Name: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 16 oz bag of frozen diced butternut squash; 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes; 1/2 yellow onion, sliced; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp dried thyme; 1 lb pasta of your choice; 1/3 cup reserved pasta water (from cooked pasta); Parmesan cheese or plant-based parmesan for serving

Jump to Recipe

There is something truly magical about the warmth and comfort that this Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce brings to the dinner table. This sauce transforms simple ingredients like roasted butternut squash, fresh tomatoes, and fragrant herbs into a velvety, rich coating that perfectly hugs every strand of pasta. It’s creamy, subtly sweet, and just the right hint of earthy goodness, making it an ideal choice for cozy weeknights or impressing friends with a homemade touch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just dipping your toes into making sauces from scratch, this Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a delicious way to celebrate seasonal flavors with wholesome simplicity.

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the full flavor and texture of this sauce. Each item plays its role, from the natural sweetness of butternut squash to the bright acidity of fresh tomatoes, balanced by aromatic herbs and a touch of olive oil for richness.

Frozen diced butternut squash: Convenient yet full of natural sweetness and creaminess once roasted.
Fresh chopped tomatoes: These add a juicy tang that brightens the sauce beautifully.
Yellow onion: Adds a subtle sharpness and depth when roasted alongside the squash.
Olive oil: Essential for roasting and bringing everything together with a silky texture.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of all the ingredients.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of warming spice.
Dried thyme: An herbal note that elevates the overall flavor profile.
Pasta: Choose your favorite kind—this sauce hugs every shape wonderfully.
Pasta water: Reserves some to loosen the sauce just perfectly when blending.

How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Vegetables

Start by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread out the frozen diced butternut squash, fresh tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion in an even layer. Drizzle olive oil over the veggies and season generously with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Toss gently to ensure every piece is coated with the oil and spices. Pop the tray in the oven to roast for about 20 minutes, during which the vegetables will caramelize and release their sweet and savory aromas.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the veggies are roasting, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Before draining, don’t forget to scoop out 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta water—this little trick is the secret to achieving a perfectly glossy and smooth sauce consistency when blending.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Right after removing the roasted vegetables from the oven, transfer them while still hot into a blender. Add the reserved pasta water and pulse until the mixture becomes a creamy, velvety sauce. The warmth combined with the starch from the pasta water creates a luscious texture that will cling beautifully to every piece of pasta.

Step 4: Combine and Toss

Pour your freshly blended Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce over the cooked pasta, then toss gently but thoroughly to ensure each noodle is generously coated. The sauce is rich enough to stand on its own but light enough that it doesn’t overpower the pasta’s bite—a true culinary harmony.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Garnishes

To add an extra layer of flavor and texture, sprinkle freshly grated parmesan cheese or a plant-based alternative right on top. A few toasted pine nuts or a scattering of chopped fresh basil also brighten the dish beautifully, providing a pop of color and crunch to complement the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette or simply roasted vegetables drizzled with balsamic glaze. For a heartier meal, garlic bread or a crusty baguette gently toasted with herbs rounds out the experience without competing with the star sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try tossing the sauce with spiralized vegetables instead of pasta for a lighter version. You can also bake the sauced pasta in a casserole dish with a layer of mozzarella on top for a bubbly, comforting meal that’s perfect for sharing with family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making it an excellent option for next-day meals.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick. Once warmed through, toss with freshly cooked pasta for a delicious second-round meal.

FAQs

Can I use fresh butternut squash instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh butternut squash can be a lovely choice and might even offer a slightly sweeter flavor. Just peel, cube, and roast it along with the other vegetables as directed.

Is this sauce vegan-friendly?

The base sauce is naturally vegan. Just be sure to choose a plant-based parmesan or omit the cheese garnish to keep it fully vegan.

What type of pasta works best with Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce?

This sauce pairs well with nearly all pasta shapes, but wide noodles, rigatoni, or shapes with grooves are especially good at catching the sauce.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or crispy tofu make excellent additions that complement the rich sauce without overpowering it.

How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

If your sauce is too thick, add a little more reserved pasta water or vegetable broth to loosen it up. For a thicker sauce, reduce the pasta water or add a small handful of nutritional yeast or soaked cashews when blending.

Final Thoughts

Making your own Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is such a rewarding experience that combines the best of cozy flavors and simple ingredients. It’s a dish that feels like a warm hug and has the versatility to become a staple in your meal rotation. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite as much as I do!

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 22 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This creamy and flavorful Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a nutritious and comforting dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Roasted butternut squash, fresh tomatoes, and caramelized onions form the base of a smooth sauce that pairs beautifully with pasta, offering a naturally sweet and savory flavor profile with a touch of thyme.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Prepare Vegetables: Spread the frozen diced butternut squash, fresh chopped tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion evenly on the lined baking sheet.
Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme for balanced flavor. Toss or mix gently to coat all veggies evenly with the oil and seasonings.
Roast the Vegetables: Bake the seasoned vegetables in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized, which enhances their natural sweetness.
Cook the Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, scoop out 1/3 cup of the hot pasta cooking water and set it aside. This starchy water helps create a silky sauce texture.
Blend the Sauce: Remove the roasted vegetables hot from the oven and place them in a blender with the reserved pasta water. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
Toss and Serve: Pour the butternut squash sauce over the drained pasta and toss well to coat each strand evenly. Serve immediately, topped with optional parmesan or plant-based parmesan cheese.

Notes

You can substitute fresh butternut squash cubes if frozen is unavailable; just adjust the roasting time until tender.
For a vegan version, use plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast as a topping.
If the sauce is too thick, add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time to reach desired consistency.
Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried; use about 1 teaspoon fresh chopped thyme.
This sauce pairs well with various pasta shapes such as penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting and Blending
Cuisine: Italian-inspired