Pasta With Brussels Sprouts Butternut Squash And Kale Food

PANCETTA AND BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA

Steps:

• Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 3 cups pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
• Meanwhile, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over a medium-high heat. When the butter has melted and the oil is hot, add the pancetta, butternut squash and onion. Cook until the pancetta is golden and crisp and the squash has softened, about 8 minutes. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, thyme and garlic, then cook for an additional minute. Add the kale and approximately half of the Parmesan, followed by the white wine. Stir, scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any bits.
• Add the pasta and the reserved pasta water. Toss and allow the kale to wilt and the sauce to thicken, an additional minute or two.
• Squeeze over the lemon juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with the toasted pine nuts, the remaining Parmesan and torn basil. Serve straight from the skillet.

PASTA WITH KALE PESTO AND ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Use a vegetable peeler to peel squash, then halve it lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Dice squash flesh into 1-inch pieces, place on a baking sheet, and toss with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Spread pieces into an even layer, making sure there is space between them. Roast, stirring squash pieces once or twice, until golden brown and tender, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; have ready a bowl of ice water. Drop kale into boiling water and cook for 45 seconds. Use tongs or slotted spoon to transfer kale to ice water. Bring water in pot back to a boil, adding more if necessary so there is enough to cook pasta.
• Drain kale well, then wrap tightly in a dry kitchen towel and squeeze thoroughly to remove any excess moisture. Roughly chop leaves. When water in pot comes back to a boil, cook pasta according to package directions.
• In a food processor, pulse together kale, nuts, garlic, salt and lemon zest until mixture is smooth and salt has dissolved. With motor running, slowly drizzle in the oil until fully incorporated. Taste and add more salt dissolved in a little lemon juice, if necessary.
• Drain pasta, reserving a little cooking water. Toss pasta with kale pesto and some pasta cooking water if necessary to help it coat pasta. Add cheese, lemon juice and salt to taste. Serve topped with squash and more cheese.