Butternut Squash Pasta Creamy Sauce (Printable version)

Comforting pasta with velvety roasted butternut squash sauce, ready in 1 hour.

# Ingredient List:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 cloves garlic, left unpeeled
03 - 1 small yellow onion, diced
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried sage)
05 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

→ Pasta

06 - 12 oz dried fettuccine or tagliatelle (fresh pasta may be substituted)

→ Dairy & Liquids

07 - 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
08 - 1/2 cup heavy cream (full-fat coconut milk for vegan variation)
09 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (vegan alternative for plant-based version)
10 - 3/4 cup vegetable broth
11 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
12 - Pinch of nutmeg (optional)

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate cleanup.
02 - Arrange cubed butternut squash and unpeeled garlic cloves on prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss thoroughly to ensure even coating.
03 - Roast squash and garlic for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through cooking time. Vegetables should be tender and show caramelization at edges when done.
04 - Bring a large pot of salted water to rolling boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
05 - Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in large skillet over medium heat. Cook diced onion and sage, stirring occasionally, until onion becomes soft and fragrant, approximately 4 minutes.
06 - Extract roasted garlic from skins. Place roasted squash, roasted garlic, sautéed onion mixture, vegetable broth, and heavy cream in blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
07 - Transfer blended sauce back to skillet over low heat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and nutmeg if using. Season with salt and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if sauce consistency is too thick.
08 - Add cooked pasta to sauce skillet. Gently toss to coat pasta evenly. Cook for 2–3 minutes over low heat until pasta is warmed through.
09 - Plate immediately. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The sauce comes together faster than you would expect from something this restaurant worthy
  • Leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors deepen
02 -
  • The sauce thickens as it stands, so err on the side of slightly thinner when you are blending
  • Room temperature squash blends more smoothly than hot squash, which can splatter dangerously
03 -
  • Peel and cube the squash the night before to make weeknight cooking feel effortless
  • Let the roasted vegetables cool for 5 minutes before blending for a smoother texture
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