Easy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Butternut squash pasta promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance with delight.

Crisp autumn winds inspire comfort meals that warm our souls.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Hearty squash transforms ordinary pasta into something extraordinary.

Creamy textures and rich flavors combine effortlessly in each forkful.

Minimal kitchen skills unlock maximum deliciousness with this straightforward recipe.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this incredible meal.

Why Butternut Squash Pasta Is Cozy and

• Minimal prep work involves cubing squash, tossing with seasonings, and roasting, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without complicated techniques.
• From start to finish, this pasta takes around 40 minutes, providing a speedy solution for dinner when time is limited and hunger is high.
• Butternut squash delivers rich vitamins and fiber, transforming a classic pasta dish into a healthier, more satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet nourishing.
• The recipe adapts easily for vegetarians, can be customized with different herbs or cheese, and appeals to both kids and adults seeking a warm, flavorful dinner option.

Ingredients in This Creamy Squash Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet, creamy vegetable that provides the base for the pasta sauce, with a rich, nutty flavor and smooth texture. Choose a firm squash with no soft spots or blemishes.

Pasta: The foundation of the dish, providing a comforting base for the roasted squash sauce. Select a pasta shape that can hold the sauce well, like rigatoni or penne.

Seasoning and Aromatics:

Garlic: Adds depth and aromatic intensity to the roasted squash. Fresh whole cloves will caramelize and become mellow during roasting.

Thyme: A herb that brings earthy, slightly minty notes to complement the squash’s sweetness. Fresh thyme leaves work best for maximum flavor.

Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and mild smokiness to enhance the overall dish. Choose sweet or smoked paprika depending on preferred flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Cooking Essentials:

Olive Oil: Helps roast the squash and garlic, creating a golden, caramelized exterior and adding richness. Extra virgin olive oil offers the best flavor.

Butternut Pasta Cooking Instructions

Roast Butternut Squash And Garlic

Preheat oven to 400F (200C).

• Olive oil
• Thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Roast for 25-30 minutes until squash becomes tender and develops a golden caramelized exterior.

Blend Creamy Squash Sauce

• Vegetable broth
• Parmesan cheese
• Heavy cream
• Fresh sage leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil

Blend until smooth and silky, creating a luxurious sauce with rich autumn flavors.

Cook Perfect Pasta

Select your favorite pasta shape like rigatoni or penne. Boil in salted water until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Combine And Serve

Pour creamy squash sauce over hot pasta. Gently stir to coat every noodle. If sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

• Toasted pine nuts
• Fresh sage leaves
• Extra grated Parmesan
• Cracked black pepper

Tips for a Velvety Sauce Every Time

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Toss butternut squash with fresh thyme and smoked paprika before roasting to enhance the natural sweetness and create complex, layered taste profiles.
• Prevent Sticking: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or use a silicone mat to ensure easy squash removal and effortless cleanup.
• Customize Texture: For extra crispiness, cut squash into smaller, more uniform cubes and spread them in a single layer without overcrowding the baking sheet.
• Boost Nutrition: Swap traditional pasta with whole wheat or gluten-free alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising taste.
• Accommodate Dietary Preferences: Replace dairy cheese with nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a plant-based version that maintains creamy richness.

Reheating Squash Pasta

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer portions to freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Frozen pasta stays fresh for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly.

What to Pair with Butternut Squash Pasta

• Pair this creamy butternut squash pasta with a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay that balances the dish's richness with bright acidity.
• Serve alongside a light arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's velvety texture.
• Add a side of crusty sourdough bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a delightful textural contrast.
• Enjoy a glass of herbal-forward white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to highlight the thyme and roasted garlic undertones in the dish.

Flavor Enhancements You Can Try

• Vegan Veggie Blast: Replace butternut squash with roasted sweet potatoes and swap dairy cream for coconut milk, creating a plant-based creamy pasta with added nutritional yeast for cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Use chickpea or brown rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta, ensuring the dish remains safe for gluten-sensitive individuals while maintaining the rich, roasted vegetable essence.
• Protein Power Bowl: Transform the recipe by adding grilled chicken or crispy tofu cubes, mixing them directly into the pasta to increase protein content and create a more substantial meal.
• Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh rosemary and oregano instead of thyme, then sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a Greek-inspired version with tangy, savory undertones.

FAQs on Butternut Squash Pasta

• What type of squash works best for this recipe?

Butternut squash is ideal due to its sweet, creamy texture and ability to roast perfectly. It creates a smooth, rich sauce and provides excellent flavor for the pasta.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh thyme?

Yes, you can substitute dried thyme. Use about 1/3 of the amount of fresh thyme called for in the recipe, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• Is this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Absolutely! This butternut squash pasta is completely vegetarian and can easily be made vegan by using plant-based cheese or omitting cheese entirely.

• How do I know when the butternut squash is properly roasted?

The squash is ready when it turns golden brown, becomes tender when pierced with a fork, and has slightly caramelized edges. This typically takes 25-30 minutes at 400F (200C).

The Best Easy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy butternut squash pasta delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, blending seasonal warmth with silky sauce. Hearty ingredients combine effortlessly, promising a delightful meal you’ll savor with each comforting bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash (about 2 lbs/900g), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 12 ounces (340g) pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) vegetable broth (or water)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 3 cloves garlic, whole
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or fresh)
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Additional Optional Garnish:

• Fresh sage or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a baking sheet and arrange butternut squash cubes with whole garlic cloves in a single layer, ensuring even spacing for optimal roasting.
2. Liberally coat the squash and garlic with olive oil, creating a glossy surface that will help caramelize during cooking.
3. Generously dust the vegetables with dried thyme, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to enhance their natural flavors.
4. Place the baking sheet in a preheated oven and roast until the squash becomes fork-tender and develops golden-brown edges, approximately 25-30 minutes.
5. While the squash roasts, prepare the remaining ingredients, ensuring all components are ready for the final dish assembly.
6. Once roasted, remove the baking sheet and allow the squash and garlic to cool slightly, which will intensify their caramelized flavors.
7. Gently transfer the roasted garlic and squash to a blender or food processor, creating a smooth and creamy base for the pasta sauce.
8. Blend the roasted ingredients until a velvety, uniform consistency is achieved, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to reach desired smoothness.
9. Combine the luxurious squash sauce with freshly cooked pasta, tossing thoroughly to ensure each strand is perfectly coated.
10. Garnish with optional herbs, toasted nuts, or grated cheese to elevate the dish’s texture and flavor profile.

Notes

• Swap thin-skinned varieties like acorn squash for a quicker roasting time and softer texture.
• Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.
• Vegans can replace Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a similar umami taste without dairy.
• Reduce roasting time by cutting squash into smaller, more uniform cubes to ensure even caramelization and prevent burning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 55g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 40mg