. It's cozy and warming and knock-your-socks-off delicious. Perfect for eating while snuggled up under a blanket!

Chorizo and Butternut Squash Shells (adapted from Wit and Vinegar)
serves 4

you'll need:
1/2 lb. pasta shells
2 cups cubed butternut squash
3/4 cups milk (I used skim)
1/2 cup chicken stock
1/2 lb. chorizo
3/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar, plus more for sprinkling on top
kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
dash of cayenne pepper
1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
olive oil, for drizzling

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Spray an 8x8 pan with cooking spray and set aside.

Place squash, milk, and chicken stock in a medium saucepan and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, or until the squash it fork tender. Transfer everything to a blender and allow to cool.

By now, your water should be boiling. Add a generous amount of salt and then cook the pasta to al dente according to the package directions.

Rinse out saucepan and add chorizo. Cook over medium heat until cooked through, breaking up with a fork. Once the meat is cooked through, take off heat.

Blend the squash/milk/stock mixture until smooth. Add it to the pan with the chorizo. Stir in cheddar. Taste for seasoning and add salt, pepper, and a dash of cayenne as needed.

Drain pasta and add it to the 8x8 pan. Pour sauce over it and gently mix. Top with panko, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a bit of extra cheese. Bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool for 5 minutes before devouring.

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24 comments:

  1. I've got a butternut squash sitting on my counter and it's been waiting for a recipe just like this. So gorgeous!!!

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    1. Ohhh, let me know if you give it a try! Thanks, Maria!

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  2. Replies
    1. Haha, I know what you mean! Love chorizo!

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    2. I am a Lao girl. I shouldn't love chorizo as much as I do! I really love tex-mex!

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  3. I am thinking that a veg version made with soyrizo would be awfully tasty!! :)

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  4. I can see myself snuggled up with a blanket on the couch with a bowl of this. Looks great!

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  5. I LOVE the combination of flavors in this!! Yummm!

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  6. It's Spring here, but I don't need an excuse to snuggle up under a blanket and eat a delicious bowl of pasta, 'cause I'm the boss of me.

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  7. This sounds yummy! I adore chorizo so I know I'll love this. Great recipe Marie. :)

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  8. I complain about rainy weather sometimes but I agree that sometimes it's nice to have an excuse to stay inside and relax and do nothing! Love this pasta dish...I bet it's tasty with the butternut squash. Perfect fall meal!

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    1. The rain is still going on here! It's not as easy to relax during the work week, though. :) Thanks Ashley!

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  9. Yum!! I love butternut squash!! What a neat combo :)
    Sincerely, Cailee @ http://hellohealthyeating.com

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  10. I love that you used butternut squash in this recipe, and I especially love that you used shells - they're my favorite pasta! :)

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  11. What a perfect combination. Seasonal and flavorful!! Love it!

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  12. I've never thought about blending butternut squash up to add to pasta for creaminess. Great idea!

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