Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe

Oh, let me tell you about this dreamy dish that I’ve fallen in love with recently — Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce. It’s like wrapping your taste buds in a cozy, velvety blanket of rich coconut milk paired perfectly with the naturally sweet, roasted butternut squash. This sauce is a total game-changer, adding a luscious texture and a subtle depth of flavor that’s both comforting and elegant. Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night in or impressing guests, this sauce turns any pasta into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple ingredients often lead to the most memorable dishes, and this sauce is no exception. Each component plays a key role in delivering the rich, creamy texture and delightful taste that makes the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce so irresistible.

• Butternut Squash (6 cups, cubed): The star of the show, adding natural sweetness and a creamy base once roasted.
• Full Fat Coconut Milk (13.5 ounces): Brings luscious creaminess and a subtle tropical flair, beautifully balancing the earthiness of the squash.
• Garlic (1 head): Roasted whole for mellow, caramelized notes that deepen the flavor without overpowering.
• Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Helps to roast the squash and garlic to perfection while adding a fruity richness.
• Salt (1 teaspoon): Essential to enhance all the natural flavors in this sauce.
• Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a gentle smokiness and a touch of warmth to the profile.
• Brown Rice Penne Pasta (12 ounces): Or any pasta of your choice; it’s the ideal vehicle for scooping up every creamy bite of sauce.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Step 1: Prepare and Roast Your Squash and Garlic

Start by peeling and de-seeding your butternut squash, then cutting it into handsome, large cubes. Place these cubes in a baking dish, and don’t forget to add the garlic—this isn’t just any garlic; it’s a whole head, sliced at the top, placed cut side up right in the center of the pan. Drizzle olive oil over everything to help caramelize the edges during roasting. Pop it in the oven at 375 degrees and let it bake until the squash is tender and the garlic has turned a beautiful golden brown, usually between 45 and 60 minutes. This roasting step is what gives your sauce that incredible depth of flavor and natural sweetness.

Step 2: Blend Into Creamy Perfection

Once your squash and garlic are perfectly roasted, it’s time to blend. The garlic should be soft enough that you can squeeze the cloves right out of their skins. Combine the cubed squash, the roasted garlic, full fat coconut milk, salt, and paprika into your high-speed blender. Blend it on high until completely smooth and luscious. Don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting seasoning — a little extra salt or paprika can take your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce to the next level.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Combine

While you’re roasting or just after blending, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to its package instructions. I love using Jovial brown rice penne, but feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape. Once cooked, reserve a bit of the pasta water before draining. Mix your pasta with the freshly blended sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and create that perfect, silky coating.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes make all the difference, adding bursts of texture and brightness. I absolutely adore sprinkling toasted pine nuts or pepitas for a delightful crunch. A handful of fresh chopped parsley or basil adds a lovely herbal note that cuts through the creaminess. You could also grate a bit of vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast on top to bring a cheesy, umami twist.

Side Dishes

This sauce pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh side dishes. A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette balances out the richness of the pasta sauce perfectly. Roasted or sautéed greens like kale or spinach make for a nutritious and vibrant addition to the plate. For a bit of warmth and heartiness, some crusty garlic bread on the side is a no-brainer.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try layering the pasta and sauce in individual serving bowls or even bake the sauced pasta with a crunchy breadcrumb topping for a comforting casserole twist. Serving alongside roasted seasonal vegetables or a colorful medley of sautéed mushrooms can elevate the dish both visually and flavor-wise. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is so versatile you can play around with presentation and make each meal feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Got some sauce left over? No worries! Transfer the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce into an airtight container and refrigerate. It should stay fresh for up to four days. This makes it an amazing option for quick weekday meals when you want something nutritious and delicious in a flash.

Freezing

This sauce freezes beautifully. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water, coconut milk, or broth if it seems too thick. Stir frequently to keep it smooth and creamy. You can also microwave it in short bursts, stirring in between until hot and ready to mix with freshly cooked pasta.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of squash?

Absolutely! While butternut squash works wonderfully due to its natural sweetness and texture, you can experiment with kabocha or delicata squash. Just keep in mind the flavor might vary slightly.

Is the sauce dairy-free?

Yes! The Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is dairy-free thanks to the use of full fat coconut milk, making it perfect for those avoiding dairy but still craving that creamy richness.

What pasta types work best with this sauce?

Any pasta shape can carry this sauce, but I recommend brown rice penne or rigatoni because their ridges and hollow structures help hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I make this sauce spicy?

For sure! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during blending will give your sauce a nice kick without overpowering the mellow butternut squash flavor.

How thick should the sauce be?

The sauce should be smooth and pourable but thick enough to stick to your pasta. You can always thin it with a little pasta water or coconut milk if it feels too dense.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a new favorite to cozy up with, the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce should be at the very top of your list. It’s comforting, rich, and surprisingly simple to make, yet it feels like a fancy treat every single time. Trust me, once you try it, this sauce will become a beloved staple in your kitchen too.

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