Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish that you’ll want to make time and time again. This recipe combines the sweet, nutty flavors of roasted butternut squash with a rich, creamy sauce that envelopes your favorite pasta. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to sneak some veggies into your meal. With its warm flavors and creamy texture, this pasta dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Follow this step-by-step recipe to create a satisfying and wholesome meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
One of the remarkable benefits of this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is its quick and straightforward preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or when unexpected guests arrive. The ingredient list is simple and includes mostly pantry staples along with fresh butternut squash, which brings not just vibrant color but abundant nutrients, too. The dish is family-friendly, appealing to both kids and adults, thanks to its creamy texture and subtle sweetness. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or simply want to enjoy a comforting meal, this pasta delivers on taste and satisfaction.
Ingredients
To make this delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 5 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried sage/thyme)
- 2 1/2 cups warm vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 oz short pasta (rigatoni, shells, or ziti)
This unique blend of ingredients creates a rich, creamy sauce that beautifully coats your pasta and enhances its flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Directions
Creating the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is both enjoyable and fulfilling. Here’s how to make it:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread cubed butternut squash and sliced onion on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper. Toss to coat, ensuring every piece is seasoned well.
- Roast for 15 minutes, then add the finely chopped garlic and fresh sage. Roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the roasted mixture, then blend the remaining vegetables with vegetable broth, butter, and Parmesan until smooth. This will create a luscious sauce.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain it thoroughly.
- Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce and fold in the reserved roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
- Serve hot, garnishing with extra Parmesan cheese for a touch of richness.
This step-by-step method ensures that every bite of your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is packed with flavor and satisfaction.
Tips & Tricks
- Choosing butternut squash: Look for one that feels heavy for its size and has a uniform, smooth skin.
- Blending: For a super creamy texture, blend the sauce until completely smooth, adding more broth if necessary for your desired consistency.
- Pasta choice: Short pastas like rigatoni or shells are perfect because they hold the sauce well.
- Storage Tip: If you plan to make this dish ahead of time, consider storing the sauce and pasta separately to maintain the texture.
- Make it Vegan: Substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and the butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is versatile when it comes to pairing. Consider serving it with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. A side of garlic bread would also complement the meal beautifully, making it a hearty dinner option. For those looking to add protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp steals the show while enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
Nutritional Information
For a serving size of approximately one cup, the nutritional breakdown is as follows (note that values can vary based on specific ingredients used):
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 12g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 3g
This pasta dish is a lovely balance of carbs and healthy fats, plus the butternut squash brings in important vitamins and minerals.
Storing Tips & Variations for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
To store your leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of vegetable broth to loosen the sauce.
For variations, consider:
- Adding spinach or kale for extra nutrition.
- Mixing in roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots.
- Experimenting with different herbs, such as thyme or rosemary, to find your favorite flavor profile.
- Making it spicy by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños.
Conclusion for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is the perfect dish to bring warmth and joy to your mealtime. With its savory flavors and adaptable nature, it’s fantastic for family dinners or impressing dinner guests. The sweetness of the butternut squash paired with creamy Parmesan sauce creates a delightful experience in every bite. Try making this comforting meal today, and you’ll see why it’s quickly becoming a favorite in kitchens everywhere!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well, although you may need to adjust cooking times.
2. What other types of pasta can I use?
Feel free to use any short pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
4. How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply substitute the pasta with a gluten-free variety, ensuring all other ingredients are gluten-free.
5. Can I make this pasta in advance?
While it’s best served fresh, you can make the sauce ahead of time and combine with fresh pasta when you’re ready to eat.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
A delightful and comforting pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash and a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner and family-friendly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 5 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 cup yellow onion, sliced
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried sage/thyme)
- 2 1/2 cups warm vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 12 oz short pasta (rigatoni, shells, or ziti)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Spread cubed butternut squash and sliced onion on a large sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, crushed red pepper flakes, and black pepper, then toss to coat.
- Roast for 15 minutes, add finely chopped garlic and fresh sage, then roast for an additional 10-15 minutes until vegetables are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the roasted mixture, then blend the remaining vegetables with vegetable broth, butter, and Parmesan until smooth.
- Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, drain thoroughly.
- Toss the pasta with the creamy sauce and fold in the reserved roasted vegetables. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
For a vegan option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use olive oil instead of butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
