This Fusilli with Mushroom and Roasted Butternut Squash is a delicious, quick fall recipe for you and your family to enjoy. Easy and delicious!!
Hey guys,
While you are reading this, I will be landing in Chicago. YES, I am so excited to be able to spend the weekend in this beautiful city with my husband and one of my best friends, Haydê. She already visited me few times in Toronto and now it’s my turn. My husband has to travel to Chicago for work and I took this opportunity to visit my special friend. She is my childhood friend and has been living in the USA for over 13 years. Currently, she is attending Law school in Chicago. We grew up in Brazil and every time we are together it is so much fun. We always remember our funny experiences as children. I am sure we are going to have so much fun this weekend. I’m so excited!!
But before I left Toronto, I made this simple, tasty fusilli with mushroom and roasted butternut squash. This is the only way my husband eats butternut squash without complaining. Yes, guys, believe me. He doesn’t like butternut squash. I know what question is crossing your mind now, “who doesn’t like butternut squash?” I know, I know… he is so picky. This time I made it and he actually ate it ALL. I was so happy!!! Finally, some delicious fall foods he eats. Sorry, baby, I am being mean to you, but you know I love you, right? 😉 (Sausage Asparagus Quinoa Pasta is another favourite pasta of his!)
So, this recipe is so easy to make but there are few things that I would like to point out:
- It’s important to cut your butternut squash into roughly the same size pieces. This ensures all the pieces cook at the same time. If you cut them in different sizes, the smaller ones will cook faster than others and they will probably become soggy by the time the bigger pieces are ready.
- Another important tip is to add the chopped butternut squash in a single layer to the baking sheet like I did with the Roasted Root Vegetable with Thyme recipe to avoid them becoming mushy.
- And finally, toss every single piece with olive oil. Make sure the pieces are coated on all sides. If they aren’t, the sides that are not coated will be very dry.
Got some extra butternut squash? Try my Roasted Butternut Squash Cauliflower Salad, Rice with Roasted Butternut Squash and Dried Cranberries, and Roasted Butternut Squash Mash.

Fusilli with Mushroom and Roasted Butternut Squash
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Primavera Kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat Fusilli pasta
- 2 + 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cups butternut squash diced
- Salt and ground black pepper
- ½ cup onions chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes or chili pepper
- 1 cup mushroom chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes cut in half
- Green onions chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C).
- In a bowl, add the butternut squash and toss with 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- In a roasting pan covered with parchment paper, spread the butternut squash out evenly and in a single layer on the baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes or until tender. Stir once halfway through cooking time to promote even cooking and browning.
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions.
- Drain pasta and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add onions and cook until translucent.
- Add garlic, red pepper flakes, mushroom, and cherry tomatoes.
- Sauté for a few minutes.
- Add reserved fusilli and roasted butternut squash. Stir well for 1 minute.
- Add salt and pepper to taste.
- If necessary, adjust seasoning and add more olive oil to add more flavor.
- Garnish with chopped green onions
Tips
- If you are having trouble cutting your butternut squash, you can microwave it for a couple of minutes to help soften it enough to slice through.
- Try to cut the butternut squash as uniformly as possible so they cook evenly.
- When roasting the butternut squash, you do not overcrowd the pan so they'll steam instead of roast.
- To store: Store the leftover pasta and vegetables in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: You can easily reheat everything in the microwave.
- To freeze: Once cooled completely, transfer the dish to an airtight freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.
More delicious Pasta recipes
I love this Whole Wheat Fusilli with Mussels because it is very easy and quick to make, but it tastes like a very sophisticated dish.
This Pasta Salad with Lima Beans and Anchovies is a quick lunch meal for your busy weekdays.
Sues says
Mmm how could anyone NOT love this??
Hope you have a blast in Chicago!!
Joanne says
Have an absolutely AMAZING trip!! This pasta dish pretty much screams fall. I love it!
Cheryl says
Olivia, these photos are so gorgeous! The perfect light. And I’m loving how creamy and rich this pasta looks, yet so healthy. My husband is the same way.. he had never had acorn squash — pretty sure — and so naturally he told me he didn’t like it. Same thing with butternut. And then I made it anyway (of course!) and he was like yeah, well, it’s pretty good…
:scrapes the last micron of squash out of the skin:
Men 😀
Annie @Maebells says
Beautiful photos Olivia!! I hope you have a great visit!
Olivia @ Olivia's Cuisine says
What a great colorful dish, Olivia! I hope you have fun in Chicago. Next time you have to come to NYC!!! 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Chicago is the best! That’s where I’m from! 🙂 Hope you have a great time! And this dish looks amazing! I love the mushroom and squash combo!
Heather @ My Overflowing Cup says
This looks delicious! Thanks so much for sharing with us. I love all things squash. Have a fun trip!
Valya @ Valya' s Taste of Home says
This looks delicious Olivia! 🙂
annie@ciaochowbambina.com says
This dish looks incredible! Have a great trip…it’s so awesome to be able to catch up with an old friend in a beautiful city!
Beth @ The First Year says
Woah Olivia, sounds like you’ve moved around a lot!! Enjoy your trip to Chicago!