Post by @katipederson

Crockpot Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta with Herby Garlic Bread Serves 4–6 Ingredients For the pasta * 1 whole butternut squash * 1 lb country ground sausage or breakfast sausage * 1 shallot, diced * 1 tsp garlic powder * 1 tsp onion powder * ½ tsp black pepper * 1 package rigatoni or your favorite pasta * Salt, for the pasta water * ½ package Trader Joe’s Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter For the herby garlic bread * 1 French baguette * Remaining ½ package Trader Joe’s Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter Directions 1. Cook the butternut squash: Wash the outside of the squash well and place the whole squash directly into your crockpot—no water needed. Cook on HIGH for about 4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours, checking for tenderness toward the end. 2. Prep the squash: Carefully remove the cooked squash from the crockpot and allow it to cool enough to handle. Cut it open, scrape out and discard the seeds, then scoop all of the soft squash away from the skin. Discard the skin. 3. Cook the sausage: Add the sausage and diced shallot to a large skillet. Season with garlic powder, onion powder and black pepper. Cook until the sausage is completely browned and the shallot is tender. 4. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the entire package of rigatoni in generously salted water until al dente. Drain. 5. Make the squash sauce: Add ½ of the package of Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter to the warm butternut squash. Mash and stir until the butter is completely melted and the squash is creamy. 6. Bring it together: Add the cooked sausage and pasta to the butternut squash mixture and stir really well until everything is coated. If needed, return it to the stove or crockpot for a few minutes to get everything nice and hot. 7. Make the herby garlic bread: Cut the French baguette into 4 sections, then slice each section in half lengthwise to make 8 pieces. Spread the remaining Garlic Parmesan Herb Butter over the bread. Air fry until warm, toasted and golden. You can also bake the bread in the oven until crisp around the edges. Serve the creamy butternut squash and sausage pasta hot with the herby garlic bread on the side.