This easy butternut squash pasta sauce is a delicious recipe perfect for the whole family. It's great as a weeknight dinner or perfect for entertaining.
Recipe Inspiration
Fall is here, and I just love fall pasta dishes.
Butternut squash is a fall fan favorite, and it's surprisingly great in a variety of pasta dishes. This recipe highlights the creaminess of butternut squash in a blended sauce that's delicious and healthy!
You'll roast squash cubes until tender and then blend with pasta water, broth, and seasonings to create a smooth and delicious sauce. You can do this with a food processor, blender, or immersion blender.
It's a creamy sauce on it's own, but if you wanted it to be creamier, you could add a touch of heavy cream to make it even more creamy.
Serve with any kind of pasta - I used rigatoni, but use your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.
For more squash recipes, check out our Butternut squash risotto, Hasselback butternut squash, and butternut squash Mac and cheese recipes.
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Why You'll Love this Recipe
Delicious - This butternut squash pasta sauce recipe is so delicious. Each bite is packed with flavor that your family will truly love! It's really a perfect dish for the whole family. Great for entertaining too!
Approachable - This pasta dish is approachable and is easy to make. You only need a few kitchen tools to make this great recipe. The best part of this pasta recipe is easy enough to make for a weeknight, but also fancy-feeling enough to make for a date night!
Kid Friendly - This is a great recipe for adults and children!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this recipe:
- Butternut squash - Small to medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into chunks. You could also use frozen butternut squash chunks as well.
- White onion - sliced
- Olive oil - Regular olive oil
- Salt
- Black Pepper - Freshly cracked
- Pasta - You can your favorite pasta shape or have on hand for this recipe. I used mini rigatoni because I love it!
- Vegetable Stock - You can also use vegetable broth or chicken stock
- Garlic Powder
- Oregano
- Parmesan cheese - grated, for serving
Directions
Let's make this delicious pasta recipe together!
Step 1
Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the butternut squash, white onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper onto the baking sheet, and mix well. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork tender.
Step 2
While the squash is cooking, cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions in a large pot of boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.
Step 3
After the butternut squash and onions have finished cooking, transfer them to a blender, food processor, or combine in a pot and use an immersion blender.
Step 4
Add the reserved pasta water, stock, garlic powder, and oregano, and blend until they are smooth.
Step 5
Combine the butternut squash sauce with the cooked pasta, and toss it to coat.
Step 6
Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, top with grated parmesan, and enjoy.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious recipe perfect.
Reserve Pasta Water - Don't skip reserving pasta water! This step is crucial and helps bring the sauce together and allows it to bind to the pasta.
Complete the Meal - Complete the meal with a salad and a glass of white wine!
Utilize Leftovers - Use leftovers for meal prep. Add grilled chicken and a handful of spinach or arugula for a delicious prepared lunch for the entire family!
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for this recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Vegetable Peeler - Use a high quality vegetable peeler to peel the butternut squash.
Sheet Pan - These sheet pans are high quality and will last.
Pasta Bowls - Serve this creamy pasta sauce in these high quality pasta bowls.
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this easy recipe.
Add a kick - Add some heat by adding red pepper flakes to the sauce. It will give the pasta a delicious kick!
Toppings - Top with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, crispy fried sage leaves, or fresh herbs for even more delicious savory flavor.
Other Squash - You can make this sauce with acorn squash, pumpkin, or pumpkin puree. This recipe will work with many types of winter squash.
What To Serve With
Here are some suggestion on what to serve this pasta with:
- Chicken Limone
- Spinach Stuffed Salmon
- Lemon Pepper Shrimp
- Pan Fried Sea Bass
- Marinated Mozzarella Balls
- Simple Charcuterie Board
- Tuscan Chicken
- Lemon Goat Cheese Tart
- Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Frequently Asked Questions
Butternut squash pasta sauce is sweet from the squash, and savory from the onion, broth, and spices. It's a delicious smooth sauce that's packed with flavor.
Butternut squash is a surprisingly delicious choice as a pasta sauce. It's minimal effort and adds delicious flavor to the pasta sauce. Butternut squash pasta sauce works well with all pasta shapes, not just spaghetti!
A variety of sweet and savory flavors are delicious with butternut squash. For sweet flavors - cinnamon, brown sugar, and maple syrup are all great options. For savory - sage, garlic, and fresh herbs are delicious with the squash.
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe.
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight continuer and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm. Or, microwave with just a little spritz of water.
Other Recipes to Try
Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 white onion sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound pasta
- 1 cup pasta water
- 1 cup vegetable stock
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- grated Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine the butternut squash, white onion, olive oil, salt, and pepper onto the baking sheet, and mix well. Roast for 20 minutes, or until the squash is fork-tender.
- While the squash is cooking, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, drain the rest, and set the pasta aside.
- After the butternut squash and onions have finished cooking, transfer them to a blender or a food processor.
- Add the reserved pasta water, stock, garlic powder, and oregano, and blend until they are smooth.
- Combine the butternut squash sauce with the cooked pasta, and toss it to coat.
- Transfer the pasta to serving dishes, top with grated parmesan, and enjoy.
Dana says
Hi! How much butternut squash would you say this is in lbs? Thanks!
Christina Musgrave says
Hi Dana! Look for a butternut squash that is 2-3 lbs.
Kara says
Can you use frozen butternut squash?
Christina Musgrave says
Yes! You will just have to roast longer until it's golden brown and tender.