Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
Get ready to dive into our Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta recipe--- Where the nutty charm of roasted butternut squash mingles with fragrant herbs, velvety cream, and the irresistible allure of Parmesan cheese. Cozy and bursting with fall vibes this dish is destined to become your family's new weeknight favorite, packed full of flavors that'll warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Ready in just 25 minutes! Gluten-free, Dairy-free + Vegan Option.
Y'all I've been getting into some serious kitchen experimentation, especially with all the cozy fall cooking in full swing. But butternut squash has become my latest obsession. That velvety, sweet, and slightly nutty thing it's got going on? I'm all about it, especially when I'm in the mood for an easy pasta dish. Plus It's the perfect way to sneak in some extra veggies for the little ones. I even dialed it back to the basics with a foolproof recipe on how to roast butternut squash like a pro!
From Thanksgiving classics like Maple Herb Roasted Butternut Squash to the timeless classic Easy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, and even curries like this Vegan Pumpkin Curry with Butternut Squash, I'm all about that butternut squash goodness! Make your fall and winter holiday table shine with our Wild + Brown Rice Stuffed Butternut Squash-- This hearty and heartwarming dish blends earthy squash with a hearty wild rice stuffing.
This fuss-free pasta recipe boasts an ultra-creamy, smooth + rich texture, loaded with savory herbs and spices that create a warm and comforting flavor. It's not only a quick 25-minute fix but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part is its incredible versatility – you can add meat, more veggies, or even plant-based protein to suit your preferences. I'll provide some tasty ideas below to customize it to your liking!
Jump to:
- How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
- Ingredients
- Why I LOVE Butternut Squash SO MUCH
- What You Need to Roast Butternut Squash
- How To Choose THE PERFECT Butternut Squash
- Is Butternut Squash a Healthy Carb?
- Why You Will LOVE This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
- Topping Ideas for Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
- Adding More Protein
- Choosing Your Perfect Pasta
- What White Wine is Best in Pasta?
- What Can I Eat With Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta?
- Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Q + A's
- More Delicious Weeknight Pasta Recipes to Try
- MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
- Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
To prepare this creamy pasta recipe, you'll start by roasting the butternut squash using my How to Roast Butternut Squash recipe. Then, boil the pasta until it's 'al dente.' For the sauce, blend the roasted butternut squash and veggie stock in a high-powered blender until it's smooth and creamy, which usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Keep in mind that the mixture should resemble a puree, not too thick but definitely not watery.
Now, for the creamy sauce, in a skillet over medium-high heat, combine the butter and remaining ingredients until they reach a luxuriously thick and creamy consistency!
Ingredients
Here is everything you need to make this creamy squash pasta!
- Rigatoni pasta. (or your favorite pasta shape, see Notes for GF option)
- Roasted Butternut Squash (cubed) - Adds a creamy and slightly sweet component to the dish.
- Unsalted butter. Provides richness and depth of flavor.
- Extra virgin olive oil. Enhances the sauce's texture and adds a hint of fruity flavor.
- Garlic cloves (minced). Imparts aromatic, savory notes to the sauce.
- Organic all-purpose flour. Acts as a thickening agent for the creamy sauce.
- Sea salt + Black pepper. Enhances the overall seasoning of the dish.
- Herbs + Seasonings. Smoked paprika, garlic powder, dried thyme, parsley and oregano. Red pepper flakes, fresh sage + cayenne pepper.
- Organic heavy cream - Creates a creamy and luscious base for the sauce. I love using Organic Valley!
- Organic vegetable stock - Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
- White cooking wine - Introduces a touch of acidity and depth to the flavors.
- Freshly grated Parmesan - Offers a rich, cheesy element, enhancing the sauce's creaminess and overall flavor!
SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA!
Here, I’ve curated a list of baking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite baked goods, especially with this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Everything from my fave sheet pans, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!
Why I LOVE Butternut Squash SO MUCH
- Sweet + nutty flavor
- Versatile in SO MANY recipes
- Rich in vitamins and minerals
- Perfect in both savory + sweet dishes
- A fall & winter staple that great for sides or mains
- Completely comforting + hearty
- Adds pop of color on the plate
- And of course, it's simply healthy + delicious.
What You Need to Roast Butternut Squash
Butternut squash can be roasted in different ways: halved, in slices, or cubed. The method you choose depends on your recipe. In this particular one, we'll be cubing the squash. To roast butternut squash, you'll need an oven, one or two baking sheets, or a baking dish, and a large sharp knife + high-quality vegetable peeler to remove the tough skin.
