Easy Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta: Comforting Recipe!

 

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk about dinner. Specifically, let’s talk about a dish that’s been a lifesaver in my house more times than I can count: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. I remember the first time I made it. It was a chilly October evening, the kids were bouncing off the walls, and I was staring blankly into the fridge, wondering how I was going to pull off a decent meal. I stumbled upon a butternut squash I’d bought on a whim, and that’s when the magic happened. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and it’s so easy to make, even on the busiest of weeknights.

It’s become a regular in our rotation because it’s packed with veggies, surprisingly kid-friendly, and ready in under an hour. Honestly, what more could a mom ask for? I’m here to share all my secrets and mom hacks to making this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta a success in your kitchen too. So, grab your apron, pour yourself a coffee (or wine, no judgment!), and let’s get cooking!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed: This is the star of our Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta show! You can often find pre-cut squash at the store to save time.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For roasting the squash and adding flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Because everything tastes better with salt!
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A little pepper adds a nice touch.
• 1 small onion, chopped: Adds a savory base to the butternut squash pasta sauce.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic makes everything better, right?
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth: Adds moisture and flavor to the butternut squash pasta sauce.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for vegan): This is what makes it a Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta!
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, nutritional yeast for vegan): Adds a salty, cheesy flavor.
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape): Any pasta works, but I find that shorter shapes are easiest for the kids.
• Fresh sage leaves (optional, for garnish): Adds a beautiful aroma and flavor.

No worries if you don’t have fresh sage – I often skip it, and my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta still tastes amazing. You can grab most of these ingredients at Target or Walmart while doing your regular grocery run. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta doesn’t have to break the bank; frozen butternut squash is a great budget-friendly alternative. My family loves when I add extra garlic, so I sometimes throw in an extra clove or two.

Storage wise, I keep leftover cooked squash in an air tight container in the fridge. Trust me, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta ingredient list is SHORT because mama doesn’t have time for fancy! Here’s a Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta trick that saved my sanity – roast the squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Then, on busy weeknights, you can whip up this pasta in no time.

Let’s Make it Happen!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Seriously, parchment paper is a mom’s best friend.
2. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the squash is evenly coated. Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized. Your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta should smell amazing by now! This is the perfect time to fold that laundry pile!
4. While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Don’t forget to salt the pasta water!
5. While the pasta is cooking, start the butternut squash pasta sauce. In a large skillet or pot, heat a little more olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Here’s where I used to mess up my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta – I’d burn the garlic! Don’t make my mistake; keep the heat on medium-low.
6. Once the squash is roasted, add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer.
7. Use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender, but be cautious when blending hot liquids. I love using my immersion blender because it’s one less dish to wash!
8. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast), if using. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste. Don’t panic if your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta looks a little thin at this point; it will thicken as it simmers.
9. Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the butternut squash pasta sauce. Toss to coat.
10. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh sage leaves, if desired. Here’s a sanity-saving tip: Roast a double batch of butternut squash and freeze half for future Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta dinners! While your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee! In my chaotic kitchen, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta usually takes about 35-40 minutes from start to finish.

How We Love to Eat This!

My kids devour this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta when I serve it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans. They love the sweetness of the squash paired with the slightly bitter veggies. It’s also a great way to sneak in some extra nutrients without them even realizing it! This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick, easy, and satisfying.

I often make a big batch on Sunday and pack it in their lunchboxes for school. For a fun twist, I sometimes add cooked sausage or shredded chicken to the pasta for a heartier meal. My husband loves it when I sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top for a little bit of heat. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta reminds me of another family favorite, our Butternut Squash Soup.

For presentation, I like to sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast) and a few fresh sage leaves on top. It makes it look a little fancier, even though it’s the easiest meal ever. Leftovers are great for lunch the next day. I often add a little extra vegetable broth to the pasta before reheating it to keep it from drying out. One time, I served this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta to some friends who were visiting, and they raved about it. They couldn’t believe how easy it was to make!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

• Can my picky eater handle this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta? This is a big one, right? My advice is to start small. Puree the butternut squash sauce until it’s super smooth and mix it with a pasta shape your picky eater already enjoys. You can also add a little bit of their favorite cheese or protein to make it more appealing.
• What if I burn my Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!) We’ve all been there! If you burn the garlic or onions while making the sauce, the best thing to do is start over. It’s better to waste a few ingredients than to ruin the whole dish. If you only slightly burn the squash, you can try scraping off the burnt parts before blending.
• Can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta ahead for meal prep? Absolutely! The butternut squash pasta sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just reheat it before adding the cooked pasta. You can also roast the squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge for a few days.
• Is this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta freezer-friendly? The butternut squash pasta sauce freezes well. Just let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. I like to freeze in individual portion sized bags.
• What kind of pasta works best with this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta? I personally love using penne, rotini, or shells because the sauce clings to them really well. However, you can use any pasta shape you like. My kids also enjoy it with elbow macaroni or farfalle.
• Can I add protein to this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta? Definitely! Cooked sausage, shredded chicken, chickpeas, or white beans are all great additions. You can also add some crispy bacon or pancetta for a savory twist. I like to add beans because they are a cheap source of protein for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta.
• How can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. You can also use a spicy sausage or add a drizzle of hot sauce before serving.
• My Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta sauce is too thick. How do I thin it out? Add a little extra vegetable broth or water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Be sure to stir well to combine!

Final Thoughts:

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is special to my family because it’s a comforting and nutritious meal that we can all agree on. Plus, it’s so versatile that I can easily adapt it to suit everyone’s tastes. Here are a few Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Mom Hacks I swear by:

• Roast a double batch of squash and freeze half for future meals.
• Use pre-cut squash to save time on busy weeknights.
• Add a dollop of ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess and protein.

Here are a few family-tested Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta variations:

• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage: Add cooked Italian sausage for a heartier meal.
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls of fresh spinach at the end for added nutrients.
• Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Brown Butter and Sage: Brown the butter before adding it to the sauce for a richer, nuttier flavor.

My son loves the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage, while my daughter prefers the version with spinach. I personally love the brown butter and sage variation because it’s a little more sophisticated. I found another recipe for a Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe | Cheap Lazy Vegan that I think may be fun to try. You can also check out [Creamy (vegan!) Butternut Squash Linguine with Fried Sage …], or [Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe – Love and Lemons] for other Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta options! For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out my Sausage Pasta Skillet.

I hope you’ll give this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe a try and make it your own. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavors to create a dish that your whole family will love. Remember, cooking should be fun and stress-free. So, relax, enjoy the process, and don’t worry if things don’t turn out perfectly the first time. You’ve got this, mama! Now get out there and make this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta!

 

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