This butternut squash pasta sauce is creamy, rich, and full of flavor. Roasted squash, tomatoes, and onions blend together into a smooth sauce that’s perfect for any pasta dish. It’s easy to make, ready in under an hour, and great for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.
Why We Love This Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe
There’s something about roasted vegetables that makes any dish feel more wholesome, and that’s exactly what you get with this butternut squash pasta sauce. It’s creamy without being heavy, savory with just the right amount of sweetness, and it has a subtle kick from red pepper flakes. It feels indulgent, but it’s surprisingly light and packed with vitamins.
You’ll love how flexible this recipe is. You can serve it over penne, fusilli, or your favorite gluten-free pasta. It also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Plus, it’s completely vegetarian and can be adapted for vegan diets with just a few simple swaps.
This sauce is a great way to sneak more vegetables into your meals without anyone noticing. Even picky eaters will love it because of the creamy texture and cheesy topping. It’s a win-win for taste and nutrition.
Ingredients about Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
You don’t need anything fancy to make this delicious pasta sauce. Most of these ingredients are probably already in your kitchen or easy to find at any grocery store. Let’s break it down:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1.5 pounds), diced
- 2 plum tomatoes, quartered
- 1 yellow onion, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound penne pasta
- ¼ cup grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for serving)
These simple ingredients come together to create a sauce that’s bursting with flavor and perfect for cozy nights in.
How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Directions
Getting this pasta dish on the table doesn’t require any complicated steps. It’s a straightforward process that anyone can follow, even if you’re not an experienced cook.
Start by heating your oven to 450ºF. This high heat helps to caramelize the vegetables, bringing out their natural sweetness. While the oven is warming up, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil so it’s ready for your pasta.
In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. This creates a flavorful seasoning mix that will coat your vegetables. Add the diced butternut squash, quartered tomatoes, and quartered onion to the bowl. Toss everything well so each piece is evenly coated with the seasoning.
Spread the seasoned vegetables onto a large baking sheet in a single layer. This ensures even roasting. Roast the vegetables for 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re soft, slightly browned, and give off a wonderful roasted aroma.
While the vegetables are roasting, cook your pasta according to the package directions. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water helps bind the sauce and pasta later on.
Once the vegetables are out of the oven, transfer them to a blender along with the reserved pasta water. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If your blender is small, you might need to work in batches.
Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta in the same pot or a large bowl. Use a spoon or tongs to stir well, making sure each piece of pasta is coated with the rich, velvety sauce.
Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese just before serving. This final touch brings everything together with added flavor and shine.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
This dish is versatile and works beautifully for many different occasions. You can serve it as a main course with a simple green salad on the side or pair it with roasted vegetables for a full vegetarian meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also goes perfectly with this creamy sauce.
If you’re cooking for a crowd, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it when needed. Just boil a fresh batch of pasta, toss it with the warmed sauce, and dinner is ready. This is especially helpful during busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
To elevate the presentation, top your pasta with a few extra thyme leaves or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with grilled vegetables, sautéed mushrooms, or a handful of arugula for added depth.
For kids or picky eaters, skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the quantity for a milder version. The natural sweetness of the squash will still shine through and make it a crowd-pleaser.
Expert Tips: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
- Roast for flavor – Roasting the vegetables adds a deeper, richer flavor to your sauce than boiling or steaming. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to avoid steaming instead of roasting.
- Use high-quality olive oil – A good olive oil makes a difference, especially when you drizzle it over the pasta before serving. It adds a lovely, smooth finish.
- Reserve the pasta water – Don’t skip this step! The starchy water helps thin out the sauce and makes it cling to the pasta beautifully.
- Blend until creamy – Blend long enough to get a smooth, lump-free sauce. A high-speed blender works best, but a food processor will do the job, too.
- Make it your own – Add a clove of roasted garlic or a few fresh basil leaves into the blender for extra depth. You can also mix in sautéed spinach or kale for a nutrition boost.
- Finish with texture – A sprinkle of crushed nuts or seeds on top adds crunch and contrast to the creamy sauce.
These small details help take your sauce from good to great without much extra effort.
How to Store Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Storing this sauce is easy and makes planning meals a breeze. After blending, let the sauce cool completely. Then transfer it into an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
You can also freeze the sauce. Just portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers and store for up to 3 months. Label each container with the date so you can keep track of freshness.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw it overnight in the fridge or gently reheat it on the stovetop. If the sauce is too thick after reheating, add a splash of pasta water or milk to loosen it up.
Avoid freezing the sauce after it’s been mixed with pasta, as the pasta can become mushy. It’s better to freeze just the sauce and cook fresh pasta when you’re ready to serve.
Variation of Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
There are many ways to make this butternut squash pasta sauce your own. Here are a few simple variations:
- Make it vegan: Use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative in place of the regular cheese. The sauce will still be creamy and flavorful.
- Add protein: Toss in chickpeas, white beans, or tofu for extra protein. This turns the dish into a well-rounded, satisfying meal.
- Change the pasta: Penne works great, but you can use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even whole grain and gluten-free pasta. Each variety gives a different texture and feel.
- Spice it up: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of smoked paprika for a more bold, smoky flavor.
- Add more vegetables: Roasted carrots, red bell peppers, or zucchini can be blended in for a heartier sauce or mixed in for texture.
- Make it cheesy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese or ricotta for an extra creamy version. It makes the sauce even more comforting.
Feel free to experiment with what’s in your kitchen. This recipe is forgiving and works well with many substitutions.
FAQ
What is butternut squash pasta sauce made of?
This sauce is made from roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, onions, olive oil, herbs, and spices. It’s blended into a creamy, smooth sauce and served over pasta with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
Can I make butternut squash pasta sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! It stores well in the fridge for up to 5 days and freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. It’s perfect for meal prep.
Is this butternut squash pasta sauce vegan?
The base sauce is vegetarian. To make it fully vegan, just skip the Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen squash can be used if fresh is unavailable. Just make sure to roast it until soft before blending for the best flavor.
What can I serve with butternut squash pasta?
This pasta goes well with garlic bread, green salads, or sautéed greens. For a heartier meal, add beans or grilled veggies.
Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Equipment
- Large Baking Sheet
- Blender
- Large Pot
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 1.5 pounds), diced
- 2 plum tomatoes quartered
- 1 yellow onion quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 lb. penne pasta
- 1/4 cup grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Toss butternut squash, tomatoes, and onion in the mixture until evenly coated.
- Spread the vegetables on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-30 minutes until soft and slightly browned.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Transfer roasted vegetables to a blender, add reserved pasta water, and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir well to coat. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese before serving.
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