Butternut Squash and Fried Sage Pasta

from Self.com
Butternut Squash and Fried Sage Pasta

A hearty bowl of pasta plus savory cheese? You'd never know this whole-grain comfort food is diet-friendly! Squash supplies all the vitamin A you need for the day.

By Kerri Conan

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 8 oz whole-wheat penne
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 8 sage leaves
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lb), peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan

PREPARATION

1. Cook penne as directed on package.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Fry sage, turning once, until crisp on both sides, about 1 minute per side.
4. Transfer to a paper towel.
5. Add onion and garlic to skillet.
6. Cook, stirring frequently, until soft and golden, about 3 minutes.
7. Add squash, 3/4 cup water, salt and pepper.
8. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until squash softens, 5 to 7 minutes.
9. Drain pasta, reserving 1 cup cooking water.
10. Return pasta to pot and add squash mixture; stir over low heat, adding some reserved cooking water if necessary, until pasta is coated, about 1 minute.
11. Serve, garnished with cheese and sage.

The skinny

337 calories per serving, 6.5 g fat (1.4 g saturated), 63 g carbs, 10 g fiber, 11 g protein