Creamy Dreamy Butternut Squash Pasta: A Fall Favorite

Fall is here, and that means it’s time for all things cozy, comforting, and butternut squash! This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is the perfect embodiment of autumnal flavors, combining the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with a rich and creamy sauce that will leave you wanting more. It’s surprisingly easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

This recipe provides a detailed guide to making the most delicious butternut squash pasta you’ve ever tasted. We’ll cover everything from selecting the perfect butternut squash to creating the ultimate creamy sauce and putting it all together for a memorable meal. Get ready to impress your family and friends (and yourself!) with this fall-inspired pasta dish.

## Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Pasta

* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The roasted butternut squash brings a natural sweetness and nutty flavor that’s perfectly complemented by the creamy sauce.
* **Comfort Food at Its Finest:** This pasta dish is warm, comforting, and satisfying, making it the perfect meal for a chilly autumn evening.
* **Easy to Make:** Despite its impressive flavor profile, this recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward to make.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe to your liking by adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.
* **Vegetarian-Friendly:** This recipe is naturally vegetarian, making it a great option for those following a vegetarian diet. It can also easily be made vegan (see variations below).
* **Great for Meal Prep:** This pasta holds up well in the refrigerator, making it a great option for meal prepping lunches or dinners.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

* **Butternut Squash:** 1 medium-sized butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds). Look for a squash that is firm, heavy for its size, and has a deep orange color. A long neck is preferable as it contains more flesh and fewer seeds.
* **Pasta:** 1 pound of your favorite pasta shape. Penne, rigatoni, farfalle (bow ties), and fusilli all work well. Short shapes are generally better because they hold the sauce nicely.
* **Olive Oil:** Extra virgin olive oil is used for roasting the butternut squash and sautéing the aromatics.
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, diced. This forms the base of the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a pungent and aromatic flavor that complements the squash beautifully.
* **Vegetable Broth (or Chicken Broth):** 1 cup of vegetable broth (or chicken broth, if you’re not vegetarian). This adds moisture to the sauce and enhances the flavors.
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup of heavy cream. This is what gives the sauce its luxurious creaminess. For a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or coconut milk (for a vegan version).
* **Parmesan Cheese:** 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving). Parmesan adds a salty, savory, and nutty flavor that balances the sweetness of the squash. Omit for vegan.
* **Sage:** 2 tablespoons of fresh sage, chopped. Sage is the quintessential autumn herb and pairs perfectly with butternut squash. You can also use dried sage (about 1 tablespoon).
* **Nutmeg:** 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Nutmeg adds a warm and slightly sweet spice that enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
* **Salt and Black Pepper:** To taste. Seasoning is crucial to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the most delicious creamy butternut squash pasta.

**Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. **Cut the Squash:** Carefully cut off the top and bottom of the butternut squash. Stand the squash upright and use a sharp knife to peel away the skin. Be careful, as the skin can be tough. You can also use a vegetable peeler for this step, but a knife is often quicker and more efficient.
3. **Remove Seeds:** Cut the squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds and stringy pulp. You can save the seeds for roasting later!
4. **Cut into Cubes:** Cut the squash into 1-inch cubes. Try to make the cubes as uniform in size as possible so that they cook evenly.
5. **Season and Roast:** Place the butternut squash cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
6. **Roast:** Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Flip the squash halfway through for even cooking. You should be able to easily pierce a cube with a fork when it’s done.

**Step 2: Cook the Pasta**

1. **Cook Pasta:** While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Be sure to salt the pasta water generously – this will help to season the pasta from the inside out.
2. **Reserve Pasta Water:** Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
3. **Drain Pasta:** Drain the pasta and set it aside.

**Step 3: Make the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce**

1. **Sauté Aromatics:** While the squash is roasting and the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
2. **Add Garlic:** Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
3. **Add Roasted Squash:** Once the butternut squash is roasted, add it to the skillet with the onions and garlic.
4. **Deglaze the Pan:** Pour in the vegetable broth (or chicken broth) and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor to the sauce.
5. **Simmer:** Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the squash to soften even further.
6. **Puree the Sauce:** Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend until smooth. If using a regular blender, be sure to vent the lid to prevent pressure from building up.
7. **Add Cream and Parmesan:** Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. Omit parmesan if vegan.
8. **Season:** Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
9. **Add Sage:** Stir in the chopped fresh sage. The sage will infuse the sauce with its aromatic flavor.

**Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce**

1. **Add Pasta to Sauce:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. **Adjust Consistency:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. The pasta water will help to thin the sauce and create a silky, emulsified texture.
3. **Serve:** Serve the creamy butternut squash pasta immediately. Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional). You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

## Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Pasta

* **Roast the Squash Properly:** Roasting the butternut squash is key to bringing out its natural sweetness and nutty flavor. Make sure to roast it until it’s tender and slightly caramelized.
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Overcooked pasta will be mushy and won’t hold the sauce well. Cook the pasta al dente, meaning it should be slightly firm to the bite.
* **Reserve Pasta Water:** The starchy pasta water is a valuable ingredient that will help to create a creamy and emulsified sauce. Don’t skip this step!
* **Season Generously:** Seasoning is crucial to bringing out the flavors of all the ingredients. Be sure to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed throughout the cooking process.
* **Use Fresh Sage:** Fresh sage adds a unique and aromatic flavor that complements the butternut squash perfectly. If you don’t have fresh sage, you can use dried sage, but be sure to use a smaller amount (about 1 tablespoon).
* **Adjust the Consistency of the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes to allow it to thicken up.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment:** This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment and customize it to your liking. Try adding different vegetables, proteins, or cheeses.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta:** To make this recipe vegan, simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream. Omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative. You can also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
* **Add Protein:** Add cooked chicken, sausage, shrimp, or tofu to the pasta for a heartier meal.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other roasted vegetables to the pasta, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or kale. You can roast them alongside the butternut squash or add them to the skillet with the sauce.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Try using a different type of cheese in the sauce, such as goat cheese, ricotta cheese, or mascarpone cheese. Each cheese will add a unique flavor and texture to the dish.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little bit of heat.
* **Add Bacon:** Cooked and crumbled bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor that complements the sweetness of the squash.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes.

* **Salad:** Serve the pasta with a simple green salad or a more elaborate fall salad with apples, cranberries, and walnuts.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve the pasta with a side of roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, broccoli, or asparagus.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve the pasta with a side of garlic bread for soaking up the creamy sauce.
* **Soup:** Serve the pasta with a bowl of soup, such as butternut squash soup or tomato soup.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

This pasta dish can be made ahead of time, which makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining.

* **Roast the Squash:** You can roast the butternut squash up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* **Make the Sauce:** You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce before adding the pasta.
* **Cook the Pasta:** Cook the pasta just before serving, as it will become mushy if stored for too long.

## Storage Instructions

* **Store:** Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat the pasta in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a little milk or broth to the pasta to prevent it from drying out.

## Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

**Yields:** 6 servings
**Prep time:** 20 minutes
**Cook time:** 45 minutes

**Ingredients:**

* 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli)
* 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
* 1 medium yellow onion, diced
* 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 cup vegetable broth (or chicken broth)
* 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan)
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving, optional)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
* 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
* Salt and black pepper, to taste
* Optional garnishes: Toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes

**Equipment**

* Baking sheet
* Large pot
* Large skillet or pot
* Immersion blender (or regular blender)

**Instructions**

1. **Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).** Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Prepare the butternut squash:** Peel, seed, and cube the squash. Place the cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
3. **Roast for 25-30 minutes**, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Flip the squash halfway through for even cooking.
4. **Cook the pasta:** While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
5. **Make the sauce:** Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-10 minutes. Use an immersion blender to puree the sauce until smooth and creamy. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is heated through. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and nutmeg to taste. Stir in the chopped fresh sage.
6. **Combine pasta and sauce:** Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
7. **Serve immediately.** Garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes (optional). You can also add an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, if desired.

Enjoy your creamy and delicious Butternut Squash Pasta!

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe is a guaranteed winner, offering a delightful combination of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner cook, this recipe is easy to follow and customizable to your preferences. So, embrace the flavors of fall and treat yourself to this delectable pasta dish!