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Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 34 reviews

  • Author: Sophia
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A creamy and flavorful butternut squash pasta sauce made by roasting butternut squash, tomatoes, and onions, then blending with reserved pasta water to create a smooth, comforting sauce perfect for coating your favorite pasta. This recipe is easy to prepare, highlighting natural sweetness and herbaceous notes with thyme, ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 16 oz bag of frozen diced butternut squash
  • 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Pantry & Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Pasta & Additions

  • 1 lb pasta
  • 1/3 cup pasta water reserved from cooked pasta
  • Parmesan cheese or plant-based parmesan for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Vegetables: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Arrange Ingredients on Baking Sheet: Spread the frozen diced butternut squash, fresh chopped tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried thyme on top. Toss gently on the baking sheet to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.
  4. Roast the Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast for 20 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften and caramelize slightly.
  5. Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  6. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the cooked pasta, measure and reserve 1/3 cup of the hot pasta water, which will help achieve a smooth and creamy sauce texture.
  7. Blend the Sauce: Immediately transfer the hot roasted vegetables from the oven into a blender. Add the reserved pasta water and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, adjusting seasoning if necessary.
  8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the blended butternut squash sauce over the cooked pasta in a serving bowl or pot. Toss well to coat all the noodles evenly.
  9. Serve: Plate the pasta and serve immediately, optionally topping with parmesan cheese or a plant-based alternative for added flavor and richness.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh butternut squash for frozen if preferred, adjusting the roasting time accordingly.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
  • This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
  • Adding garlic to the vegetables before roasting can enhance flavor.
  • For a vegan option, use plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast as a topping.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://sophiasrecipe.com/butternut-squash-pasta-sauce-recipe/