Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic: A Delicious & Easy Recipe

Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic: Prepare to be amazed by this creamy, dreamy, and utterly irresistible pasta dish that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked pasta, coated in a velvety smooth sauce bursting with the sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash, all infused with the pungent aroma of garlic. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have you craving more with every single bite.

Butternut squash has been a culinary staple for centuries, particularly in indigenous cultures of the Americas, where it was cultivated for its nutritional value and versatility. Today, its popularity has spread worldwide, and for good reason! This vibrant orange squash is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a healthy and delicious addition to any meal.

What makes this Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic so beloved? It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and healthy eating. The sweetness of the squash beautifully complements the savory garlic, creating a balanced and satisfying flavor profile. The creamy texture is incredibly comforting, and the dish is surprisingly easy and quick to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra vegetables into your diet without sacrificing taste. Get ready to experience a pasta dish that’s both good for you and incredibly delicious!

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Optional garnishes: toasted pumpkin seeds, extra sage leaves

Roasting the Butternut Squash

Okay, let’s get started! Roasting the butternut squash is key to bringing out its natural sweetness and creating a creamy texture for our sauce. Don’t skip this step – it makes all the difference!

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure your oven is fully preheated before you put the squash in. This ensures even cooking and caramelization.
2. Prepare the squash. If you haven’t already, peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into roughly 1-inch pieces. Aim for uniform size so they cook evenly.
3. Season the squash. In a large bowl, toss the cubed squash with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Be generous with the seasoning – it’s the foundation of the flavor. I usually use about 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, but adjust to your taste.
4. Roast the squash. Spread the seasoned squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will steam the squash instead of roasting it. If necessary, use two baking sheets. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. You should be able to easily pierce the squash with a fork.
5. Cool slightly. Let the roasted squash cool slightly before proceeding. This makes it easier to handle when we blend it into a sauce.

Preparing the Garlic and Sage Infused Oil

While the squash is roasting, we’ll create a flavorful garlic and sage infused oil. This will add depth and aroma to our pasta dish. The key here is to gently infuse the oil without burning the garlic.

1. Heat the oil. In a large skillet or saucepan, heat the remaining 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-low heat.
2. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) to the oil. Cook, stirring frequently, until the garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
3. Add the sage. Stir in the chopped fresh sage and cook for another minute, allowing the sage to infuse the oil with its aroma.
4. Remove from heat. Once the garlic is fragrant and the sage has infused the oil, remove the skillet from the heat and set aside. This will prevent the garlic from continuing to cook and potentially burning.

Cooking the Pasta

Now, let’s get the pasta cooking! Remember to salt your pasta water generously – this is your only chance to season the pasta itself.

1. Bring water to a boil. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Use plenty of water – at least 6 quarts for a pound of pasta.
2. Cook the pasta. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means “to the tooth” in Italian – the pasta should be firm to the bite.
3. Reserve pasta water. Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water is liquid gold! We’ll use it to help create a creamy and emulsified sauce.
4. Drain the pasta. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.

Making the Butternut Squash Sauce

Time to transform that roasted squash into a luscious sauce! We’ll use a blender or food processor to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency.

1. Blend the squash. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash with the vegetable broth. Blend until smooth and creamy. You may need to add a little more broth if the sauce is too thick.
2. Combine sauce and garlic oil. Pour the blended butternut squash sauce into the skillet with the garlic and sage infused oil.
3. Simmer the sauce. Bring the sauce to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, to allow the flavors to meld together.
4. Add cream (optional). If using, stir in the heavy cream and cook for another minute or two until heated through. The cream adds richness and a velvety texture to the sauce.
5. Season to taste. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Remember that the pasta is already salted, so start with a small amount and adjust as needed.

Combining Pasta and Sauce

Almost there! Now we’ll bring everything together for the final masterpiece.

1. Add pasta to the sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the butternut squash sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly.
2. Add Parmesan cheese. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. The cheese will melt into the sauce, adding flavor and helping to thicken it.
3. Adjust consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The pasta water helps to create a creamy and emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta.
4. Serve immediately. Serve the butternut squash pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, toasted pumpkin seeds (if using), and fresh sage leaves (if using).

Tips for Success

• Roast the squash until it’s deeply caramelized. This will enhance its sweetness and flavor.
• Don’t burn the garlic! Keep the heat low and stir frequently.
• Reserve pasta water! It’s essential for creating a creamy sauce.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices.
• For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream. You can substitute nutritional yeast for the Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor.

Variations

• Add protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or sausage would be delicious additions to this dish.
• Add vegetables: Sautéed spinach, kale, or mushrooms would complement the butternut squash nicely.
• Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Make it creamy: Use mascarpone cheese instead of heavy cream for an even richer sauce.

Conclusion:

This Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors, a comforting hug in a bowl, and a surprisingly simple weeknight meal that will impress even the pickiest eaters. I truly believe this recipe is a must-try because it perfectly balances sweet and savory notes, creating a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and incredibly delicious. The creamy butternut squash sauce, infused with the pungent aroma of garlic, clings beautifully to each strand of pasta, delivering a burst of flavor with every bite. It’s a dish that’s both elegant enough for a dinner party and cozy enough for a quiet night in.

But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta. While I personally love the way the sauce coats fettuccine or linguine, penne or rigatoni would also work wonderfully, capturing the sauce within their ridges. For a gluten-free option, try using your favorite gluten-free pasta – the sauce is so flavorful, you won’t even miss the wheat!

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

To elevate your Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic experience, consider these serving suggestions:

* Add some protein: Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crispy bacon would be fantastic additions. Tofu or chickpeas are great vegetarian options.
* Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful kick to the dish.
* Get cheesy: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano is always a welcome addition. For a vegan option, nutritional yeast provides a cheesy flavor.
* Add some greens: Wilted spinach, kale, or arugula adds a boost of nutrients and a touch of bitterness that complements the sweetness of the squash.
* Garnish with herbs: Fresh sage, thyme, or parsley adds a vibrant aroma and visual appeal. Toasted pumpkin seeds also add a nice crunch.
* Roasted Vegetables: Add roasted brussel sprouts or broccoli to the pasta for a more hearty meal.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and adapt the recipe to your own preferences. Maybe you want to add a touch of brown butter for extra richness, or perhaps you prefer a smoother sauce – simply blend it for a few seconds before adding the pasta. The possibilities are endless!

I’m so confident that you’ll love this Butternut Squash Pasta with Garlic that I urge you to give it a try. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of fall and create a memorable meal for yourself, your family, or your friends.

Once you’ve made it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments – your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire others to try this delicious and easy recipe. I can’t wait to see your culinary creations! Happy cooking!

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