This butternut squash pasta is creamy, comforting, and packed with flavor. The smooth and velvety butternut squash sauce is blended with hints of garlic, nutmeg, and Parmesan, creating a cozy and delicious meal. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the natural sweetness of butternut squash while indulging in a rich and satisfying pasta dish.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it brings together the warmth of butternut squash with the richness of a creamy sauce. It’s a great alternative to traditional tomato or Alfredo sauces, offering a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with pasta. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be customized for different dietary preferences by swapping out ingredients.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the butternut squash and cook for 5-7 minutes until it starts to soften.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Pour in the vegetable broth, cover the skillet, and let the squash cook for 10-12 minutes until tender.
Transfer the cooked squash mixture to a blender and add the heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in the butter and Parmesan cheese, if using. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Variations
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas for extra protein.
Cheesy Twist: Stir in extra Parmesan or a bit of ricotta for an ultra-creamy sauce.
Spicy Kick: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne for more heat.
Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly meal.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Warm the pasta gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to keep the sauce creamy. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between.
Freezing: While pasta doesn’t always freeze well, the butternut squash sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before mixing with fresh-cooked pasta.
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FAQs
How do I make the sauce extra creamy?
Using heavy cream gives the best creamy texture, but blending the sauce well and adding a little extra butter or Parmesan also helps.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well! Just cook it a bit longer to make sure it’s soft before blending.
What pasta shape works best?
I like using penne or fettuccine, but any pasta that holds sauce well will work, such as rigatoni or rotini.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat and mix with freshly cooked pasta.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A side of garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this dish.
Conclusion
This butternut squash pasta is a cozy and delicious meal that’s both satisfying and easy to make. Whether I’m looking for a comforting dinner or a nutritious twist on classic pasta, this dish never disappoints. Try it with your favorite pasta and toppings for a meal that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
📖 Recipe:
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Butternut Squash Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy butternut squash pasta is rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The velvety sauce blends roasted butternut squash, garlic, nutmeg, and Parmesan for a cozy, satisfying meal. Perfect for fall dinners, this dish is easy to make and can be customized for dairy-free or gluten-free diets.
Ingredients
12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tablespoon butter
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add butternut squash and cook for 5-7 minutes until it starts to soften.
- Stir in garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add vegetable broth, cover, and let the squash cook for 10-12 minutes until tender.
- Transfer the mixture to a blender, add heavy cream, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper, then blend until smooth.
- Return sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in butter and Parmesan (if using). Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the sauce. If needed, add a splash of pasta water to thin it out.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley and red pepper flakes.
Notes
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk instead of heavy cream and skip Parmesan.
Add Protein: Try grilled chicken, shrimp, or crispy chickpeas.
Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: 375 kcal
