Fresh Pappardelle with Butternut Squash and Thyme Cream Sauce Recipe

For the pasta:

• All-purpose flour, for dusting
• Fresh Pasta Dough

For the sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cut into medium dice
• 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup crushed amaretti cookies, for garnish (optional)

1. Set a pasta machine or the pasta attachment of a stand mixer to the widest setting (on most machines it is setting number one).
2. Lightly dust a baking sheet with flour; set aside. Cut the dough into 4 equal pieces, set 1 piece aside to roll, and cover the remaining pieces with plastic wrap.
3. Flatten the dough into a disk and pass it through the pasta machine. Fold the dough in thirds lengthwise and press down to seal. Pass the dough through the machine again beginning with the short (i.e., unfolded) side, repeat folding and passing through the machine one more time, then pass the dough through the machine twice without folding. (If the dough or machine becomes sticky, lightly dust with flour and proceed.)
4. Without folding, continue passing the dough through the machine twice per setting, narrowing the setting each time until the dough is thin enough to see the outline of your hand through (usually setting number seven). Dust the pasta sheet with flour on both sides and cut it in half widthwise. Fold each piece in thirds and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Cover with plastic wrap.
5. Repeat the process with the remaining 3 pieces of dough.
6. Cut each folded pasta sheet into 1-inch-thick strips lengthwise. Unfold the strips, place them on the baking sheet, and toss lightly with flour. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate while you prepare the sauce.

For the sauce:

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil over high heat.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the onion, garlic, and salt and sauté until the vegetables have softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the squash, thyme, and pepper and sauté, stirring occasionally, until the squash is starting to brown and just gives way when pierced with a knife, about 10 minutes. Pour in the cream, stir to coat the vegetables, and bring to a boil. Stir in the cheese and simmer for 2 minutes.
4. Add the reserved pasta to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 1 to 2 minutes. Using tongs, transfer the pasta directly into the sauce. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water. Remove the pasta and sauce from heat and toss with tongs to coat the pasta. Add the reserved pasta water by the tablespoon to reach the desired sauce consistency. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Garnish with amaretti cookies (if using).