Imagine a dish that transforms humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal with minimal effort - that's exactly what this Pressure Cooker Butternut Squash Pasta promises! Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for quick weeknight dinners, or someone who wants to enjoy gourmet flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your culinary shortcut to a deliciously creamy, nutritious pasta that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 cups pasta
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash by peeling and cutting it into 1-inch cubes, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.
- Set the pressure cooker to sauté mode and heat a small amount of olive oil. Add chopped onions and sauté until they become translucent and slightly golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic, which can create a bitter taste.
- Add the diced butternut squash to the pressure cooker, stirring to combine with the onions and garlic.
- Pour in the vegetable broth, ensuring the squash is mostly submerged. Sprinkle thyme, salt, and pepper over the mixture.
- Add the pasta to the pressure cooker, gently stirring to distribute evenly and prevent sticking.
- Close the pressure cooker lid, set the valve to sealing position, and cook on high pressure for 4-5 minutes.
- Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure to prevent overcooking the pasta.
- Open the lid and stir the pasta and squash, checking the consistency. If needed, use the sauté function to reduce liquid and create a creamy texture.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if required.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with fresh herbs, grated Parmesan cheese, or a drizzle of olive oil.
Tips
- Choose a butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a deep, uniform color for the best flavor and texture.
- Cut the squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain undercooked.
- Don't skip the quick sauté of onions and garlic - this step builds a flavor foundation that elevates the entire dish.
- Be precise with your cooking time (4-5 minutes) to prevent pasta from becoming too soft. Overcooking can lead to a mushy texture.
- A quick pressure release is crucial to stop the cooking process and maintain the pasta's ideal al dente consistency.
- If you want extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or a handful of grated Parmesan cheese during the final stirring.
- For a protein boost, you can easily add cooked chicken, chickpeas, or white beans to the dish.
- Experiment with different herbs like sage or rosemary instead of thyme for varied flavor profiles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
