Baked Feta Butternut Squash Pasta

When I first saw the viral baked feta pasta trend sweeping TikTok, I knew I had to put my own seasonal spin on it.

This butternut squash and feta cheese recipes creation combines the best of fall flavors with that irresistible creamy, tangy feta that made everyone obsessed with pasta again.

Trust me, this recipe has become our family’s go-to comfort meal during chilly evenings.

The way the butternut squash caramelizes alongside the melting feta creates this incredible sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.

Plus, it’s practically foolproof – even my kids can help make it!

Check out my cottage cheese with fruit healthy guide for more nutritious meal ideas that the whole family will love.

Why This Baked Feta with Butternut Squash and Feta Cheese Recipes Works Every Time

I’ve tested this recipe probably twenty times (no joke!), and here’s why it’s become such a winner in our kitchen:

• One-pan magic Everything roasts together, so cleanup is minimal
• Natural sweetness The butternut squash gets caramelized and sweet, balancing the salty feta perfectly
• Creamy without cream The feta melts down into the most incredible sauce
• Fall comfort vibes Fresh sage and honey add those cozy seasonal notes
• Meal prep friendly Makes great leftovers for busy weeknights
• Kid-approved Even Emma, my pickiest eater, asks for seconds

The secret is really in the timing.

You want that butternut squash to get tender and slightly caramelized while the feta gets golden and bubbly.

When you stir everything together with the pasta water, it creates this silky sauce that’s just… chef’s kiss.

Ingredients You Need for Perfect Butternut Squash and Feta Cheese Recipes

Here’s what you’ll need to make this baked feta pasta butternut squash masterpiece:

• 5 cups butternut squash (about 1 large squash, cubed)
• ½ cup olive oil (plus extra for drizzling)
• 2 hefty pinches kosher salt (just shy of ½ teaspoon)
• 1 hefty pinch red pepper flakes (optional, but I love the little kick)
• 1 8-oz block feta cheese (don’t use pre-crumbled – trust me on this!)
• 1 lb pasta (rotini, orzo, or ditalini work beautifully)
• 10 fresh sage leaves (minced)
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tablespoon hot honey (regular honey works too)
• Fresh cracked black pepper

Pro tip: I always buy the block feta because it melts so much better than the pre-crumbled stuff.

The texture difference is incredible!

How to Make Baked Feta Butternut Squash Pasta (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Preheat your oven to 400°F.

While it’s heating up, cube your butternut squash into bite-sized pieces.

I like them about ¾-inch – big enough to hold their shape but small enough to cook through evenly.

Step 2: Season the Squash

Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, those hefty pinches of salt, and several cranks of fresh black pepper.

Make sure every piece is well-coated – this is where the flavor starts building.

Step 3: Arrange and Nestle

Place the seasoned squash in your baking dish and nestle that beautiful block of feta cheese right in the middle.

Drizzle the feta with a little olive oil, sprinkle with red pepper flakes (if using), and add more fresh pepper.

Step 4: First Bake

Bake for 30 minutes.

You’ll start smelling those amazing roasted squash aromas, and the feta will begin to soften.

Step 5: Check and Boost

After 30 minutes, carefully move the butternut squash pieces around (but don’t touch the feta!).

You just want to make sure nothing’s burning on the bottom.

Crank that heat up to 450°F and bake another 5-10 minutes until the feta is gorgeously golden.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Meanwhile, get your pasta going in well-salted water.

Cook until al dente according to package directions.

Before draining, save 2 cups of that starchy pasta water – it’s liquid gold for creating the perfect sauce!

Step 7: The Magic Moment

When that feta is beautifully browned, remove the dish from the oven.

Immediately stir in the minced garlic, sage, and honey.

The heat will bloom those flavors instantly.

Step 8: Bring It All Together

Add your drained pasta and 1 cup of pasta water.

Stir everything together and watch the magic happen – the feta and squash meld into this incredible creamy sauce.

Step 9: Perfect the Consistency

If your baked feta pasta with butternut squash seems dry, add more pasta water little by little until you get that silky, creamy consistency.

Season with more salt, pepper, and honey as needed.

Pro Tips for the Creamiest Feta and Butternut Squash Variations

After making this recipe countless times, here are my insider secrets for feta and butternut squash variations that always work:

Choose the Right Squash

Look for butternut squash that feels heavy for its size with no soft spots.

The neck portion gives you the most usable flesh with fewer seeds to deal with.

Don’t Skip the Pasta Water

That starchy pasta water is what transforms this from good to absolutely incredible.

It helps everything bind together into that restaurant-quality sauce.

Timing is Everything

Start your pasta water when you bump the oven temperature up to 450°F.

This way, everything finishes at the same time.

Fresh Sage Makes a Difference

I know dried herbs are convenient, but fresh sage really makes this dish special.

The way it crisps slightly and releases those earthy, almost nutty flavors is just perfect with the sweet squash.

Let It Rest

Give the finished pasta a few minutes to rest before serving.

The sauce continues to thicken slightly, and all those flavors meld together beautifully.

Storage & Reheating

This butternut squash feta meal prep option stores beautifully!

Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container.

For reheating, I add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium low heat.

Gently warm the pasta, stirring occasionally.

You might need to add a bit more pasta water or olive oil to bring back that creamy consistency.

The flavors actually develop overnight, so don’t be surprised if day-two tastes even better than day one!

Amazing Variations for Your Baked Butternut Squash Feta Pasta

Here are some baked butternut squash feta pasta variations my family loves:

• Add protein Toss in some crispy Italian sausage or rotisserie chicken
• Extra veggies Cherry tomatoes or baby spinach work beautifully
• Nuts for crunch Toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts add great texture
• Cheese variations Try goat cheese for a different tangy flavor profile
• Herb swaps Fresh thyme or rosemary instead of sage

FAQs About Butternut Squash and Feta Cheese Recipes

Conclusion

This baked feta butternut squash pasta has honestly become one of our most-requested family dinners.

There’s something so satisfying about watching that block of feta transform into silky sauce while the butternut squash caramelizes to perfection.

The best part? It looks fancy enough for guests but is simple enough for a Tuesday night.

My kids love helping cube the squash (with supervision!), and Henry always goes back for thirds.

Recipes You May Like

If you’re loving these fall flavors, you’ll definitely want to try my cottage cheese blueberry muffins recipes for a protein-packed breakfast treat.

My blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake is another family favorite that’s perfect for meal prep.

And don’t miss my high protein snacks guide for more nutritious family-friendly options.

Happy cooking! Amelia

Print