Be sure to check out my 'How to Roast Butternut Squash' recipe for all the tips + tricks!
How To Choose THE PERFECT Butternut Squash
Y'all after MANY years of cooking with butternut squash, I've honed the art of selecting the best ones. Here are 4 tips to help you choose the perfect butternut squash:
Skin quality-- Look for a squash with a smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid any with cuts, bruises, or soft spots, as these can be indicators of spoilage or diminished flavor.
Color consistency--Opt for a butternut squash with a consistent, deep beige or tan color on its skin. While minor variations are normal, patches of green or excessive shine may suggest under-ripeness.
Heaviness matters: A heavy squash relative to its size indicates a higher flesh-to-seed ratio and ripeness. It's a good sign of a well-matured squash.
Stem + top inspection: Ensure the stem is intact and firmly attached. The top of the squash, opposite the stem, should be free from mold, decay, or any damage.
Is Butternut Squash a Healthy Carb?
You bet! It's bursting with vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin A, vitamin C, and potassium, and it's got fiber for digestive wellness. So, when you're in the mood for some guilt-free, feel-good carbs, butternut squash is your delicious go-to option. PLUS it won't leave you with a post-meal energy slump, and your body will appreciate the nutritious boost!
Why You Will LOVE This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
- Bold flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
- Easy weeknight meal--Simple preparation + minimal ingredients
- Versatile and customizable
- A crowd-pleasing combination that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- It’s absolutely delicious----creamy + velvety!
- Great to make ahead of time. This is the perfect weeknight meal prep meal recipe because it can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- Family-friendly (Well, everyone in my family seems to love it, Haha.)
- It’s meatless--but still works for any eater.
Topping Ideas for Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
While I love this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta dinner as-is, straight from the pan, you can dress it up with toppings if you like.
For extra flavor, color, and texture, you can try:
- Herb roasted tomatoes
- Kale
- Candied bacon
- Black olives
- Grated lemon zest --adds a zesty, citrusy twist that brightens up the dish.
- More parmesan cheese
- Toasted panko bread crumbs
Adding More Protein
If you'd like to add protein to this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta dish, it's easy to do, regardless of your diet!
PLANT-BASED PROTEIN OPTIONS:
- Crispy seared or baked tofu cubes
- Roasted chickpeas
- Crumbled stir-fried seitan
- Crumble vegan bacon on top
- Sautéed cauliflower florets or broccoli
- Sautéed asparagus, Brussels sprouts, etc.
You can also check out Awesome Meat Substitutes to Try This Year if you're new to plant-based life and want to experiment!
MEAT-BASED PROTEIN OPTIONS:
- Salmon
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Tenders
- Shredded chicken
- Shrimp
- Bacon or candied bacon
- Lobster
- Fish (fried, grilled, baked, etc.)
Choosing Your Perfect Pasta
You can use any type of pasta that you like in this recipe. That is what makes this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta recipe so adaptable!
I love using rigatoni because it does a beautiful job of embracing and holding onto the sauce. But any of these pasta varieties would work for this dish -
- Pappardelle
- Tagliatelle
- Fettuccine
- Penne
- Paccheri
- Orecchiette
- Spirals
- Shells
- Ravioli or gnocchi would also go wonderfully with this sauce!
I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that longer varieties of pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. You can also use gluten-free pasta, whole-wheat pasta, or even zoodles for a low-carb option!
What White Wine is Best in Pasta?
I tend to use a lot of white cooking wine, which is easiest for me. However, I do occasionally add quality white wine to my dishes and I recommend using a dry white wine.
A dry white wine will add the right amount of acidity rather than sweetness, which will better compliment your dish like this Butternut squash pasta recipe. In general, any of the following dry white wines work great in this dish:
Pinot Grigio, Pinot Gris, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Blanc, and dry sparkling wines.
What Can I Eat With Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta?
When it comes to serving this mouthwatering Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta there are some options that will truly elevate your meal. First off, don't forget to have some bread on hand. I love this homemade Cheesy Kale Garlic Bread, Loaded Cheddar Pesto Zucchini Bread with Bacon and Homemade Texas Toast Garlic Bread Trust me; you'll want to dip it into that luscious, saucy goodness.
