Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce (for pasta and more)

Indulge in the rich and velvety comfort of our Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce. This pasta sauce is quick and easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and is kid-friendly. Perfectly suited for fall-inspired weeknight meals, this recipe is a must-have in your repertoire.

Looking for a quick and easy comfort food that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy night in? Say hello to our Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce! Not only is this sauce delicious, but it's also kid-friendly and meal prep-friendly, making it an ideal option for busy days. And here's a bonus: You can even make a double (or triple) batch and freeze it for later.

Jump to:

• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients for Butternut Squash Sauce
• How to Make This Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe
• Butternut Squash Sauce Variations and Substitutions
• Best Pasta Shapes for this Creamy Pasta Sauce
• Side Note - Best Butternut Squash Flavor Combinations
• Storage Instructions
• What Side Dishes will work with this Butternut Squash Pasta?
• Wine Suggestion
• Find more of our delicious Pasta Recipes
• Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce (for pasta and more)

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Healthy: This is an easy and nutritious sauce.
• Kid-friendly: Creamy and irresistible, even the little ones will love it.
• Meal prep-friendly: Prepare in advance for easy weeknight dinners.
• Freezer-friendly: Save time by making extra and freezing for later.
• Versatile: Pair it with various flavors, and pasta shapes, and more.
• Perfect for fall and winter: Warm up with the cozy flavors of the season.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Sauce

• Olive Oil
• Fresh Sage Leaves and Fresh Rosemary
• Chili Flakes (optional)
• Butternut Squash
• White Onion and Garlic
• Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• Tomato Paste
• Freshly Grated Nutmeg
• Vegetable or Chicken stock (or water)
• Heavy Cream

See the recipe card for quantities.

How to Make This Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

1. Roast Vegetables:

- Preheat your oven to 180°C.

- Combine olive oil, sage, rosemary, and chili flakes in a bowl.

- Toss the cubed butternut squash, onion, and garlic in the olive oil mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

- Place the mixture on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper and roast for 30 - 40 minutes or until soft and slightly caramelized.

2. Blend Sauce:

- Add the roasted vegetables, tomato paste, nutmeg, vegetable stock (or water), and cream to a regular blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, adding more warm liquid if needed.

- Transfer the sauce to a pot, season with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Chef's Tips: 

• Blend your sauce while your ingredients are still warm, otherwise, your sauce might be lumpy.
• Depending on your blender's size, you might need to work in batches or use an immersion blender.
• Add a little warm stock or water (a ¼ cup at a time) to thin down your sauce until you get the perfect consistency.

3. Cook Pasta:

- Cook your chosen pasta according to package directions until al dente in a large pot of salted water. 

- Reserve a cup of the pasta water and drain the pasta.

4. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

- Gently heat the pureed butternut sauce in a large skillet on medium heat. If it's too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.

- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, toss to combine, and serve with fried sage leaves and grated parmesan.

Butternut Squash Sauce Variations and Substitutions

• Add some vegetables: Stir in baby spinach or roasted broccoli.
• Add protein: Try grilled chicken breast, crispy bacon, or chorizo.
• Use pumpkin instead of butternut squash or use a combination.
• Make it vegan: Swap cream with stock or full-fat coconut milk, and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan to create a vegan butternut squash pasta sauce.
• Make it low carb: Use zucchini noodles (zoodles) instead of pasta.
• Make it gluten-free: Opt for lentil or chickpea pasta.

Best Pasta Shapes for this Creamy Pasta Sauce

• Tube Pasta like Penne, Rigatoni, or Macaroni - The creamy texture of the sauce envelops the tubes perfectly. 
• Flat Noodles such as Spaghetti, Fettuccine, or Tagliatelle will pair beautifully with the creamy butternut squash sauce. 
• Shells like Conchiglie (medium or large) or Orecchiette are another great option. These pasta shapes capture the sauce, creating delightful bites. 
• Twists and Spirals like Fusilli or Rotini add a playful touch to your dish. 
• Stuffed Pasta for ultimate comfort, try Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli.

Alternative Options

• Lentil or Chickpea Pasta: Opt for lentil or chickpea pasta to make the dish gluten-free and protein-rich.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): Embrace a lighter option by using zucchini noodles for a low-carb twist.
• Gnocchi: Although not technically a pasta, will surely create another comfort bomb of a meal.
• Risotto:  Use this delicious sauce to make an amazing fall-inspired butternut squash risotto

Side Note - Best Butternut Squash Flavor Combinations

Here are some of our favorite Butternut Squash Flavor Combinations - to enhance the natural deliciousness of butternut squash:

- Maple and Pecan: Elevate the sweet and nutty qualities of butternut squash by drizzling it with maple syrup and adding a sprinkle of chopped pecans for a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

- Ginger and Turmeric: Infuse butternut squash with a warm and earthy essence by incorporating grated ginger and a pinch of turmeric. These spices lend a depth of flavor that complements the squash's natural richness.

