Wine Country Recipe: Penne with Butternut Squash, Spinach and Pancetta

Recipe provided by Thornton Winery

Ingredients:

1-12 oz. package penne pasta, cooked in boiling salt water
1 medium sized butternut squash, peeled, seeded and diced into 1/2 – 3/4″ cubes
2 – 3 cups cleaned baby spinach leaves, loosely packed
6 oz. pancetta, cooked crisp and drained
1/4 – 1/2 cup chicken stock
1 1/2 tsp garlic, minced
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
4 tbsp. olive oil
1 tsp. fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp. fresh sage
Optional: red pepper flakes, fresh grated parmesan cheese

Directions:

In a large sauté pan, gently sauté the butternut squash and garlic in the butter and olive oil, being careful not to scorch or burn, about five minutes. Add the chicken stock, parsley and sage and cook an additional five minutes. Add spinach and cooked penne pasta and toss gently until spinach has wilted. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Divide among six plates or bowls. Garnish with optional red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese. Serves 6.

Serve with Thornton 2011 Estate Syrah