Orecchiette with Butternut Squash & Chili Pepper EVOO

Name: Orecchiette with Butternut Squash & Chili Pepper EVOO
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 1 pound (450 grams) orecchiette pasta; 2 cups butternut squash, roasted and cubed; 6 cups fresh spinach; 2 whole cloves of garlic, smashed; 2-3 tablespoons Zucchi's Chili Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil; 4 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated; 2 tablespoons almonds, toasted and crushed; to taste kosher salt

Get into the autumn spirit with this cozy orecchiette pasta dish! Sweet and nutty butternut squash is contrasted by the heat from our spicy Chili Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil—and it's divine.

COOK TIME	20 minutes
PREP TIME	15 minutes

SKILL LEVEL	Easy
SERVES	4

We recommend…

CHILI PEPPER FLAVORED EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Kick things up a notch in this recipe by using our spicy chili pepper extra virgin olive oil, infused with real dried chili peppers.

INGREDIENTS

1 pound (450 grams) / orecchiette pasta
2 cups / butternut squash, roasted and cubed
6 cups / fresh spinach
2 / whole cloves of garlic, smashed
2-3 tablespoons / Zucchi's Chili Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4 tablespoons / Parmesan cheese, grated
2 tablespoons / almonds, toasted and crushed
to taste / kosher salt

INSTRUCTIONS

Bring a large pot of water to boil and generously salt it.

Meanwhile, add Zucchi Chili Pepper Extra Virgin Olive Oil and smashed garlic cloves to a large pan. Cook over medium heat, until fragrant. Add the roasted butternut squash and spinach and cook for another 5 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.

Add the orecchiette to the salted, boiling water. Cook for about 8-9 minutes, or until al dente.

Using a slotted spoon, transfer the orecchiette to the pan with the squash and spinach. Add a 1/4 cup of the pasta water and sitr to combine. Cook on low for 1-2 minutes, until the pasta is coated in bits of spinach and butternut squash.

Spoon onto serving plates and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and toasted, crushed almonds. Drizzle on more Chili Pepper EVOO if you prefer the extra heat!