Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab your butternut squash and peel it using a vegetable peeler. Once peeled, cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and dice it into small cubes (about 1-inch pieces). Toss the squash cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. You want the squash to be fork-tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. While the squash is roasting, you can move on to the next steps!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the ziti pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, making sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. This starchy water will help thicken the sauce and bind everything together.

Step 3: Make the Butternut Sauce

While the squash roasts and the pasta cooks, it’s time to make the creamy butternut sauce. In a medium saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!

Next, add the roasted butternut squash to the saucepan along with the nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Stir everything together, and let it cook for another 2 minutes. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Once the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened, use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender) to purée the mixture until smooth and creamy. Add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.

Step 4: Assemble the Baked Ziti

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked ziti pasta with the creamy butternut sauce, making sure each piece of pasta is coated in the rich sauce. Then, fold in the ricotta cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring to incorporate.

Transfer everything into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup mozzarella and Parmesan cheese on top. To add some extra crunch, sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the cheese.

Step 5: Bake and Finish

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy. If you want an extra-crispy top, broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once your Butternut Baked Ziti is out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to serve. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and enjoy!