Print

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Print Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that blends the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with a luscious, velvety sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners, this recipe offers a harmonious balance of flavors, simple ingredients, and wholesome indulgence, making it ideal for weeknights or special occasions alike.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 to 3 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 12 ounces pasta of choice (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream or plant-based alternative
  • 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (sage, thyme, or rosemary), chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the butternut squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Prepare the pasta: While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking gently for about 5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  4. Blend the sauce: Transfer the roasted butternut squash, sautéed onion and garlic, heavy cream, and fresh herbs to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach the desired sauce consistency.
  5. Combine pasta and sauce: Pour the creamy squash sauce into the skillet and warm gently. Add the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly. Use additional reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary.
  6. Finish with cheese and seasoning: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper to taste, then give the dish a final gentle toss before serving.

Notes

  • Cut butternut squash into uniformly sized cubes for even roasting and caramelization.
  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain firm texture under the creamy sauce.
  • Use fresh herbs like sage or thyme to elevate flavor compared to dried options.
  • Blend the sauce thoroughly for a perfectly smooth, velvety texture without lumps.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, Butternut Squash Recipe, Cozy Pasta Dish, Vegetarian Pasta, Healthy Comfort Food

Find it online: https://marysplate.com/creamy-butternut-squash-pasta/