Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

5 from 1 vote

With its vibrant orange color and distinct nutty flavor, butternut squash adds a comforting warmth to this dish. Each bite is a harmonious blend of tender squash, al dente pasta, and a medley of aromatic herbs and spices.

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American, Italian

Keyword Butternut Squash, Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe, Squash

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Servings People

Calories 469kcal

Equipment

1 baking pan

Ingredients

1 medium-sized Butternut squash
12 ounces Of your favorite pasta (such as penne or spaghetti, I used Rotini)
2 tbsp Olive oil
3 cloves Of garlic minced
1 tsp Dried thyme
1 tsp Dried sage
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for added heat)
½ tsp Kosher salt
½ tsp Black pepper
Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

Start by peeling and cutting the butternut squash. Slice it in half lengthwise and remove the seeds. Then, chop the squash into small cubes.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the butternut squash cubes to the skillet and season with thyme, sage, red pepper flakes (if desired), salt, and pepper. Cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily mashed with a fork.
Using a potato masher or fork, mash the butternut squash until it reaches a creamy consistency. For a smoother texture, you can transfer the squash to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the butternut squash sauce. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve the Butternut Squash Pasta hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley or basil, and an extra drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Notes

Tips for Cooking Perfect Butternut Squash Pasta

Cooking butternut squash pasta can be an enjoyable experience with a few handy tips:

Be sure to cut the butternut squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure even cooking.
Don’t overcook the squash; it should be tender but not mushy.
For a smoother sauce, use a blender or food processor to puree the cooked squash.
Reserve some pasta cooking water to add to the sauce if it becomes too thick.
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste, but remember that the Parmesan cheese will also add some saltiness.
Experiment with different herbs and spices to suit your palate. Sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes complement the flavors of butternut squash beautifully.

By following these tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a perfect plate of Butternut Squash Pasta every time.

Nutrition