step 1
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (180 degrees C).
step 2
Add Unsalted Butter (1/4 cup) to a large dutch oven over medium heat. Gently stir as it begins to melt and toss in Sage Leaves (5) and Fresh Thyme (3 sprigs). Stir and saute herbs for 1-2 minutes.
step 3
Remove herbs, set on a paper towel, and reserve until later. Add the Yellow Onion (3/4 cup) and Garlic (4 cloves) to melted butter and cook 3-4 minutes or until softened.
step 4
Once onions are translucent, add Butternut Squash (4 cups), Dried Sage (1/2 Tbsp), Dried Thyme (1 tsp), Sea Salt (1 tsp), and Ground Black Pepper (1/4 tsp), stir to combine. Add Vegetable Broth (1 1/2 cups) and the reserved herbs (previously cooked in butter), and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer 9-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender.
step 5
Remove the herbs and discard. Stir in the Milk (2 cups), then transfer the mixture to a high-speed blender and puree until smooth.
step 6
Meanwhile, cook Chickpea Fusilli (2 boxes) according to package direction - bringing water to a boil in a large pot, then adding pasta and cooking for 6-7 minutes, leaving them just slightly undercooked, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Once pasta is cooked, drain and set aside.
step 7
Add the pureed sauce back to the dutch oven on medium heat. Add the Sharp White Cheddar Cheese (2 cups), Smoked Gouda (1 cup), and Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 cup) a handful at a time, stirring well between each addition to ensure it melts smoothly. Stir in the pasta. Taste and add additional seasoning if desired.
step 8
Spray 9x13 glass or ceramic dish with nonstick spray. Add the cheesy butternut squash pasta mixture to the dish, then top with the remaining Parmigiano-Reggiano (1 cup) and lightly stir.
step 9
In a small bowl, stir together Unsalted Butter (1 Tbsp), Almond Flour (1/2 cup), Fresh Sage (1/4 cup), Sea Salt (1 pinch), Ground Black Pepper (1 pinch), and sprinkle over the top.
step 10
Bake for 15 minutes.
step 11
Broil another 1-2 minutes until the crumb topping is golden brown. Watch closely to make sure it doesn’t burn.
step 12
Serve immediately and enjoy!
