Quick Penne & Butternut Squash

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, crushed
• 1 cup fresh white breadcrumbs
• 1 lb butternut squash or 1 lb acorn squash, peeled & seeded
• 12 cup water
• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1 onion, sliced
• 12 cup cooked ham or 12 cup smoked turkey breast, diced
• 1 cup light cream
• 12 cup cheddar cheese or 12 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• salt & pepper

1. Mix together the oil, garlic and bread crumbs and spread on a large plate.
2. Cook in microwave for 4-5 minutes on HIGH power.
3. Stir every minute until crisp and beginning to brown; set aside.
4. Dice the squash.
5. Place in a large bowl with half of the water.
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 8-9 minutes, stirring occasionally; leave to stand for 2 minutes.
7. Place the pasta in a large bowl.
8. Add a little salt and pour boiling water to cover by 1 inch over.
9. Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes, stirring once, until the pasta is just tender, but still firm to the bite.
10. Leave to stand, covered, for 1 minute before draining.
11. (Feel free to sub dry pasta and cook it traditionally).
12. Place the butter and onion in a large bowl.
13. Cover and cook on HIGH power for 3 minutes.
14. Coarsley mash the squash.
15. Add to the onion with the pasta, ham, cream, cheese, parsley and remaining water; season generously to taste and mix well.
16. Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 minutes until heated through.
17. Serve the pasta sprinkled with the crisp garlic crumbs.

olive oil, garlic, fresh white breadcrumbs, butternut squash, water, penne pasta, butter, onion, turkey, light cream, cheddar cheese, fresh parsley, salt

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/quick-penne-butternut-squash-333936 (may not work)