Butternut Squash Baked Ziti

Butternut Squash Baked Ziti- baked pasta with a creamy butternut squash sauce, lots of cheese, and a crunchy panko topping. Serve with garlic bread and a simple salad for the perfect fall meal.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 cups cubed butternut squash
• Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
• 16 ounces ziti, can use penne or other small pasta
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 shallot, minced
• 4 cups packed spinach
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh sage leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 3/4 cup heavy cream can use half and half or whole milk
• Pinch of nutmeg, optional
• Crushed red pepper, flakes, to taste
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
• 1 cup shredded extra sharp white cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup Panko breadcrumbs