Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a comforting, vegan-friendly dish that’s perfect for fall. Roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, and onion are blended into a rich sauce that pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta. This simple yet satisfying recipe is ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a quick and delicious way to bring the flavors of fall to your table. This rich, vegan sauce features roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, and onion blended to perfection. Tossed with your favorite pasta, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal that’s easy to make and perfect for cozy evenings.
INGREDIENTS
- Frozen diced butternut squash: 16 oz, for a creamy and slightly sweet sauce base.
- Fresh chopped tomatoes: 1.5 cups, for a tangy and flavorful addition.
- Yellow onion: ½, sliced, to add depth and sweetness to the sauce.
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp, for roasting the vegetables.
- Salt: 1 tsp, to enhance the flavors.
- Black pepper: ¼ tsp, for a touch of spice.
- Dried thyme: ½ tsp, to add an earthy, aromatic note.
- Pasta: 1 lb, cooked according to package instructions.
- Pasta water: ⅓ cup, reserved, to help blend the sauce to the perfect consistency.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Step 2:
- Spread the diced butternut squash, chopped tomatoes, and sliced onion evenly across the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Toss to coat.
- Step 3:
- Roast the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Step 4:
- While the vegetables are roasting, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Reserve ⅓ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Step 5:
- Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the reserved pasta water and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Step 6:
- Combine the blended sauce with the cooked pasta, tossing to coat evenly. Serve immediately with your choice of grated parmesan or a plant-based alternative.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the pasta warm, topped with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added freshness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water if needed.
Helpful Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy, vegan flavor boost.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Roast the vegetables until slightly caramelized for added depth of flavor.
- Blend in a handful of cashews or a splash of coconut milk for an even creamier sauce.