Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: butternut squash pasta! This dish is like a warm hug on a plate—creamy, dreamy, and bursting with flavor. The smooth, velvety texture of the roasted butternut squash blends beautifully with the pasta, creating a luscious sauce that’s simply irresistible. I whip this up whenever the fall season rolls around, and it never fails to impress my family and friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some veggies while still feeling indulgent! Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to recipe for cozy dinners!
Ingredients List
Alright, let’s gather everything we need for this delicious butternut squash pasta! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz pasta of your choice (I love using fettuccine or penne!)
- 2 tbsp olive oil, for that rich flavor
- 1 clove garlic, minced, because garlic makes everything better!
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth, to create that creamy texture
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, for a cheesy finish
- Salt and pepper to taste, always essential for seasoning
- Fresh basil for garnish, adding a pop of color and flavor
How to Prepare Butternut Squash Pasta
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the steps for making this creamy butternut squash pasta! It’s a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with amazing aromas. Follow along, and I promise it’ll be worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is where the magic begins with roasting that butternut squash!
- Next, grab your cubed butternut squash and place it in a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over it, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a good toss to ensure every piece is coated.
- Spread the seasoned squash out evenly on a baking sheet. Pop it in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s fork-tender and caramelized. Trust me, the smell will be irresistible!
- While that’s roasting, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente—it gives a nice bite!
- Once the squash is done, heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!
- Now, add the roasted squash to the skillet along with the vegetable broth. Use a blender or immersion blender to blend everything until smooth and creamy. You can add a splash more broth if it’s too thick.
- Finally, toss your cooked pasta into the skillet and mix in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in that dreamy sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil for that beautiful touch!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Creamy, comforting texture that feels indulgent without the guilt.
- Vegetarian-friendly, making it a great option for everyone!
- Seasonal flavors that capture the essence of fall.
- Customizable with your favorite pasta types and toppings.
Nutritional Information
This creamy butternut squash pasta is not just delicious; it’s also pretty balanced! Each serving provides approximately 350 calories, with 10g of fat and 12g of protein. You’ll also get 55g of carbohydrates and 4g of fiber, making it a satisfying meal. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying. Perfect for fueling those busy days!
Tips for Success
Here are some of my top tips to ensure your butternut squash pasta turns out perfectly every time! First, choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well; I recommend fettuccine or rotini for their delightful texture. If you want extra creaminess, don’t hesitate to add more Parmesan cheese or a splash of heavy cream when blending the sauce. To amp up the flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat. And remember, taste as you go! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper until it’s just right. Lastly, don’t skip the fresh basil—it really elevates the dish and adds a fresh finish!
Variations
One of the best things about butternut squash pasta is how adaptable it is! If you want to switch things up, try adding different herbs like sage or thyme for a lovely earthy flavor. You could also toss in some sautéed spinach or kale for an extra boost of greens. For protein, chickpeas or cooked chicken are fantastic additions that pair well with the creamy sauce. Feeling adventurous? A sprinkle of crispy bacon or pancetta can bring a delightful crunch and smoky flavor. The possibilities are endless—get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? No worries! Store your butternut squash pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir gently until heated through, and voilà—deliciousness awaits! You can also use the microwave; just cover it and heat in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen butternut squash? Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash is a great time-saver. Just make sure to thaw it before roasting to achieve that lovely caramelization.
What type of pasta works best? I love using fettuccine or penne, but really, any pasta you have on hand will do! Just keep in mind that shapes with ridges tend to hold the creamy sauce better.
Can I make this pasta vegan? Yes, you can easily make this butternut squash pasta vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or substituting it with a plant-based alternative. For creaminess, try adding a splash of coconut milk!
How can I spice it up? If you love a bit of heat, consider adding red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic. You could also mix in some crushed walnuts or spicy sausage for an extra kick!
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time? Definitely! You can roast the butternut squash and cook the pasta in advance. Just combine everything shortly before serving for the freshest taste. Enjoy your delicious meal without the last-minute rush!
Drucken
Butternut Squash Pasta: 7 Indulgent Reasons to Love It
- Gesamtzeit: 45 minutes
- Ertrag: 4 servings 1x
- Ernährung: Vegetarisch
Beschreibung
A creamy and flavorful butternut squash pasta dish.
Zutaten
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz pasta of your choice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Anweisungen
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add the roasted squash and vegetable broth, blending until smooth.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.
- Add more cheese for creaminess.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Kochen Zeit: 30 minutes
- Kategorie: Main Course
- Methode: Baking and Sautéing
- Küche: Italian
Ernährung
- Portionsgröße: 1 serving
- Kalorien: 350
- Zucker: 5g
- Natrium: 200mg
- Fett: 10g
- Gesättigte Fettsäuren: 2g
- Ungesättigte Fette: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Kohlenhydrate: 55g
- Faser: 4g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterin: 10mg
Keywords: butternut squash pasta, creamy pasta, vegetarian pasta, fall recipes
