Yield: 4 servings

GATHER THE GOODS

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped into small pieces

1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

kosher salt to taste

1/2 teaspoon cracked black pepper

1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons dry white wine

2 cloves garlic, grated

1/2 cup heavy cream

2 tablespoons butter

1 teaspoon rosemary, finley chopped

8 small amaretti cookies, coarsely ground (about 5-6 tablespoons)

1 # fresh or frozen cavatelli

1 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano or Parmesan

MAKE IT

1. Preheat oven to 400° and line a sheet tray with parchment paper. Toss butternut squash with 3 tablespoons oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Cook for until the squash is tender all the way thru and the outside is caramelized, 45 minutes to 1 hour.

2. In a medium saute pan over medium heat, heat 3 tablespoons oil. Add onions and season with salt. Cook, stirring occasionally until onions are soft and parts of the onions start to caramelize, 20 to 25 minutes. Increase heat to medium high. Pour in white wine and continue to cook until wine evaporates 5to 7 minutes.

3. In a small saute pan over medium high heat, heat butter. Toast rosemary and amaretti cookies just until lightly golden, 4 to 6 minutes. Season with 1/4 teaspoon salt and remove from heat.

4. Transfer squash to a food processor or blender with garlic and 3/4 cup water. Puree until smooth. There will be about 1 to 1/2 cups butternut squash puree. The more you use the thicker the sauce will be (up to you on how saucy you want it to be!). In a large skillet over medium heat combine pureed squash and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer.

5. Meanwhile, in a large pot of salted, boiling water cook cavatelli until al dente, according to package instructions. Using a slotted spoon transfer cavatelli to sauce, adding pasta water as needed until desired sauce consitency is reached. Sprinkle in cheese and stir.

6. Serve pasta with a sprinkle of caramelized onions and amaretti breadcrumbs.

*Recipe inspired by Spaghetti Cafe, Brooklyn NY