Creamy Butternut Squash Linguine with Fried Sage (Vegan)

Another vegan recipe. I'm pretty sure this is one I'll make next week for my dinner delivery. It is from the Cookie and Kate blog, http://cookieandkate.com/2014/creamy-vegan-butternut-squash-linguine-with-fried-sage/.  The vegan Parmesan recipe is a separate blog post.

INGREDIENTS

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 Tbsp fresh sage, finely diced

2 lb. butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2" pieces (about 3 cups)

1 medium yellow onion, chopped

2 cloves garlic, pressed or chopped

1/8-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

2 cups vegetable broth

12 oz linguine

Vegan Parmesan 'cheese'

COOKING INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat oil in a large (read: 12 inch) skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the sage and toss to coat. Let the sage get crispy before transferring it to a small bowl. Sprinkle it lightly with sea salt and set the bowl aside.
2. Add squash, onion, garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Add broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until squash is soft and liquid is reduced by half, about 15 to 20 minutes.
3. In the meantime, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package directions, stirring occasionally, until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid.
4. Once the squash mixture is done cooking, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Transfer the contents of the pan to a blender. Reserve the skillet. Purée the mixture until smooth (beware of hot steam escaping from the top of the blender), then season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine pasta, squash purée and ¼ cup cooking liquid in reserved skillet and cook over medium heat, tossing and adding more pasta cooking liquid as needed, until sauce coats pasta, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper if necessary.
6. Serve pasta topped with fried sage, more black pepper and shaved Parmesan/Pecorino and/or smoked salt, if desired.