Whole Grain Penne with Creamy Squash and Sesame – Brain Health Kitchen

Ingredients

• 6 cups cubed butternut squash or pumpkin ((from 1 large or 2 small squash, about 3 lbs. total), peeled and divided)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup sesame seeds (I like to use equal parts white and black.)
• 2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
• 2 large shallots (sliced)
• ¼ cup extra dry vermouth
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt (plus more for the pasta water)
• ½ cup raw cashews
• freshly ground black pepper
• 8 ounces whole grain penne (or other sturdy shape of pasta)