02/10/2026
Celebrate Pasta Month with a dish made for gathering around the table 🍂
Made with Barilla Jumbo Shells, rich butternut squash, leeks and fresh thyme, this Thanksgiving-inspired recipe is filled with the warm, savoury flavours of fall. Finished with pecorino romano and breadcrumbs, this comforting baked pasta makes an elevated addition to your Thanksgiving spread.
Get the recipe below and make it part of your holiday tradition! 💙
Ingredients:
1 box Barilla Jumbo Shells
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
2 leeks, approx 1 ½ cups, sliced finely
Salt to taste
4 cups butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1cm cubes
3 ⅓ cups stock (chicken or veg)
3 ½ cups water
A few sprigs of fresh thyme, leaves stripped
¼ cup Pecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese (use nutritional yeast/vegan cheese to make dish vegan)
3 tbsp breadcrumbs
Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Drizzle the base of a large ovenproof casserole pot with extra virgin olive oil. Add the leeks, season with salt and cook gently for 5 minutes, until they begin to soften. Add the butternut squash and stock and simmer for 10–15 minutes, until the squash starts to break down. Set some of the squash aside, then gently mash the remaining squash with the back of a wooden spoon.
3. Pour in the water and taste the mixture, adding more salt if needed. Add the Barilla Jumbo Shells and stir; the pasta should be just covered by the liquid. Add the thyme and stir again. Simmer for 8–10 minutes, until the pasta is nearly cooked but still has some bite.
4. Remove from the heat and sprinkle with the cheese and breadcrumbs. Drizzle with a little more olive oil, then transfer to the oven and bake for 10–15 minutes, until the liquid has been absorbed and the pasta is cooked through.
5. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes. Finish with a final drizzle of extra virgin olive oil before serving.