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Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe

4.9 from 142 reviews

This Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce recipe combines roasted butternut squash, fresh tomatoes, and aromatic onions into a creamy, flavorful sauce perfect for any pasta. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness, and blending them with reserved pasta water creates a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully. A quick and wholesome dish, ideal for a cozy weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Seasonings

  • 16 oz bag of frozen diced butternut squash
  • 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Other Ingredients

  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb pasta
  • 1/3 cup reserved pasta water (from cooked pasta)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Set your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Arrange Vegetables: Spread the frozen diced butternut squash, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onion evenly on the baking sheet.
  3. Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables, then sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme evenly on top.
  4. Mix Vegetables and Seasonings: Toss the vegetables gently to make sure they are all evenly coated with olive oil and seasonings.
  5. Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. Cook Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
  7. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, set aside 1/3 cup of the pasta cooking water to help blend the sauce later.
  8. Blend Sauce: Transfer the hot roasted vegetables to a blender, add the reserved pasta water, and blend until a smooth sauce forms.
  9. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the blended butternut squash sauce over the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to coat every strand.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately, optionally topped with parmesan cheese or a plant-based parmesan alternative for additional flavor.

Notes

  • Using frozen butternut squash is a convenient shortcut; however, fresh squash can be roasted for a more intense flavor.
  • Adjust the pasta water quantity to reach your preferred sauce consistency.
  • For a vegan option, skip the parmesan cheese or use a plant-based substitute.
  • Roasting the vegetables brings out their natural sweetness, which enhances the sauce’s flavor.
  • Use thyme or substitute with rosemary or sage for a different herb profile.

Keywords: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce, roasted vegetable pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta sauce, healthy pasta sauce, easy pasta sauce, creamy butternut squash sauce