Spicy Butternut Squash Baked Ziti

So I had this butternut squash laying around and completely had intentions of cooking up some sautéed kale and boom. Done. 

Well then this happened. 

After combining a few key ingredients I was pleasantly surprised with my newest concoction. 

Ingredients:

1 box ziti noodles; cooked

1 butternut squash; diced (about 2 cups); cooked

1 package of Morning Star veggie sausage links; cooked based on package directions; chopped and broken up with a wooden spoon

1/2-1 pack of firm tofu; broken up with Wooden spoon

1-2 c. Baby spinach 

1 tsp. crushed sage 

1/2 tsp. oregano 

1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper (optional) 

Salt and pepper to taste 

1/4 c. Almond milk

1 c. Parmesan or Italian cheese mix; shredded (or vegan cheese of choice) 

Bread crumbs (optional) 

Directions:

Take cooked butternut squash and blend in a vitamix or high speed blender with almond milk. 

In a large pot mix butternut squash mixture, cooked and broken up veggie sausage, and noodles. Add broken up tofu and seasonings. Finally add spinach and cook mixture over medium heat for a few more minutes until spinach is slightly wilted. Add half of cheese. Pour mixture in lightly greased glass rectangle pan. Top with more cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 for about 25-30 minutes. 

Enjoy with a glass of Pinot or whatever suits. The little kick of spice and smooth butternut squash and cheese makes a perfect ziti dish. 

Enjoy!

~Crago