I admit I’m a little late to the butternut squash party. However, it’s a party I’ll be dancing all night at and will be the last one to leave. I never thought to buy it for us. It’s a vegetable, and a new one to Mark at that, so I never thought he would even consider it. But there we were at Costco on a great sample day and what do you know, he tried it AND liked it.
Can we digress for a moment and talk about the samples at Costco? I don’t know if all Costco’s do the same samples countrywide but my Costco is seriously the bomb. It’s a rare occasion when we walk out without trying several things we like. Today was a great example. I ran in for a quick trip of two items: napkins and dog treats for Marlee. Kudos to me, I left with only those two items. Anyhow, while the samples were thin, they were good and I didn’t even venture into whatever was being sampled in front of the frozen section because it was an all-out cart war. Mark and I pretty much have it down to a science swooping in for a sample. I’ll stay with our parked cart, parked off to the side so as not to block the aisle, and he’ll quickly sidle over and fetch one for each of us. There’s no need to linger or ask about the ingredients, ask where the gluten-free items are or how much it costs. We get in and get out then taste as we walk. If we like it, we will circle back for it. Today it was just me and since the sample mayhem was in the frozen section, I had the rest of the sample stations all to myself.
Not only did we circle back to buy the butternut squash ravioli, we also snagged a second sample. She But them in a little bit of butter, I heard her answering a question, but she boiled them for herself at home and served it with diced ham. That sounded good so we also picked up a small ham. Dinner was done. As with almost everything you buy at Costco, it was a double package and each one served eight. Good for me because there was plenty left for lunch. We made one entire container the first time but now we make what we’ll eat plus one serving for leftovers and save the rest of the uncooked pasta in a container. That works better for us because we just cook what we need without a bunch going to waste. Mark likes his with some diced ham or bacon, Parmesan cheese and a liberal drizzle of olive oil. I like mine with spinach, Parmesan and olive oil.
The ravioli takes 5 minutes so it’s quick as well as yummy. While it’s boiling away, I put a bunch of spinach in a bowl.
The cooked ravioli goes right on top of the spinach and the hot pasta slightly wilts it. I love the bright color in the bowl. It’s so pretty. Doesn’t it look good?!
Next was some cooked bacon we had in the refrigerator and shaved Parmesan all topped with some olive oil.
Start to finish it took 10 minutes to make. It’s a fast, easy and healthy lunch at home or in the RV. All that’s missing is a small ciabatta roll; that will come after Easter as we gave up bread for Lent.
Butternut Squash Ravioli Bowl
- Butternut Squash
- Spinach
- Bacon
- Parmesan
- Olive Oil
- Ham, optional
- Pine nuts, optional
Boil squash for five minutes. While it’s cooking, chop spinach and place in bowl. Chop bacon and cooked ham, set aside. When pasta is done, place right on top of spinach. Top with bacon, Parmesan and drizzle with olive oil. Enjoy!