Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy butternut squash pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. The roasted squash creates a rich, velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with tender fettuccine. Simple to prepare yet elegant on the plate, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

• 12 oz fettuccine
• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Step 2: While the squash roasts, cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving a little cooking water, and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a blender, combine the roasted squash, heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Toss the cooked fettuccine with the squash sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or fresh sage to the sauce before blending.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you prefer a gluten-free version.
• To make it vegan, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen butternut squash works well. Thaw and drain any excess water before roasting to avoid a watery sauce.

Is this sauce suitable for freezing?

The sauce can be frozen, but the texture might change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to freeze the sauce separately from the pasta for best results.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 144 reviews

This creamy butternut squash pasta combines roasted butternut squash with a rich, cheesy sauce to create a comforting and flavorful meal. The roasted squash is blended with heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder to create a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the fettuccine perfectly. It’s an easy-to-make dish that is both satisfying and delicious, ideal for a cozy dinner.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz fettuccine

Squash and Sauce

• 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat and Roast Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook Pasta: While the squash roasts, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water in case you need to loosen the sauce later. Set pasta aside.
3. Prepare Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
4. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Pour the creamy butternut squash sauce over the cooked fettuccine. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
5. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, optionally garnishing with extra Parmesan or freshly cracked black pepper.

Notes

• Roasting the squash caramelizes it and enhances its natural sweetness, which is key for a flavorful sauce.
• If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or a plant-based alternative.
• To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the Parmesan cheese you use is labeled vegetarian-friendly.
• Fresh garlic can be used instead of garlic powder by sautéing it lightly before blending for more intense flavor.
• The reserved pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency and helps it cling better to the pasta.

Keywords: butternut squash pasta, creamy pasta, roasted squash sauce, fall pasta recipe, vegetarian pasta, easy dinner recipes