Enjoy this creamy, comforting pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash. This recipe brings the cozy flavors of fall to your table, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Author:Amaya Sato
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:35 minutes
Total Time:50 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Pasta Main Dish
Method:Roasting and Stovetop
Cuisine:American Comfort
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
2 lbs Butternut Squash, peeled and cubed
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1/2 tsp Salt
1/4 tsp Black Pepper
1 lb Pasta (e.g., Rigatoni or Penne)
1 cup Reserved Pasta Water
1/2 cup Heavy Cream (or plant-based cream for dairy-free)
1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese (plus more for serving)
1/4 tsp Freshly Grated Nutmeg
1 tbsp Fresh Sage Leaves, chopped
2 cloves Garlic, minced
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet.
Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, or until very tender.
While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining.
In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted squash, heavy cream, 1 cup of the reserved pasta water, Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and garlic. Blend until completely smooth and creamy. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Return the drained pasta to the pot over low heat. Pour the butternut squash sauce over the pasta.
Stir in the chopped fresh sage. Cook gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce coats the pasta well. Add a splash more pasta water if needed to keep it glossy.
Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Roasting the squash deeply concentrates its natural sweetness, which is key for the sauce flavor.
If you prefer a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
For an added layer of flavor, sauté the fresh sage in a teaspoon of butter or oil until crisp before adding it to the final sauce.