Butternut Squash and Parsnips Baked Pasta

I bookmarked this recipe months ago when I was looking for new butternut squash recipes. I was hoping it would be similar to my favorite butternut squash lasagna, but easier and healthier. It still required the dreaded roux, but with Julie's help I was able to pull it off. I think I need to invest in a new whisk.



Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 cups (1/2-inch) cubed peeled butternut squash
1 cup chopped parsnip
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried rubbed sage
1 tablespoon chopped fresh or 1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
2 cups uncooked penne pasta
1/2 cup (2 ounces) grated fresh Parmesan cheese, divided
Cooking spray
1 1/2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup 1% low-fat milk


Directions:

Preheat oven to 375°.

Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, red pepper, and garlic; sauté 3 minutes. Add squash and parsnip; sauté 10 minutes. Stir in sage, parsley, nutmeg, allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; remove from heat.

Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat. Drain in a colander over a bowl, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Combine squash mixture, pasta, and 1/4 cup cheese in an 11 x 7-inch baking dish coated with cooking spray, tossing gently to combine.

Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour; cook 3 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add milk; cook 5 minutes, stirring constantly with a whisk. Gradually add reserved cooking liquid; cook 2 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly with a whisk. Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Pour milk mixture over pasta mixture; sprinkle with 1/4 cup cheese. Bake at 375° for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

From: Cooking Light