Lunch: Cheesy Rigatoni with Roasted Broccoli, Butternut Squash, and Bacon

Recipe by Anna Watson Carl With loads of roasted vegetables, bacon, and cheese, this pasta strikes the perfect balance of healthy and delicious.

This recipe includes fertility superfoods such as:

Broccoli

Health and fertility benefits of Cheesy Rigatoni with Roasted Broccoli, Butternut Squash, and Bacon

Broccoli is one of the non-starchy vegetables that has a very low glycemic index (GI), which is beneficial for reducing blood sugar levels. Broccoli is also a source of DIM (Diindolymethane). Diindolymethane is very effective in reducing the testosterone levels in the body, an action that would automatically curb male dominant features and regulate the estrogen levels in the system.

Ingredients

1 head broccoli, cut into florets (3 c.)
2 c. butternut squash, cubed
1 small red onion, thinly sliced into half moons
1/4 c. extra-virgin olive oil
kosher salt
Black pepper
6 slices bacon
1/2 c. panko breadcrumbs
12 oz. rigatoni
4 oz. Fontina cheese, grated or cut into small cubes

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with aluminum foil.
On one baking sheet, arrange broccoli and on the other baking sheet arrange butternut squash and red onion. Drizzle each with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper, tossing to coat. Bake until vegetables are golden and tender, 15 to 18 minutes.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Meanwhile, cook bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crispy, 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Let cool, then crumble.
Pour all but 2 tablespoons bacon grease from skillet. Add breadcrumbs to pan and cook over medium-high heat, stirring, until golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and season with salt and pepper.
Add pasta to boiling water and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water, and return pasta to pot. Add Fontina and pasta water, stirring until cheese melts. Stir in vegetables and half the bacon. Divide pasta into shallow bowls and top with remaining bacon and a generous sprinkling of breadcrumbs.

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