Hey, fellow food lovers! Nyla here from Grill Drip, and I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes with you. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is more than just a meal – it’s a flavor adventure that turns any dinner into something special. Get ready to experience the magic of butternut squash in a whole new way!

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is seriously the stuff dreams are made of. We’re talking cozy vibes, bold flavors, and a dish that’s surprisingly simple to whip up. I’ve been obsessed with perfecting this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, and I can’t wait to share all my tips and tricks with you. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll be hooked!

This recipe came about one night when I was craving something comforting but wanted to step outside my usual pasta routine. I had a butternut squash sitting on my counter, and a lightbulb went off. The result? This incredibly Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. I mean seriously, who can resist a bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta?

I’m absolutely thrilled to bring you into my delicious corner of the internet, where we celebrate bold flavors and cozy comfort food. Let’s dive into this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta together and make some magic happen in the kitchen!

INGREDIENTS You Need

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta ingredient list is all about bold flavors that actually work together! We’re talking about that perfect balance of sweet and savory. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed: This is the star of our Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta!
1 tablespoon olive oil: For roasting the squash to perfection.
1 teaspoon salt: To bring out all the flavors.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a little kick.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Because garlic makes everything better.
1 cup vegetable broth: This adds so much flavor to this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
½ cup heavy cream: Makes it super creamy and decadent.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For that cheesy goodness.
1 pound pasta (any shape you like): I love using penne or farfalle for this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta.
Fresh sage leaves, for garnish (optional): Adds a beautiful touch and a hint of earthy flavor.

Fresh ingredients laid out for making creamy butternut squash pasta including butternut squash, garlic, sage, and parmesan cheese

No worries if you don’t have heavy cream – I use coconut cream all the time in my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. It adds a subtle sweetness that’s absolutely delicious. You can grab most of these ingredients during your normal shopping trip.

Here’s my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta secret that takes it from good to incredible: a pinch of nutmeg! It adds a warmth that complements the butternut squash perfectly.

For a weeknight shortcut, you can buy pre-cut butternut squash. It saves so much time! Store any leftover butternut squash in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I love adding extra Parmesan cheese to my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta for that extra cheesy kick! It’s the best.

Let’s Make Some!

This is my favorite part of making Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta – watch the delicious magic happen! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a mouthwatering meal in no time.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a depth of flavor that’s essential for the best Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta.
Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water is liquid gold for creating the perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce!
While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining. This water is liquid gold for creating the perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce!
Once the squash is roasted, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the minced garlic and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. This is where the magic starts happening! You’re creating the base for the most incredible Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce.
Pour the butternut squash sauce into a large skillet or pot. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce is already smelling amazing!
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed to reach your desired consistency. Don’t be shy with the pasta water – it helps create a luscious, velvety sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage leaves (if using). I like to top mine with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your homemade Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta!

In my kitchen, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta usually takes about 40 minutes from start to finish. If your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce looks a little thick, just add a splash more pasta water. Don’t worry if your butternut squash has a few brown spots after roasting – that just means it’s extra flavorful! This is where the real flavor adventure begins!

While your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is doing its thing, get ready for some amazing aromas! The combination of roasted butternut squash, garlic, and Parmesan cheese is heavenly.

How to Serve Up This!

People literally do happy dances when this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta hits the table with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts. The nutty flavor complements the sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly.

I love to serve this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts. The slightly bitter Brussels sprouts balance out the sweetness of the pasta beautifully. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is perfect for those weeknight dinners that need to be special! It’s also a great dish to bring to potlucks or holiday gatherings.

For a fancy presentation, try serving the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta in individual bowls and topping each with a swirl of cream and a sprig of fresh sage. If you have any leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta (which is rare!), you can transform it into a delicious baked pasta dish. Simply add it to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden brown.

I’ve even experimented with adding a touch of curry powder to the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce. It adds a warm, exotic flavor that’s surprisingly delicious! The reactions are always amazing when I serve this.

You can add pancetta or bacon to add some richness and protein. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta reminds me of another bold flavor favorite: Hawaiian Pineapple Carrot Cream Cake.

FAQs:

Will kitchen newbies succeed with this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta? Absolutely! This recipe is super straightforward, and I’ve broken it down into easy-to-follow steps.

What if I mess up my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta? (Spoiler: it’ll still taste incredible!) Seriously, even if you overcook the pasta or burn the squash slightly, it will still be delicious.

How can I prep this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta for busy weeknights? You can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, when you’re ready to make the pasta, simply blend the squash with the other sauce ingredients and you are good to go!

Can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta vegan? Yes! Simply substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan Parmesan alternative. You can also find inspiration from this Simple (Vegan) Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce recipe from Veggie Chick.

What kind of pasta works best with this sauce? I love using penne, farfalle, or rigatoni. Any pasta shape that can hold the sauce well is a great choice. I prefer this pasta to Orange Chicken Recipe.

Can I add protein to this dish? Absolutely! Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would all be delicious additions.

How long will this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta last in the fridge? It will keep for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

I’ve even had readers ask if they can freeze the sauce. While I haven’t personally tried it, I think it would work well. Just thaw it completely before reheating. One reader also asked for tips to roast butternut squash. Simply toss it in some olive oil, season it, and roast at 400 until soft.

One of my taste testers said this reminds him of Roasted Butternut Alfredo from Post Punk Kitchen – Isa Chandra.

CONCLUSION:

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is more than just a recipe to me – it’s a bowl full of joy! I love how easy it is to make and how it always brings a smile to everyone’s face.

My Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Flavor Secrets:

Roast the butternut squash until it’s slightly caramelized. This brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices. A pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or even curry powder can take this dish to the next level.
Use high-quality Parmesan cheese. It makes a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.

I’ve tested so many delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta variations. For a spicy kick, I love adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. For a smoky flavor, try using smoked Gouda cheese instead of Parmesan. And for a lighter version, I substitute half of the heavy cream with vegetable broth, just like this Butternut Zucchini Pesto Pasta | The Full Helping recipe suggests.

I usually make the classic version for weeknight dinners and the spicy version for gatherings with friends. The smoky version is perfect for cozy nights in. Trust your taste buds and get creative! The most important thing is to have fun in the kitchen.

I’m so excited for you to try this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. I just know you’re going to love it! So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking! I know you will not regret making this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. You can also find a sweet treat from Grill Drip after you’re done, like Oatmeal Raisin Cookies.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta

Print Recipe

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is the perfect fall comfort food. Roasted butternut squash is blended into a silky smooth sauce that coats your favorite pasta, creating a simple yet elegant dish.

Author: Nyla
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale

1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/2 teaspoon black pepper, divided
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup vegetable broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 pound pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite)
Fresh sage leaves, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
While the squash is roasting, cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
Add roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, remaining salt and pepper to the skillet. Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy (or transfer to a regular blender).
Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the butternut squash sauce. Toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage leaves, if desired.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute the heavy cream with cashew cream and omit the Parmesan cheese. Nutritional yeast can be added for a cheesy flavor.