Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Name: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb pasta (rigatoni, fusilli, or penne); 1 ½ pounds butternut squash (about 3 cups, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes); 2 medium shallots (thinly sliced); 3 cloves garlic (smashed and peeled); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 ¼ cups vegetable broth; ½ cup whole milk; ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); ¼ cup chopped fresh basil; Pinch of ground nutmeg; Salt and black pepper (to taste); Reserved pasta water (at least 1 cup)

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This butternut squash pasta sauce is one of our family’s favorite fall pasta recipes. It’s easy to make in 30 minutes, cozy, and a great way to prep ahead for a quick dinner during a busy week.

There’s nothing better than a bowl of pasta with creamy butternut squash pasta sauce. It’s so simple to make, perfect for fall, and goes with any pasta shape you love. It’s also a healthy pasta sauce, which makes it one of my favorite ways to sneak in veggies for my kids.

I’ve been making this recipe since my kids were toddlers. I wanted them to eat more vegetables, so I came up with my own version of macaroni and cheese using butternut squash. They loved it then, and they still love it now. It’s cozy, creamy, and one of those pasta recipes I know the whole family will eat.

Pro Tip: Cook the pasta and sauce at the same time. This makes dinner faster and keeps it weeknight-friendly.

butternut squash pasta in a white bowl garnished with fresh bail on a cutting board with a with folded napkin

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to make: Ready in just 30 minutes since the pasta and squash cook at the same time.
Kid-friendly: Creamy and cozy, even picky eaters love it.
Prep-friendly: Make the sauce a few days ahead, or freeze it for a busy night.
Healthy comfort food: Full of veggies but still rich and creamy.
Versatile: Pairs with any pasta shape, rigatoni, penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti.

What Is Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce?

Butternut squash pasta sauce is a smooth and velvety sauce made from cooked squash, garlic, and shallots. Everything gets blended with broth, milk, and Parmesan cheese to make a creamy pasta sauce that feels cozy but still light. It’s a little sweet from the squash, savory from the garlic and cheese, and tastes like a healthier, veggie-packed version of mac and cheese.

Ingredients

Pasta – Rigatoni, fusilli, or penne hold the sauce well, but spaghetti works too.
Butternut squash – Naturally sweet and creamy once blended. Peel and dice into small cubes so it cooks faster.
Shallots – Mild onion flavor that balances the squash.
Garlic – Adds depth and savoriness.
Olive oil – For sautéing the squash and aromatics.
Vegetable broth – Helps soften the squash and makes the base of the sauce.
Whole milk – Adds creaminess and body.
Parmesan cheese – Melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty flavor.
Fresh basil – A bright, fresh finish.
Nutmeg – Just a pinch gives warmth and depth.
Salt and pepper – To season.
Reserved pasta water – For thinning and coating the pasta.

How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Save 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a skillet, heat olive oil and sauté shallots for 2–3 minutes, until soft.
Add garlic and butternut squash. Season with salt and pepper, then cook for 5–6 minutes.
Pour in vegetable broth, cover, and simmer until squash is fork-tender, about 10–12 minutes.

Diced butternut squash and shallots on a cutting board – butternut squash pasta sauce ingredients

Cooking butternut squash and shallots in a skillet first step for butternut squash pasta sauce

Blend the squash mixture with milk, nutmeg, and splashes of pasta water until smooth and creamy.

cooked butternut squash in the blender, ready to be pureed.

a photo of a blender with pureed butternut squash and nutmeg

Return the sauce to the skillet and stir in Parmesan until melted.
Toss the pasta in the sauce, loosening with pasta water as needed.

The pureed butternut squash in a large white serving bowl with fresh grated parmesan cheese.

Creamy butternut squash pasta is mixed in a large white serving bowl

Stir in basil, taste, and adjust seasoning.
Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Substitutions and Variations

Make it Dairy-free or vegan: Swap the milk for oat or almond milk and use nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan.
Add Extra veggies: Carrots or orange bell peppers blend right in and add extra nutrition.
Try different pasta shapes: Try spaghetti, fettuccine, or even gluten-free pasta.
Add a protein boost: Add crispy pancetta, Italian sausage, or shredded chicken.
Roasted option: Roast the squash at 400°F for 25 minutes, then blend with the sautéed shallots and garlic.
Add some crunch: Sprinkle with toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or pine nuts for texture.

Expert Tips

Cut the squash evenly: Dice the squash into small, even cubes so it cooks quickly and blends smooth.
Save that pasta cooking water: Add splashes when blending and tossing to get a silky sauce that clings to the pasta.
Blend the sauce well: Use a high-speed blender or immersion blender for the creamiest sauce.
Loosen the sauce to the correct consistency: If it gets too thick, add more pasta water or broth before serving.
Season last: Always taste and adjust with more salt, pepper, or Parmesan right before serving.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of pasta water or broth to loosen.

To freeze, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe bags or containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently, stirring in a bit of broth as needed.

butternut squash pasta in a white bowl garnushed with fresh bail on a cutting board with a with folded napkin

FAQ’s

Does butternut squash go with pasta?

Yes! Butternut squash is naturally sweet and creamy, which makes it perfect for pasta. When blended, it turns into a velvety pasta sauce that clings beautifully to noodles like rigatoni, penne, or even spaghetti. Pair it with Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs, and you have the ultimate cozy fall pasta dish.

What does butternut squash pair well with?

Butternut squash pairs well with Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs like basil or sage, and savory flavors such as garlic and shallots. It also tastes great with crispy pancetta, Italian sausage, or even toasted nuts like hazelnuts or walnuts for crunch.

Is butternut squash a good substitute for pasta?

Not exactly. Butternut squash itself isn’t a pasta, but spiralized butternut squash noodles can be used in place of pasta if you’re looking for a lighter, lower-carb option. For most people though, it’s best enjoyed as a creamy sauce tossed with pasta.

Is butternut squash better for you than potatoes?

Yes, in many ways. Butternut squash is lower in calories and carbs than potatoes, and it’s packed with vitamins A and C, plus fiber. It’s a lighter option that still feels cozy and satisfying — especially when blended into a creamy pasta sauce.

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