One-Pot Coconut Curry Butternut Squash Pasta

SERVES 4

GLUTEN-FREE · DAIRY-FREE

Total time: 40 minutes

This one-pot coconut curry looks like a grown-up mac ’n’ cheese, and it kind of is one—except for the fact that it is dairy-free and is kicked up a notch with Indian-inspired flavors. So maybe we will just say it’s mac ’n’ cheese’s really cool older cousin? Anywho, this pasta has a fantastically silky, creamy, and aromatic coconut curry sauce made from a pureed butternut squash that will really change up your typical weeknight meal.

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 large shallot, finely diced (¼ cup)
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes (about 4 cups)
• 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 teaspoons curry powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 (13-ounce) can unsweetened full-fat coconut milk
• 16 ounces brown rice fusilli pasta (I use Jovial brand)
• for serving
• ¼ cup roughly chopped fresh cilantro leaves
• Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic and gently cook until the shallot is tender, about 3 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high and add the butternut squash, broth, curry powder, salt, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover, and cook until the butternut squash is fork-tender, about 15 minutes.

Stir in the coconut milk and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender and blend in batches, then return the sauce to the pot. Bring the sauce to a simmer, add the pasta, and cook, uncovered and stirring often, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed a lot of the sauce, about 15 minutes. Season with salt to taste.

To serve, divide the pasta among 4 serving bowls and sprinkle with the cilantro and red pepper flakes if desired.