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The Best Easy Butternut Squash Pasta

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  • Author: Maria B. Evans
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Description

Description: This creamy butternut squash pasta is a perfect fall dish! Roasted butternut squash is blended into a smooth sauce with garlic, sage, and Parmesan, creating a rich and comforting pasta dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 small butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into cubes
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground sage (or fresh, if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for dairy-free)
  • 12 oz (340g) pasta (like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the butternut squash cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  • Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the roasted butternut squash, sage, and vegetable broth to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for a few minutes.
  • Transfer the squash mixture to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add heavy cream and blend again until creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
  • Toss the pasta with the butternut squash sauce until well coated. Add Parmesan cheese (if using) and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Serve the pasta with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and more Parmesan, if desired.

Notes

  • You can swap the heavy cream for a non-dairy option like coconut milk or almond milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.
  • Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, so don’t skip this step!
  • This recipe is perfect for making ahead, as the sauce can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for future use.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 55g
  • Fiber: 6g
  • Protein: 9g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg