Savory Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta Recipe
This Savory Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring roasted butternut squash in a creamy sage-infused sauce. Combining tender pasta with the subtle sweetness of roasted squash, aromatic garlic and sage, and topped with crunchy walnuts and Parmesan, this recipe offers a perfect balance of textures and rich flavors suitable for a cozy dinner.
- Author: Ruby
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Vegetarian
Pasta and Vegetables
- 12 oz (340g) pasta of your choice (fettuccine or penne work well)
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced into small cubes
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- ½ cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or coconut milk (for a dairy-free option)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Garnish
- ¼ cup toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
- 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 in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Cook the Pasta: While the squash is roasting, 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 aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook for about 5 minutes, or until soft and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped sage, and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet, followed by 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 seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss well to combine, ensuring every piece is coated in the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Plate the pasta into bowls, topping each serving with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts, additional grated Parmesan, and fresh sage leaves for garnish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Red pepper flakes are optional and can be adjusted to taste for heat.
- Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
- Use fresh sage for best flavor; dried sage works in a pinch.
- To toast walnuts, dry roast them in a skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned, about 3-5 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 6 g
- Protein: 13 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
Keywords: butternut squash pasta, sage pasta recipe, creamy squash pasta, roasted squash recipe, vegetarian pasta dish