How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta
Smitten with squash?
Wild about walnuts?
Crazy for creamy pasta sauce?
Ever think about combining them all to make an incredible creamy butternut squash pasta recipe?
We have, and let me tell you - it's im-pasta-bly good. (Some may even say it's pre-pasta-rous)
Seriously though, the first time I whipped up this dish at home, the whole family (myself included) were torn between devouring the absurd amount of servings I made all in one meal or leaving some leftover to enjoy the next day.
I'm sure you can guess that it didn't last the night... R.I.Pasta...
At first glance, it could be easy to assume that this recipe would taste something like mac and cheese with a vegetable thrown on top to pretend it's a healthy meal. *unapologetic shrug*
But au contraire; this creamy butternut squash pasta recipe is rich, nutty, satisfying, and dare I say, healthy for the whole family. Even the ferociously carnivorous husbands and chicken nugget devouring young boys will voluntarily lower their forks and steak knives for this flavorful, filling, and fragrant vegetarian main dish.
Sound too good to be true? Would you still believe me if I told you that this is really is pretty easy to make - and reheats like a dream?
Yes, it's real; you've reached the end of your journey to find a healthy, filling, and delicious dinner - and this recipe guide contains everything you need to make it a reality.
Rest, weary internet surfer; this is no mirage. This ultimate butternut squash pasta recipe guide features ingredients, kitchenware, detailed instructions, a printable recipe, and answers to common FAQs.
Plus, there are zero annoying display ads that always spaghett in the way. We're tired of those recipe pages too, and we're being the change we want to see in the world of pasta. Enjoy!
Included in This Recipe
Butternut Squash Pasta Ingredients
When it comes to adding oomph to pasta dishes, have you ever tasted anything as divine as roasted butternut squash?
The way the oven transforms this glorious fall vegetable into a nutty, caramelized delight is simply magical. Roasting the squash cubes reveals an earthy flavor contrast, with a satisfyingly chewy exterior that gives way to tender, creamy flesh within.
It's like a rich, velvety praline with hints of savory umami flavor adding depth and smoky complexity to the dish. One taste and you’ll see, roasted butternut squash is so hearty and addicting you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Forget everything you thought you noodle about bland pumpkin; this sweet, rich, unctuous butternut squash pasta recipe sweeps all your senses off onto a flavorful ride.
The Best Pasta for This Recipe
Let's get real here for a second; the pasta is the star of the show here.
With a rich, creamy sauce like this, you'll want shapes that complement the flavors and texture of the butternut squash sauce that also hold up well during cooking, mixing, and reheating.
With that in mind, cavatappi or penne are both excellent shapes for this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta sauce. The shape and texture of these shapes hold onto the creamy sauce exceptionally well to ensure that every bite is filled with flavor.
Cavatappi and penne have a larger surface area than most short pasta shapes, resulting in more sauce clinging to each piece of pasta. They are also incredibly sturdy shapes that won't soften up or turn to mush when cooked or stirred.
PERFECTLY SUITED TO...
PENNE
★★★★★ Rated 5 stars
You just can't pasta up our Penne for an unparalleled eating experience. This robust shape makes easy work of pasta salads, saucy dishes and everything in-between!
CREATE SOME MAGIC WITH...
CAVATAPPI
★★★★★ Rated 5 stars
Holding its ground with the heaviest of sauces and toppings, our Cavatappi quickly rises to the top of your must-have list!
Pots, Pans, and Everything in Between
Here's a quick list of the kitchen essentials you'll need to make this creamy butternut squash pasta recipe.
Sharp knife
Vegetable peeler
Spoon
Large baking sheet pan
Parchment paper
Large pot for the pasta
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Food processor or blender
You can also use a mortar and pestle
Mug for pasta water
Frypan
Cheese grater
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
For the traditionalists among us who prefer a tactile, hands-on experience, whip out your trusty mortar and pestle and get grinding for a deliciously textured sauce.
For the technologically-inclined, plug in your blender or food processor, but be sure to use a light touch as you whiz the walnuts into the cream to retain their robust character.
You'd never imagine such a multi-faceted flavor could emerge by whizzing toasted walnuts, cream, garlic, and parmesan, but give it a blitz and prepare to have your taste buds blown into the stratosphere.
How to Prepare the Butternut Squash
Unfamiliar with how to wrangle a butternut squash? It can be a rodeo, but with the right technique, it's not so bad.
How to peel butternut squash
Carefully cut off the top and bottom of the butternut squash with a sharp knife.
Stand the butternut squash upright on one of the ends you just cut and peel the skin from top to bottom with a vegetable peeler being careful to follow the contour of the squash.
How to cut and seed butternut squash
Lay the butternut squash on its side and carefully cut it in half from top to bottom.
Use a spoon to scoop the seeds out along with any stubborn stringy bits.
To dice the butternut squash, lay both sides with the flat end facing down.
Cut each side separately in the middle where it starts to bulb out.
Take one side and cut lengthwise strips followed by crosswise strips.
Repeat for the other side.
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FAQs
What is the best pasta to use?
The best pasta to use for this creamy butternut squash pasta recipe is cavatappi or penne due to their short length and sturdiness.
Can I use pureed butternut squash?
Whatever you do, steer clear of pureed squash in a can for this butternut squash pasta recipe. This recipe celebrates sunshine-kissed butternut squash in all its glory, and there's simply no way to beat the deliciously caramelized roasted butternut squash cubes championed in this dish.
How to store and reheat leftovers?
If you wind up having leftovers, store the pasta and creamy sauce in separate containers. This butternut squash pasta recipe will last for up to four days in the refrigerator and up to six months in the freezer if placed in a freezer-safe container.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, the pasta and the sauce can be made ahead of time. Three Farm Daughters pasta reheats excellent. If the pasta sauce thickens, add a little water during reheating.
Can you use frozen butternut squash?
No, we don't recommend using frozen butternut squash. The best option is to use a fresh whole butternut squash, followed by pre-chopped butternut squash. Whatever you do, don't even think about using winter squash or spaghetti squash. If you love butternut squash already, this roasted rendition is sure to reignite your love affair.
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Pasta Alla Norma
Looking for a pasta dish that's both rustic and refined, with a hint of Southern Italian flair? End your search with our traditional Penne alla Norma, a celebration of simple ingredients transformed into a lavish dish more delicious than the sum of its parts!
White Bean Pasta with Creamy Kale Pesto
Leafy greens and toasted walnuts are the perfect complement to the nutty, creamy beans in the pesto sauce, lifted by garlic and lemon zest to bring a zingy freshness to the dish.
Chicken, Roasted Garlic, and Sun-Dried Tomato Cavatappi in Pink Sauce
Don’t be fooled by the pretty-in-pink sauce: This opulent Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Cavatappi doesn’t tiptoe around in flavor territory - it’s bold, brazen and always makes the first move.
