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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe for Easy Dinners

creamy butternut squash pasta sauce - featured image

A velvety, luxurious pasta sauce made with roasted butternut squash, garlic, and parmesan cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sautéing)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup vegetable stock
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk or plant-based alternative)
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh sage leaves (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the butternut squash by peeling, seeding, and cutting it into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and a dash of pepper. Spread them out on the baking sheet in a single layer.
  3. Roast the squash for 20-25 minutes, or until it’s tender and starting to caramelize. You’ll know it’s ready when you can easily pierce the pieces with a fork.
  4. While the squash roasts, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
  5. Once the squash is roasted, transfer it to a blender or food processor along with the sautéed onion and garlic. Add 1 cup of vegetable stock, ½ cup of milk, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until the sauce is creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable stock, 1 tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet and heat over low, stirring occasionally. Add ½ cup of grated parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cook your favorite pasta according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
  8. Toss the cooked pasta with the butternut squash sauce, adding the reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
  9. Garnish with more parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves, if desired, and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Notes

[‘Roasting the squash enhances its natural sweetness and flavor.’, ‘Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing.’, ‘Adjust the sauce consistency with vegetable stock or pasta water as needed.’, ‘Taste and season the sauce as you cook for the best flavor.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash, pasta sauce, creamy, vegetarian, comfort food, easy dinner, quick recipe