Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish made with roasted butternut squash blended into a creamy, velvety sauce. It’s a wholesome, meatless meal perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy bowl of pasta.
Author:Laura
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cook Time:30 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Roasting and Blending
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for sautéing)
3 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small onion, chopped
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine)
1/2 to 1 cup vegetable broth or reserved pasta water
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Fresh sage or thyme, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash and garlic cloves with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet in a single layer and roast for 25–30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
While squash roasts, cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat a little olive oil and sauté chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
In a blender or food processor, combine roasted squash, garlic, sautéed onion, nutmeg (if using), and 1/2 cup vegetable broth or pasta water. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid if needed to reach desired sauce consistency.
Pour the sauce into the skillet and warm over low heat. Stir in cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly.
Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
To make it vegan, skip Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.
The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a spicier version.
Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra greens.