Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

A creamy butternut squash pasta sauce is the perfect addition to your dinner table. This sauce is not only delicious but also healthy, making it suitable for various occasions like family dinners or casual gatherings. Its unique flavor profile combines sweetness and savory notes, ensuring that everyone will love it. Plus, this vegan delight is easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: The entire process takes just 40 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with vegetables, this creamy vegan sauce is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Versatile Uses: Use this sauce over any type of pasta or as a base for other dishes like grain bowls or roasted veggies.
• Rich Flavor: The blend of roasted butternut squash, fresh tomatoes, and herbs creates a deliciously rich taste that will impress.
• Family-Friendly: Kids will love the creamy texture and sweet flavor, making it an ideal dish for picky eaters.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather the necessary tools before starting. Having everything ready will help you focus on creating the best butternut squash pasta sauce.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Blender
• Pot for cooking pasta
• Large mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: A sturdy surface for roasting vegetables evenly.
• Blender: Essential for achieving a smooth and creamy texture in the sauce.
• Pot for cooking pasta: A must-have to ensure your pasta cooks perfectly al dente.

Ingredients

A creamy vegan butternut squash pasta sauce made with simple healthy ingredients.

Vegetables

• 16 oz bag of frozen diced butternut squash
• 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 yellow onion

Seasoning & Oil

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

Pasta

• 1 lb pasta

Reserved Pasta Water

• 1/3 cup pasta water reserved from cooked pasta

How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 450F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables

Place the frozen cubed butternut squash, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onion on the baking sheet.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Drizzle olive oil over the vegetables. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme.

Step 4: Mix Everything Together

Mix well to ensure all vegetables are evenly coated with oil and seasonings.

Step 5: Roast in the Oven

Bake at 450F for about 20 minutes until the vegetables are tender.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

While the veggies are baking, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Step 7: Reserve Pasta Water

Before draining your cooked pasta, reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water. Place it in a blender.

Step 8: Blend the Sauce

Remove the roasted veggies from the oven and add them into the blender with reserved pasta water. Blend until a smooth sauce forms.

Step 9: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Pour the blended sauce over your cooked pasta. Toss gently to coat all noodles evenly.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Serve hot! You can top each serving with parmesan cheese or plant-based parmesan if desired.

Enjoy your homemade butternut squash pasta sauce, packed with flavor and nutrition!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Butternut squash pasta sauce is versatile and can be served in various delightful ways. Whether you’re looking to elevate your meal or add a unique touch, here are some serving suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Herbs

• Basil or Parsley: Sprinkle fresh basil or parsley on top for a burst of flavor and color.
• Chili Flakes: For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to enhance the taste.

Add Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Serve the pasta with slices of grilled chicken for added protein.
• Chickpeas: Toss in chickpeas for a vegan option that boosts the protein content.

Garnish with Cheese

• Parmesan Cheese: Top with freshly grated parmesan cheese for a rich, savory flavor.
• Nutritional Yeast: For a vegan alternative, sprinkle nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste without dairy.

Include Vegetables

• Sautéed Spinach: Mix in sautéed spinach for extra nutrients and vibrant color.
• Roasted Broccoli: Serve alongside roasted broccoli to complement the creamy sauce.

How to Perfect Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

To achieve the best butternut squash pasta sauce, follow these tips for a creamy and flavorful dish.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh tomatoes and onions when possible for maximum flavor.
• Blend Thoroughly: Ensure you blend the sauce until it’s completely smooth for the best texture.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before serving and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Always save some pasta water; it helps in achieving the desired consistency of the sauce.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or nutmeg for unique flavor profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

To round out your meal featuring butternut squash pasta sauce, consider these delicious side dishes. They complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce on your plate.
2. Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the pasta.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These provide a nutty flavor that pairs well with butternut squash.
4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon complements the flavors of your main dish nicely.
5. Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus adds elegance and a pop of color to your table.
6. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with grains and vegetables make an eye-catching side dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Creating a delicious butternut squash pasta sauce can be simple, but there are a few common pitfalls to keep in mind.

• Skipping the roasting step: Roasting the vegetables enhances their flavor. Don’t skip this crucial step; it brings out the sweetness of the squash and tomatoes.
• Not reserving pasta water: Pasta water adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce to the pasta. Always reserve some before draining.
• Overcooking the sauce: Once blended, overcooking can make your sauce lose its creamy texture. Heat it gently after blending if needed.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving. You may need to adjust salt or spices after blending for the best flavor.
• Using cold ingredients: Make sure your baking sheet and blending bowl are warm to help keep your sauce creamy.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the sauce to cool completely before sealing it.

Freezing Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

• Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, place sauce in an oven-safe dish covered with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat over low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce?

Butternut squash pasta sauce is a creamy vegan sauce made primarily from roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, and spices that create a rich flavor profile perfect for pasta dishes.

How can I customize my Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce?

You can customize this sauce by adding different herbs like basil or oregano, or even mixing in other vegetables like spinach for extra nutrition.

Can I make Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! This sauce stores well in both the refrigerator and freezer, making it great for meal prep.

What type of pasta goes well with Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce?

This versatile sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti. Choose your favorite!

Is Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce healthy?

Yes! It’s packed with nutrients from butternut squash and tomatoes while being low in fat and calories, making it a healthy choice for dinner.

Final Thoughts

This creamy vegan butternut squash pasta sauce is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. We encourage you to try making this recipe and enjoy its rich flavors that will please everyone at your table!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card

Print

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy butternut squash pasta sauce is a delightful and nutritious addition to your dinner table. This vegan sauce marries the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory tomatoes and herbs, creating a rich flavor profile that everyone will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy recipe can be prepared in just 40 minutes using simple ingredients you likely already have at home. Whether served over pasta, as a base for grain bowls, or paired with roasted vegetables, this creamy sauce offers versatility and satisfaction in every bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz frozen diced butternut squash
• 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
• 1/2 yellow onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb pasta
• 1/3 cup reserved pasta water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Place the frozen butternut squash, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onion on the baking sheet.
3. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and thyme. Mix well.
4. Roast in the oven for about 20 minutes until tender.
5. While roasting, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
6. Reserve 1/3 cup of starchy pasta water before draining the pasta.
7. Blend the roasted vegetables with reserved pasta water until smooth.
8. Combine the blended sauce with cooked pasta and toss gently to coat.
9. Serve hot, optionally garnished with parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Vegan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 49g
• Fiber: 7g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 0mg