Winter Squash Pasta with Roasted Eggplant

Winter Squash Pasta with Roasted Eggplant

1 eggplant
1/2 T. oil
1/4 tsp salt
2 cups fusilli or rotini
1/2 T. oil
1/2 cup chopped onions
1 garlic clove. minced
5 sage leaves, minced
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1/2 cup chicken stock or broth
1/2 cup cooked and pureed butternut, buttercup or any other kind of winter squash
1/2 cup milk
1/4 tsp salt
1/8 tsp pepper
Parmesan cheese

1. Roast the eggplant:
Preheat oven to 425.
Peel the eggplant and cut into 1/2 inch cubes.
Toss with 1/2 T. oil and 1/4 tsp salt. 
Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet or cast iron pan. 
Roast until tender and browned, about 20 minutes (flip the eggplant halfway through to cook evenly).

2. Cook the pasta:
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta until done.

3. Make the sauce:
Heat 1/2 T. oil in a pot.
Add onions and saute until golden and tender.
Add the garlic, thyme, and sage, and saute briefly until fragrant.
Add the pureed winter squash, chicken stock, milk, salt, and pepper and cook until thick and bubbly.

4.  Mix everything together:
When the eggplant and pasta are done, add them to the pot with the sauce and heat through. 
Top with cheese and enjoy!