BUTTERNUT AND CHARD PASTA BAKE

Butternut and Chard Pasta Bake image

This recipe is made for butternut squash lovers, with pureed squash in the sauce and squash pieces in the casserole alongside an ideal companion, Swiss chard. This is a very veggie hybrid of ever-popular holiday sides. -Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 55m

Yield 9 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked bow tie pasta
2 cups fat-free ricotta cheese
4 large eggs
3 cups frozen cubed butternut squash, thawed and divided
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1/2 teaspoon salt, divided
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup coarsely chopped shallots
1-1/2 cups chopped Swiss chard, stems removed
2 tablespoons olive oil
1-1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
1/3 cup coarsely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Steps:

Preheat oven to 375°. Cook pasta according to package directions for al dente; drain. Meanwhile, place the ricotta, eggs, 1-1/2 cups squash, thyme, 1/4 teaspoon salt and nutmeg in a food processor; process until smooth. Pour into a large bowl. Stir in pasta, shallots, Swiss chard and remaining squash. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add bread crumbs; cook and stir until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Stir in parsley, garlic powder and remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt. Sprinkle over pasta mixture., Bake, uncovered, until set and topping is golden brown, 30-35 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 223 calories, Fat 6g fat (1g saturated fat), Cholesterol 83mg cholesterol, Sodium 209mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 9g protein.