If you want a little freshness, serve it with a salad on the side, like this Blood Orange Kale Salad, Fall Harvest BBQ Chickpea Kale Salad, Fall Harvest Apple Kale Salad or this Best Buffalo Chickpea Kale Salad. It's like a fresh burst of flavor that complements this easy weeknight dinner beautifully.
But here's the thing. This creamy butternut squash pasta is so darn amazing that you can honestly enjoy it all by itself. Seriously, the pasta + luscious creamy squash sauce is everything! It's just bursting with fall flavor. So, feel free to dig in and savor every single bite. It's a dish that stands tall on its own!
After a hearty meal, I often yearn for something sweet to round it off...And you know what hits the spot? A big slice of our Caramel Apple Pear Crisp!
Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Q + A's
To make this dish GF, simply use Gluten-Free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are GF-friendly.
To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
Absolutely! While Parmesan cheese is great, you can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Pecorino Romano, or even a blend for unique flavors.
Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days. Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain the creamy consistency.
You can use coconut milk or almond milk for a lighter, dairy-free option, or you can try Greek yogurt for a creamy texture with fewer calories.
More Delicious Weeknight Pasta Recipes to Try
If you are a fan of this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta recipe, then you will also love these recipes for the entire family:
- Easy Weeknight Creamy Tuscan Ravioli
- Meatless Pumpkin Skillet Lasagna
- Spicy Cajun Vodka Pasta Without Vodka
- Creamy Roasted Garlic Kale Pasta with Parmesan
- Creamy Tuscan Lobster Pasta
- Vegan Bolognese
- Sweet Potato Pasta Skillet
- Weeknight Tomato Kale Ravioli Bake
MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
If you tried this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!
Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 (16 oz.) package organic rigatoni pasta (You can use your fave pasta shape/type; See Notes for GF option.)
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH:
- 2 cups Cubed Roasted Butternut Squash
CREAMY SAUCE:
- 2 Tbsps unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Extra virgin olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon organic all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 ½ cups organic heavy cream
- 2 cups organic vegetable stock
- 2 Tbsps white cooking wine
- 1 cup freshly-grated parmesan
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- Your fave chopped nuts, toasted
- Roasted butternut squash
- Sprinkles of red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
TO ROAST THE BUTTERNUT SQUASH:
- To roast the butternut squash, follow my How to Roast Butternut Squash recipe!
COOK THE PASTA:
- To begin, cook pasta according to packaging. NOTE: rigatoni pasta doesn’t take a long time to cook, usually 8-10 minutes (however, you should cook at 6-8 minutes or so—‘al dente’).
BLEND TOGETHER FOR SAUCE:
- In a high-powered blender, add together the roasted butternut squash and veggie stock and blend on high-speed until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes. NOTE: The mixture should look like puree that isn't too thick, but not at all watery.
TO MAKE THE CREAMY SAUCE:
- In a medium-sized (10-inch) skillet over medium-high heat, add the butter and olive oil. Once heated, add the minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the flour, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, thyme, parsley, oregano, cayenne pepper, fresh chopped sage, and red pepper flakes, stirring everything together. Whisk in the heavy cream, blended butternut squash mixture, and white cooking wine, until becomes smooth with no lumps visible and the sauce is thickened.
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens more and stir in the grated parmesan until it has melted and the sauce is even more creamy.
- Add in the cooked pasta and stir until it becomes fully coated in the sauce.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately with your favorite toppings and your favorite side, salad, or on it's own.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Any leftovers can be kept in a tightly sealed container and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
- SPICES/HERBS: If desired, you can reduce the amounts slightly. Please know that this recipe is bold in flavor, so feel free to adjust based on your tastebuds.
- GLUTEN-FREE OPTION: To make this dish GF, simply use Gluten-Free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients are GF-friendly.
- DAIRY-FREE + VEGAN OPTIONS: To make this sauce dairy-free, simply use vegan butter instead of the regular butter. Then swap the cream with full-fat coconut milk or coconut cream. And use your favorite dairy-free shredded cheese or nutritional yeast instead of parmesan.
- PASTA: You can use Jumbo shells or long pastas like Pappardelle, Fettuccine, etc. if desired, however, I would recommend tossing with tongs to ensure that pasta is fully manageable and fully coated. Otherwise, the traditional penne or rigatoni pasta works perfectly too!
Nutrition
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