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Baked Four Cheese Butternut Squash Rigatoni is delicious!

This creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake blends roasted butternut squash, rich cheeses, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach into a hearty, comforting dish that's perfect for cozy dinners. Bubbly, cheesy, and packed with bold, savory flavors, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any night of the week!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Course, Pasta
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil2 cups cubed butternut squash1 shallot halved6–10 cloves garlic, smashed2 tablespoons fresh oregano leavesChili flakes, to tasteKosher salt, to tasteBlack pepper, to taste1 cup ricotta cheese1 pound rigatoni or other short-cut pasta1 cup milk or cream1 tablespoon Italian seasoning2 cups fresh baby spinach1/2 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, chopped1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese1 cup shredded fontina or provolone cheese

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash, halved shallot, and smashed garlic cloves with olive oil, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes until tender.Remove garlic from their skins. In a food processor or blender, purée the roasted squash, shallot, garlic, and ricotta until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.In a large oven-safe skillet with high sides, bring 3½ cups of water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook, stirring often, until just al dente, about 8 minutes. Do not drain the water.Stir the butternut squash purée into the skillet along with the milk or cream, Italian seasoning, spinach, and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Stir until fully combined.Add the shredded gouda and grated parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and creamy.Remove from heat. Top evenly with shredded fontina or provolone cheese.Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.Garnish with extra oregano or fresh basil if desired and serve hot.

Notes

If you prefer a richer sauce, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Swap fontina cheese with mozzarella for a more familiar cheesy stretch.
Roast the squash ahead of time to save prep time on busy evenings.
Add cooked Italian sausage for a meaty variation.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently before serving.