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Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe

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3.9 from 14 reviews

A creamy and flavorful butternut squash pasta sauce made by roasting butternut squash, tomatoes, and onion, then blending them into a smooth sauce to toss with your favorite pasta. This comforting dish combines roasted vegetables and simple seasonings for a healthy, easy weeknight dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings

Ingredients

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Spread the frozen diced butternut squash, chopped fresh tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Season and Oil: Drizzle the olive oil over the vegetables and then sprinkle the salt, black pepper, and dried thyme evenly on top.
  4. Toss Vegetables: Use a spatula or your hands to toss the vegetables, ensuring they are well coated with oil and seasonings.
  5. Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast the vegetables at 450°F for 20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  6. Cook Pasta: While the vegetables roast, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
  7. Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the cooked pasta, measure out and reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy pasta cooking water and set aside.
  8. Blend Sauce: Transfer the hot roasted vegetables directly from the oven into a blender. Add the reserved pasta water and blend until smooth and creamy to create the sauce.
  9. Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large bowl and pour the butternut squash sauce over it. Toss well to evenly coat all the noodles.
  10. Serve: Serve immediately. For extra flavor, top with grated parmesan cheese or a plant-based parmesan alternative if preferred.

Notes

  • You can substitute fresh butternut squash if frozen is unavailable—just cube and roast the same way.
  • Adjust the amount of pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency.
  • For a vegan version, omit parmesan or use a vegan-friendly cheese alternative.
  • Leftover sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
  • Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish to enhance flavor and color.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Pasta Sauce
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian