This roasted butternut squash pasta is the perfect cozy meal for chilly nights. With a silky, rich sauce made from caramelized squash, garlic, and sage, it’s comfort food with a seasonal twist. The sweet nuttiness of the squash perfectly balances the savory notes of Parmesan and herbs. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian main dish or just craving a warm, creamy bowl of pasta, this recipe checks all the boxes. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to serve for guests. Add a sprinkle of cheese and fresh herbs on top, and you’ve got yourself a pasta masterpiece!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage (or ½ teaspoon dried)
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1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
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1/2 cup vegetable broth
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1/2 cup milk or cream (dairy or non-dairy)
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
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10 oz (280g) pasta of choice (penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Toss butternut squash cubes in a bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast on a baking sheet for 25-30 minutes or until tender and lightly caramelized.
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Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and sauté onion until translucent, about 4 minutes.
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Add garlic, sage, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, and milk/cream. Simmer for 5 minutes.
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Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Return sauce to skillet. Add Parmesan and stir until melted. If too thick, loosen with pasta water.
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Toss in cooked pasta and combine well. Cook together for 2-3 minutes.
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Serve warm, garnished with more cheese and fresh herbs if desired.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
A Seasonal Favorite Rooted in Comfort
As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, comfort food becomes more than just a craving it becomes a necessity. One of the most satisfying ways to embrace the flavors of fall is by incorporating seasonal vegetables like butternut squash into our meals. Butternut squash, with its naturally sweet and nutty profile, makes for a versatile ingredient that transforms ordinary dishes into soul-warming feasts.
Among the many ways to use this golden gourd, one dish stands out for its creamy texture, rich taste, and balanced flavors: Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic and Sage. This vegetarian dish is not only comforting but also surprisingly simple to prepare, making it a great option for both weeknight dinners and cozy weekend gatherings.
The Nutritional Powerhouse That Is Butternut Squash
Butternut squash isn’t just delicious it’s also packed with nutrients. Rich in vitamin A, vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, this winter squash promotes eye health, boosts the immune system, and supports muscle function. It’s also a good source of dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a feeling of fullness.
In addition to its health benefits, butternut squash has a low calorie density, making it ideal for people who are mindful of their food intake. Its smooth texture, once roasted and pureed, lends itself beautifully to creamy pasta sauces without the need for heavy cream or butter though a touch of either can elevate the richness even further.
A Sauce That Steals the Show
What sets this dish apart from traditional pasta recipes is its silky, roasted squash sauce. When blended with sautéed garlic, sage, and a splash of milk or cream, it turns into a decadent, velvety mixture that coats every strand of pasta. The natural sweetness of the roasted squash is beautifully balanced by the savory depth of garlic and the earthy aroma of sage.
This kind of sauce is a healthier alternative to traditional cream-based or cheese-heavy pasta sauces. You get the same satisfying richness without overloading on dairy or fat, and the added bonus of extra vitamins and antioxidants.
Sage: The Underrated Herb That Makes a Difference
If garlic adds depth, sage brings character. Often overlooked in modern kitchens, sage is a traditional herb with a strong, earthy flavor that complements the sweetness of butternut squash perfectly. When cooked briefly in olive oil or butter, sage releases aromatic oils that infuse the dish with a warm, comforting undertone.
Its inclusion in this recipe is subtle yet transformative. Just a small amount fresh or dried can elevate the sauce to a gourmet experience, evoking the flavors of classic Italian countryside meals.
Versatility That Works for Everyone
Another major benefit of this pasta dish is its versatility. You can adjust the ingredients and quantities to suit your dietary preferences or pantry limitations.
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Vegan? Use plant-based milk and skip the cheese or replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
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Gluten-Free? Swap regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free version.
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Add Protein: Chickpeas, white beans, or grilled tofu can be stirred in for extra protein. Meat-eaters can add chicken or pancetta.
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Spice it Up: Add a dash of cayenne or red pepper flakes to introduce a subtle heat to the creamy sweetness.
Because it’s so adaptable, this dish works well for families, foodies, and anyone following a specific diet. It’s a perfect canvas for your creativity in the kitchen.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This creamy roasted butternut squash pasta is hearty enough to be served as a main course, but it also pairs wonderfully with light sides and beverages.
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Salads: A crisp arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette can offset the richness of the pasta beautifully.
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Bread: Garlic bread or rosemary focaccia makes an excellent accompaniment.
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Wine: A glass of dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or even a light red like Pinot Noir complements the flavors without overpowering them.
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Desserts: To round off a cozy autumn meal, consider serving apple crisp, pumpkin pie, or a warm baked pear dessert.
Whether you’re planning a festive dinner or a quiet night in, these accompaniments will elevate the overall experience.
Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved
One of the surprising joys of this recipe is how well it goes over with kids. The sweet flavor of roasted butternut squash is naturally appealing to younger palates, and the creamy consistency of the sauce is often preferred over chunkier tomato-based varieties.
You can blend the sauce until completely smooth to eliminate any texture issues and keep toppings minimal for picky eaters. Try serving it with fun pasta shapes to make the meal more visually appealing to little ones.
Meal Prep Friendly and Great for Leftovers
This pasta dish is not only delicious fresh off the stove but also fantastic for meal prep. The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days or frozen for up to a month. When you’re ready to use it, simply reheat and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container and reheated the next day. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it up. The flavor often deepens overnight, making it even more enjoyable the next day.
Sustainability and Seasonal Eating
Eating with the seasons isn’t just good for your health it’s good for the planet. Butternut squash is abundant during the fall and early winter months. Using seasonal produce reduces the environmental impact associated with transporting food over long distances and supports local agriculture.
Moreover, this dish encourages home cooking with whole foods, reducing reliance on processed or packaged meals. It’s a small but impactful way to promote sustainability in your kitchen.
Why You Should Make This Dish Tonight
If you’ve been searching for a new go-to recipe that feels indulgent but doesn’t compromise your health goals, this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta is it. It’s an easy way to celebrate the bounty of fall, fill your home with irresistible aromas, and satisfy your craving for a comforting, home-cooked meal.
Its richness and complexity make it ideal for dinner parties, while its simplicity and adaptability ensure it fits into your weeknight rotation. Plus, it offers a sneaky way to get more vegetables into your meals, especially for those who might be squash-skeptical.
Conclusion:
Creamy roasted butternut squash pasta is more than just a meal it’s an experience. From the roasting of the squash to the gentle bubbling of the sauce in the pan, each step invites you to slow down and enjoy the process of cooking. The flavors are nostalgic yet new, simple yet elegant.
This dish captures everything we love about fall warmth, comfort, and delicious abundance and puts it all in a single bowl. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, you can count on this pasta to deliver satisfaction with every bite.