Dreamy Silky Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe – Fall Comfort Magic!

Autumn’s golden hues inspire a creamy butternut squash pasta that dances with rich, velvety textures.

Comfort finds new meaning in this simple yet elegant dish bursting with seasonal warmth.

Robust squash blends seamlessly into a smooth sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta strand.

Earthy herbs and a whisper of nutmeg add depth to every delightful bite.

Parmesan cheese creates a salty contrast that elevates the entire experience.

Weeknight dinners never tasted so luxurious with this quick and satisfying meal.

Savor each forkful of this comforting pasta that promises to become a new favorite.

Tools That Simplify Butternut Squash Pasta

• Baking sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting squash and garlic evenly.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cubing butternut squash safely and precisely.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping ingredients without damaging countertops.
• Large pot: Needed for cooking pasta to al dente perfection.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
• Colander: Perfect for draining pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Blender or food processor: Helps create creamy, smooth squash sauce.

How to Cook Butternut Squash Pasta the Way

• Prepare Roasting Pan

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.

• Season Butternut Squash

Toss cubed butternut squash and whole garlic cloves with olive oil, creating a glistening coating that will help them caramelize beautifully in the oven.

• Infuse with Herbs and Spices

Sprinkle thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper over the squash, massaging the seasonings to ensure every piece is generously coated.

• Roast to Perfection

Slide the pan into a preheated oven at 400F and let the squash transform for 25-30 minutes, developing deep golden edges and tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.

• Check for Doneness

Pierce the squash with a fork to confirm it’s soft and caramelized, with slightly crispy edges that promise rich, concentrated flavor.

Tips to Make Butternut Pasta Extra Creamy

• Roasting Perfection: Chop butternut squash into uniform cubes to ensure even cooking and caramelization, which boosts flavor intensity.
• Creamy Texture Hack: For an extra silky sauce, blend roasted squash and garlic with a splash of pasta water to help achieve the ideal consistency.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream to make this recipe suitable for lactose-intolerant or vegan diners.
• Protein Power-Up: Add cooked chicken, crispy pancetta, or roasted chickpeas to transform this dish into a more substantial meal with added protein.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized zucchini noodles to make this recipe friendly for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Butternut Squash Pasta with Flair

• Rustic Comfort Bowl: Serve the pasta in deep, rustic ceramic bowls that highlight the golden-orange hues of the butternut squash sauce. Top with extra roasted squash cubes for added texture and visual appeal.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle freshly grated parmesan or pecorino romano cheese over the pasta, allowing the warmth to melt the cheese slightly. Add a few crispy sage leaves for an elegant restaurant-style finish.
• Nutty Crunch Topping: Scatter toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds across the dish for a delightful crunch that complements the creamy sauce. These nuts will add a subtle earthy flavor and provide a beautiful textural contrast to the soft pasta.
• Herbal Green Accent: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or basil right before serving to bring a bright, fresh note to the rich, creamy butternut squash pasta. The green herbs will create a beautiful color pop against the golden sauce.

Store Butternut Pasta for Later Enjoyment

• Smart Meal Planning: Prepare the roasted butternut squash and garlic mixture ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners faster and easier.
• Batch Cooking Magic: Double the recipe and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick, delicious meals when you're pressed for time or want a comforting dinner.
• Refrigerator Storage Tips: Keep leftover pasta in a sealed container for 3-4 days. Gently reheat with a splash of pasta water or extra olive oil to maintain creamy texture and prevent dryness.
• Flavor Boost Strategy: Mix remaining roasted squash into salads, grain bowls, or spread on toast for a versatile ingredient that extends your meal's potential and reduces food waste.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 410 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Butternut Squash Pasta That Makes It Great

• Butternut Squash: Sweet autumn vegetable that creates a creamy, rich foundation for the pasta, selecting firm and heavy squash ensures maximum flavor.
• Garlic Cloves: Adds deep, aromatic undertones, choosing fresh, firm cloves with tight, unbroken skins guarantees robust taste.
• Olive Oil: Helps vegetables caramelize beautifully and prevents sticking, cold-pressed varieties offer richer flavor.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements squash's natural sweetness, fresh sprigs provide more intense aromatics.
• Paprika: Brings warm, slightly smoky notes, choosing Hungarian or Spanish varieties adds more depth.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, kosher or sea salt provides cleaner taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground offers more vibrant flavor.

• Pasta: Provides hearty base for the dish, choosing ridged or textured varieties helps sauce cling better.

• Parmesan Cheese: Adds rich, salty dimension, freshly grated provides more intense flavor.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings bright, fresh finish, chopping just before serving maintains maximum flavor and color.

Silky Butternut Squash Pasta

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4.7 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Maple butternut squash pasta weaves Italian comfort with Canadian sweetness in one delightful dish. Creamy sauce and roasted squash combine for a simple yet elegant meal perfect for fall dinners.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz (340g) pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti work well)
• 1 small butternut squash (about 2 lbs/900g), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for vegan)
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable broth (or water)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, whole
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps butter or olive oil
• ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
• ½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
• 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for a little heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh sage or basil, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread butternut squash cubes and whole garlic cloves on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring ample space between pieces for even caramelization.
2. Seasoning Transformation: Drizzle olive oil generously over squash and garlic. Sprinkle dried thyme, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to infuse deep, aromatic flavors.
3. Culinary Roasting: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, rotating the sheet midway to achieve golden-brown edges and tender, caramelized vegetables.
4. Sauce Creation: Transfer roasted squash and garlic to a blender. Pulse until a silky-smooth sauce emerges, adding pasta water incrementally to reach desired consistency.
5. Pasta Fusion: Toss freshly cooked pasta with the velvety squash sauce, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the roasted vegetable puree.
6. Finishing Touch: Elevate the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs, toasted pine nuts, or a delicate sprinkle of parmesan cheese, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed meal.

Notes

• Optimize Roasting Technique: Spread squash cubes evenly without overcrowding to ensure each piece caramelizes perfectly and develops golden-brown edges.
• Control Moisture Level: Add pasta water gradually while blending to achieve ideal sauce consistency, preventing it from becoming too thick or thin.
• Enhance Flavor Complexity: Toast nuts or herbs before garnishing to release deeper, more intense aromatic notes that complement the roasted squash.
• Dietary Adaptation Strategy: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free or vegetable-based alternatives like zucchini noodles for different dietary requirements without compromising the sauce’s rich flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 30mg