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Winter Squash and Kale Pasta With Pecan Breadcrumbs

Winter Squash and Kale Pasta With Pecan Breadcrumbs recipe
Photo by Emma Fishman, Food Styling by Pearl Jones, Prop Styling by Sophie Strangio

This cozy winter squash and kale pasta fromThe Lantern Innin Wassaic, NY, uses an entire butternut squash, a whole bunch of kale, and crunchy pecan breadcrumbs for total fall bliss in dinner form.

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What you’ll need

Ingredients

4 Servings

½ cup finely chopped pecans
½ cup panko
2 tsp. finely grated lemon zest
1 tsp. plus 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
Kosher salt
1 large butternut squash (about 3 lb.), peeled, halved, seeds removed, cut into 1" cubes
2 tsp. dried oregano
Freshly ground black pepper
12 oz. spaghetti or other long pasta
6 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 large bunch kale, ribs and stems removed, leaves torn into 2" pieces
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1 oz. Parmesan, finely grated
¼ cup chopped parsley
¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  1. Step 1

    Place racks in upper and lower thirds of oven and preheat to 350°. Spread out pecans and panko on a small rimmed baking sheet and toast on upper rack, tossing halfway through, until nuts are slightly darkened and panko is golden, 7–9 minutes. Let cool slightly, then transfer pecans and panko to a small bowl and stir in lemon zest, 1 tsp. oil, and a pinch of salt. Set pecan breadcrumbs aside.

    Step 2

    烤箱温度增加到400°。把南瓜between 2 rimmed baking sheets; drizzle with 2 Tbsp. oil. Sprinkle oregano over, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast, tossing halfway through, until tender and browned in spots, 25–30 minutes.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, cook pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water, stirring occasionally, until very al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain, reserving 1½ cups pasta cooking liquid.

    Step 4

    Heat remaining 1 Tbsp. oil in a medium Dutch oven over medium. Cook garlic, stirring, until tender but not browned, about 1 minute. Add kale and cook, stirring, until beginning to wilt, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup reserved pasta cooking liquid, cover pot, and cook until kale is completely wilted, about 4 minutes. Uncover pot, add butter, and stir until melted. Add Parmesan and pasta and cook, tossing vigorously with tongs and adding more pasta cooking liquid if needed, until pasta is al dente and sauce coats pasta, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and toss in squash, parsley, and lemon juice. Taste and season with more salt if needed.

    Step 5

    Divide pasta among shallow bowls; top with reserved pecan breadcrumbs and season generously with pepper.

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  • Super easy and good. It looks very fancy and is perfect for winter

    • Anonymous

    • Seattle, WA

    • 3/10/2023

  • Delicious! I have made this twice now, and it is outstanding. I love veggies, so I would suggest adding extra squash and kale (helps psychologically to offset the amount of butter called for ;) I will keep in my winter rotation.

    • Sarah

    • 2/20/2023

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