1pound peeled and seeded pumpkin or butternut squash
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons butter or extra virgin olive oil
1pound penne or other cut pasta
1/2 teaspoon hot red pepper flakes, or more to taste
1/8 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg, or to taste
1 teaspoon sugar, optional
1/2cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Cut the squash into chunks and place in a food processor. Pulse the machine on and off until the squash appears grated. Alternatively, grate or chop the squash by hand. Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta and add salt.
Place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. A minute later, add the squash, salt and pepper to taste, and about 1/2 cup water. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding water about 1/4 cup at a time as the mixture dries out, being careful not to make it soupy, until the squash begins to disintegrate, after 10 or 15 minutes. Begin cooking the pasta at that point. While it cooks, season the squash with the red pepper, nutmeg, sugar if necessary, and additional salt and pepper if needed.
When the pasta is tender, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the cooking water and reserve it, then drain the pasta. Toss the pasta in the skillet with the squash, adding the reserved pasta-cooking water if the mixture seems dry. Taste and add more of any seasonings you like, then toss with the Parmesan and serve.