Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Creamy butternut squash pasta made with roasted butternut squash, garlic, and parmesan. The thick and creamy sauce is tossed with penne pasta for a quick and incredibly delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy!
Creamy butternut squash pasta made with roasted butternut squash, garlic, and parmesan. The thick and creamy sauce is tossed with penne pasta for a quick and incredibly delicious dinner the whole family will enjoy!
- Carbohydrate 2.15435500042806 g
- Cholesterol 4.95000001004276 mg
- Fat 2.3638062532796 g
- Fiber 0.256674998197786 g
- Protein 0.57299500038884 g
- Saturated Fat 1.03129250187364 g
- Serving Size 1 1 people (226g)
- Sodium 3.97487500606376 mg
- Sugar 1.89768000223027 g
- Trans Fat 0.110623750157973 g
- Calories 31 calories
Step-by-step
- Pre-heat the oven to 180°C/350F/gas mark 4.
- Cut the skin off the butternut squash and cut into medium-sized cubes. Place on a baking tray with the garlic cloves (skin still on).
- Sprinkle over the oregano, red pepper flakes, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Add the olive oil and rub over the squash with your hands so the squash and garlic are evenly coated in the spices.
- Roast in the oven for around 30 minutes until the squash and garlic are soft, toss halfway through.
- After 20 minutes of roasting the squash, bring a large pot of salted water to the boil.
- Add the penne and cook according to instructions until al dente, drain.
- Tip: Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, see notes.
- Once the squash is cooked, place it in a food processor.
- Squeeze the garlic out of their skins and add that to the squash.
- Blitz until it's smooth then add the cream and parmesan, blitz until smooth and creamy.
- Add extra salt if required.
- Toss the sauce through the cooked penne until evenly coated in the sauce.
- If the sauce is too thick, dilute it with a little reserved pasta water (not too much).
- Serve with torn basil leaves.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta: A Weeknight Winner
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook a healthy and delicious dinner can feel like a Herculean task. But let me tell you, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta recipe is my go-to when I need a satisfying meal that's quick to prepare and packed with flavor. Forget those stressful weeknights filled with takeout menus and hurried decisions; this recipe is your ticket to a stress-free dinnertime.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, creating a depth of flavor that's simply unmatched. The creamy sauce, made with simple ingredients like parmesan cheese and cream, is incredibly rich and decadent, but surprisingly light. It's the perfect balance of comforting and wholesome.
One of my favorite things about this recipe is its versatility. You can easily adapt it to your preferences. Feel free to add other vegetables, such as spinach or mushrooms, for extra nutrients and texture. If you're a spice enthusiast, you can increase the amount of chili flakes for a little kick. And if you’re watching your calories, a little less cream or a bit more pasta water can make it a lighter version.
The process itself is straightforward. While the butternut squash is roasting, you can easily get the pasta cooking. The time spent roasting the squash is minimal, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights. The actual sauce preparation only takes minutes, thanks to the magic of the food processor. Before you know it, you'll have a delicious and healthy meal ready to enjoy.
Beyond the Recipe: A Taste of Autumn
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta isn't just a meal; it's an experience. The vibrant orange color of the squash is a feast for the eyes, hinting at the delicious flavors to come. The aroma of roasting squash and garlic fills your kitchen with the comforting scents of autumn, making it the perfect dish for cozy evenings. Imagine the warm, creamy sauce coating the perfectly cooked penne pasta, each bite a burst of autumnal goodness.
Serving Suggestions and Variations:
While the recipe itself is delicious on its own, there are several ways to enhance the dining experience. Consider serving it with a side salad for added freshness, or a crusty bread for dipping into the leftover sauce. For a heartier meal, you could even add grilled chicken or shrimp.
For those seeking variations, consider using different types of pasta. While penne works beautifully, other shapes like rotini or farfalle would also be equally delightful. If you prefer a vegan version, you can easily substitute the cream for a vegan alternative and use nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
More than just a meal:
This recipe is more than just a quick weeknight dinner; it’s a celebration of simple ingredients and flavors. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, we can still create something delicious and nourishing for ourselves and our loved ones. It’s a way to connect with the season, to savor the flavors of autumn, and to appreciate the simple joys of cooking and sharing a meal together.
So, ditch the takeout menus and embrace the ease and deliciousness of this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta. It’s a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, a go-to meal that never fails to impress. And trust me, the compliments will be worth it!
