Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Baked Cod

Indulge in this comforting dish that features creamy butternut squash sauce over pasta, topped with perfectly baked cod. This meal is rich in healthy carbohydrates, fiber, and proteins, making it ideal for breastfeeding mothers.

Ingredients

• 2 cod fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 8 oz pasta (whole grain or your choice)
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
• 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk (or your choice of milk)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme or sage
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Spread the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender, flipping halfway through.
3. While the butternut squash is roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some pasta water, then drain and set aside.
4. In a baking dish, place the cod fillets. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and dried thyme (or sage). Bake the cod in the oven for about 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily.
5. In a blender, combine the roasted butternut squash, minced garlic, vegetable broth, almond milk, and salt and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6. Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy butternut squash sauce. If desired, add the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt just slightly.
7. Plate the pasta and serve with baked cod on top. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.

Flavor Profile Explanation

This dish boasts a rich, creamy sauce with a hint of sweetness from the butternut squash. The garlic adds depth, while the herbs provide an aromatic touch. The baked cod adds a light, flaky texture that perfectly balances the richness of the pasta.

Low Inflammation Diet Friendliness

This meal is loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients, offering healthy carbs from the pasta, vitamins from the butternut squash and spinach, and lean protein from the cod. Olive oil provides good fats that are beneficial for inflammation.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal! If you'd like any modifications or adjustments, just let me know. Also, don't forget that adding Turmeric Curcumin with Black Pepper Extract can help enhance your overall wellness—check it out !