- Thyme and Lemon Zest: Brighten up the earthy notes of butternut squash with the aromatic touch of thyme and a burst of zesty lemon zest. The combination brings a fresh and balanced profile to your dish.

- Caramelized Onion: Intensify the inherent sweetness of butternut squash by incorporating caramelized onions. Their slow-cooked richness adds a layer of comforting depth to the squash's flavor.

- Sautéed Mushrooms: Introduce a savory and umami-rich dimension by sautéing mushrooms and pairing them with butternut squash. The combination creates a symphony of tastes that's both hearty and delightful.

- Sage and Brown Butter (a classic): Elevate the elegance of butternut squash with the timeless pairing of sage and brown butter. Crispy sage leaves in fragrant brown butter infuse a sophisticated and aromatic touch.

- Roasted Garlic: Enhance the natural nuttiness of butternut squash by roasting garlic cloves alongside it. The result is a mellower, deeper flavor profile that adds a layer of richness to your dish.

Storage Instructions

Leftovers

Keep your leftover butternut squash sauce or pasta fresh by storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It remains delicious for 3-4 days, ready to be enjoyed for quick meals or cozy evenings.

How to Freeze  Butternut Squash Sauce

This sauce is suitable for freezing on its own without the pasta

- Allow the sauce to cool down to room temperature.

- Divide the sauce into individual portions and place them in freezer-safe, airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. (Remember to leave some space for expansion, about 1-2cm or roughly 1 inch in depth.)

Smart Portioning Tip: When freezing larger quantities, try using ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This lets you defrost and use just the amount you need, perfect for enhancing other dishes.

- Label and date each container.

• Freeze for up to 3 months.

How to Defrost Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce

Thaw your frozen sauce using these methods:

Refrigerator: Place the frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight for gradual defrosting.

Microwave: Speed up defrosting with the microwave's defrost setting, stirring occasionally.

Water Bath: Submerge the sealed container in cold water to accelerate defrosting without compromising quality. Ensure water doesn't seep into the container.

Reheating Butternut Squash Sauce

Warm up your sauce with these techniques:

Microwave: Reheat in short intervals in the microwave, stirring between each interval for even heating. Loosely cover the sauce to prevent any potential mess.

Stovetop: Gently warm the defrosted sauce over low heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. This avoids overheating, which can cause the sauce to separate and affect its consistency.

What Side Dishes will work with this Butternut Squash Pasta?

Add some bread and a salad and make it a meal.

• Rosemary Focaccia
• Crusty Sourdough Bread
• Cheesy Garlic Bread
• Fall Salad: Create a seasonal salad with mixed greens, apple slices, toasted pecans, dried cranberries, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle with an apple cider vinaigrette to balance the meal.
• Pear and Walnut Salad: Combine mixed greens with slices of ripe pear, toasted walnuts, crumbled blue cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette. 
• Kale and Cranberry Salad: Create a hearty salad with massaged kale, dried cranberries, roasted almonds, and Parmesan cheese shavings. 
• Arugula and Beet Salad: Pair the peppery arugula with roasted beets, goat cheese, candied pecans, and a citrusy dressing. 

Wine Suggestion

When considering wine pairings for this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce, explore the following options to enrich your dining occasion.

- Chardonnay: Embrace a balanced richness that harmonizes with the creamy sauce.

- Sauvignon Blanc: Opt for a vibrant contrast with its lively acidity, invigorating each bite.

- Pinot Gris: Choose subtle elegance, as its light and crisp nature delicately complement the flavors.

These wine options uniquely enhance the meal, adding depth and enjoyment to your dining experience.

Find more of our delicious Pasta Recipes

With the delightful Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce recipe in your repertoire, you're armed with a culinary gem that transforms ordinary meals into extraordinary moments. Whether it's a weeknight dinner, a cozy gathering, or a special occasion, this sauce elevates every bite with its comforting and elegant flavors. 

From its versatility to its freezer-friendly nature, this sauce has earned its place as a kitchen essential. So, as you embark on your culinary adventures, remember that the heart of cooking lies in the joy of sharing and creating lasting memories around the table.

Happy fall cooking!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.