If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe is an absolute must-try. This dish combines tender pasta with a luscious, velvety sauce made from roasted butternut squash, garlic, and just the right touch of herbs, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s creamy without being heavy, showcasing the natural sweetness of the squash while balancing savory notes, making it a favorite to bring out when you want something both hearty and fresh.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of this ingredient list—each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the sweetness of the butternut squash to the herbaceous hint of thyme or sage, every element comes together to create an irresistible pasta sauce.
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice): Choose your favorite shape as the pasta base to carry the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and a subtle fruity undertone while sautéing the aromatics.
- 1 small onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth once softened.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Delivers that signature punch of flavor that complements the squash.
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed: The star ingredient, giving natural sweetness and creaminess when puréed.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering them.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or sage: Brings an earthy, aromatic note to the sauce.
- 2 cups vegetable broth: Used to cook the squash and infuse flavor into the sauce base.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream: Makes the sauce decadently creamy and smooth.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving): Adds a savory punch and luscious texture.
- Fresh parsley or sage for garnish (optional): Brightens the dish visually and with fresh herbal nuances.
How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your choice of pasta in salted boiling water until it’s al dente. This ensures the noodles have just the right bite to stand up to the creamy sauce. Don’t forget to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—this starchy liquid will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later on.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, usually 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in minced garlic, cooking for about 30 seconds just until fragrant—this quick sauté builds a flavorful foundation without letting the garlic become bitter.
Step 3: Cook the Butternut Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet along with salt, pepper, and your choice of dried thyme or sage. Sauté the mixture for 2 to 3 minutes to start softening the squash and release the aromas of herbs. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring it to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and let it cook for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender and ready for puréeing.
Step 4: Purée the Sauce
Once the squash is tender, transfer the entire mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pan. Purée until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy, creating that signature richness that makes this Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe so special.
Step 5: Final Touches and Combine
Return the puréed sauce to the pan over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss everything together to coat every bite beautifully. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you get the perfect silky texture.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese over the pasta for an indulgent salty kick. Fresh parsley or sage leaves add a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the creamy richness, making your presentation as appealing as the taste.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, green side salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or a warm crusty bread to mop up every last bit of that luscious butternut squash sauce. Roasted vegetables on the side can also bring variety in texture and round out the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform this cozy dinner into a showstopper by serving it in rustic bowls topped with toasted pine nuts for crunch or a drizzle of browned butter infused with sage. For a festive touch, scatter pomegranate seeds or a handful of crispy prosciutto slices on top to surprise your guests with delightful bursts of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken upon chilling, but a quick stir and gentle reheat will bring it back to creamy perfection.
Freezing
This recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion the pasta and sauce separately if possible, storing them in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to rejuvenate the sauce’s creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating without stirring to prevent uneven warming or drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash in this recipe?
Absolutely! While butternut squash offers a perfect balance of sweetness and creaminess, you can substitute with acorn or kabocha squash. Just be aware the flavor and texture might vary slightly but it will still be delicious.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, it can easily be adapted. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap Parmesan for a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast to maintain that cheesy flavor without animal products.
What pasta types work best with this creamy sauce?
Fettuccine and penne are ideal as their shapes hold onto the sauce wonderfully, but feel free to use any pasta you love or have on hand. Even short, twisted shapes work nicely to capture the creamy sauce in every bite.
Can I add protein to make this dish more filling?
Certainly! Adding sautéed chicken, white beans, or even crispy bacon can boost the protein content and make the meal more substantial while complementing the flavors beautifully.
How can I adjust the thickness of the sauce?
If the sauce feels too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe is one of those dishes you’ll want to make over and over because it’s both simple and wonderfully comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing friends, it offers that perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and savory flavors that warm the heart and satisfy the palate. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta!
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Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This creamy butternut squash pasta recipe combines tender pasta with a smooth, rich squash sauce made from pureed butternut squash, garlic, and herbs. It’s a comforting, vegetarian main course perfect for a cozy fall dinner, featuring simple ingredients and an easy stovetop method for a deliciously creamy texture without heavy cream.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your choice)
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or sage
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- Fresh parsley or sage for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside for later use in the sauce.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Cook Butternut Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme or sage to the pan. Cook for 2–3 minutes to slightly soften and release flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth, bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Continue cooking for 12–15 minutes until the squash is fork-tender.
- Blend the Sauce: Transfer the cooked squash mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the pan to puree until smooth and creamy.
- Finish the Sauce: Return the pureed sauce to the pan over low heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until well combined and heated through.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy butternut squash pasta warm, topped with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley or sage if desired. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For added protein, stir in sautéed chicken or white beans before serving.
- Make it vegan by using coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast in place of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- This dish is great for meal prep and reheats well in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
