Creamy reginette with roasted butternut squash, red onion and sage, with whipped ricotta and spicy pepitas

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 220 °C / 425 °F. On a baking tray, toss the butternut squash, red onion, and 2 whole garlic cloves with 30 ml (2 tbsp) olive oil, 5 g salt, 1 g black pepper, and half of the sage leaves. Roast for 25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and browned at the edges.

2. 2

   While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Also plan to reserve 240 ml (1 cup) of pasta water for the sauce before draining.

3. 3

   In a small skillet, heat 15 ml (1 tbsp) olive oil over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, 1 g salt, and the remaining black pepper. Toast for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring, until the seeds begin to pop. Remove and set aside.

4. 4

   In the same skillet, add the remaining sage leaves and fry them for 30 to 45 seconds until crisp. Transfer carefully to a plate and set aside.

5. 5

   In a small bowl, mix the ricotta with the grated parmesan, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Beat with a spoon or small whisk until creamy and smooth. Set aside.

6. 6

   Cook the reginette pasta according to package directions until al dente, usually 10 to 12 minutes. Drain when ready, reserving the pasta water.

7. 7

   Transfer the roasted squash, red onion, peeled roasted garlic cloves, and any tray juices to a blender or food processor. Add 120 ml (1/2 cup) of the reserved pasta water and blend until smooth. Add a little more water if needed to make it silky.

8. 8

   Pour the squash sauce into a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the cooked pasta and 2 spoonfuls of the ricotta mixture. Toss for 1 to 2 minutes, adding more pasta water little by little if the sauce is too thick, until the pasta is evenly coated.

9. 9

   Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. Top with dollops of the remaining whipped ricotta, the spicy pepitas, and the crispy sage. Finish with a little more parmesan if desired and serve immediately.