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Squash Pasta Recipe

4.8 from 164 reviews

A comforting and creamy sage pasta featuring roasted butternut squash, sautéed aromatics, and a luscious Parmesan sauce. This recipe blends warm flavors of fresh sage and garlic, finished with crunchy toasted walnuts for added texture. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special vegetarian meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Vegetables

  • 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne recommended)
  • 2 cups butternut squash, diced into small cubes

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup vegetable broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for dairy-free option)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Garnishes

  • ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sage, and red pepper flakes if using, and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet along with the vegetable broth. Use a fork or masher to lightly mash some of the squash to create a creamy texture. Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
  5. Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to combine, ensuring every piece is coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Serve: Plate the pasta into serving bowls and garnish with toasted walnuts, extra grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh sage leaves for a fragrant and crunchy finish.

Notes

  • You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
  • Red pepper flakes can be omitted for a milder dish or increased slightly for more heat.
  • To toast walnuts, spread them on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C), shaking the pan occasionally.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully as it helps adjust sauce consistency.
  • Pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well for holding the sauce.

Keywords: sage pasta, roasted butternut squash pasta, creamy sage sauce, vegetarian pasta, fall pasta recipe