This fresh butternut squash pasta sauce recipe is so easy to make and with simple ingredients. It is creamy, flavorful, and the perfect fall comfort food.
Butternut Squash Sauce
There are so many fall foods I just adore - apples, pears, and all the winter squash! Pumpkin, spaghetti squash, butternut squash...gosh I heart this season.
I love how delicious and versatile butternut squash is. Once roasted, you can enjoy as an easy side to family meals or add to all kinds of recipes, like butternut squash pancakes and super moist meatballs.
You're going to love how easy this creamy pasta sauce is to make with just a handful of healthy ingredients. Its creaminess comes from the butternut squash and beans, which happen to be quite a lovely duo!
You can also stir in some yogurt and cheese if you are in need of extra comfort ;).
And just like my creamy sweet potato sauce, green pasta sauce, and carrot pasta sauce, it's a great alternative to tomato-based sauces.
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Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
- Butternut Squash - Choose one that is about 2 pounds. And yes you're going to need all of it!
- Beans - white beans, such as great northern and cannellini, will work best. You can also use chickpeas if that's what you have on hand.
- Vegetable stock - added to thin out the sauce and for flavor. You can also use chicken stock if you wish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the vegetables - Slice butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Slice a whole onion into quarters. Leave the garlic cloves in their skin.
- Roast the vegetables - rub oil all over the butternut squash and drizzle some over the onion and garlic. Place butternut squash cut side down onto baking sheet pan along with onion and garlic cloves. Roast for 30-45 minutes, until squash is fork tender.
- Once slightly cooled, add all the roasted veggies to the food processor or blender along with the rest of the ingredients.
- Blend until smooth. Pour into a pan and heat over medium low heat for several minutes until heated through.
- Add cooked pasta. Stir in some yogurt or cheese, like ricotta cheese or parmesan cheese.
Tips for Success
- There is no need to peel the garlic cloves as they will just pop right out perfectly caramelized and delicious once roasted. A fan of garlic? Go ahead and roast a whole head and add more to this sauce or save to enjoy throughout the week!
- Meal prep - Since roasting the vegetables is what takes the longest, feel free to prep over the weekend for a super easy weeknight meal.
Serving Suggestions
To make the butternut squash sauce creamier and more savory, stir in some yogurt or cheese.
Toss some cooked pasta with the sauce. If you want the sauce to really cling to the pasta, I highly recommend going for ruffled or ridged shapes, like fusili, rotini, and cavatappi (pictured). Top with some fresh herbs for some brightness.
BUT this creamy sauce isn't just for pasta. Try serving with:
If you'd like, you can enjoy the dish with an additional protein source, such as:
It's actually super delicious as a soup too!
Tip: if your child doesn't like mixed foods, try serving the pasta and sauce separately. Here are some more dinner serving suggestions for toddlers and kids.
Storage
Store leftover butternut squash sauce in an airtight container or jar and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
They freeze really well too. I personally like to freeze in individual portions. This freezer tray is really great! Once frozen, you can pop the molded sauce out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! I love using frozen vegetables for convenience. You will need to decrease the cooking time as they will cook faster since they're already cubed.
It depends on how you want to enjoy it. Warm it up if combining with pasta as the recipe suggests. Otherwise, you can eat it as soon as it's blended. It's tasty served cold, too.
More Pasta Dishes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
- 2 pounds butternut squash
- 1 medium yellow onion, peeled and quartered
- 4-5 garlic cloves, peel on
- 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 15 ounce can no-salt-added white beans, rinsed and drained
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Stir in: yogurt, shredded cheese like parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or baking mat.
- Prep the vegetables - Slice butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds. Slice a whole onion into quarters. Leave the garlic cloves in their skin.
- Roast the vegetables - rub oil all over the butternut squash and drizzle some over the onion and garlic. Place butternut squash cut side down onto baking sheet pan along with onion and garlic cloves. Roast for 30-45 minutes, until squash is fork tender.
- Once slightly cooled, add all the roasted veggies to the food processor or blender along with the rest of the ingredients.
- Blend until smooth. Pour into a pan and heat over medium low heat for several minutes until heated through.
- Add cooked pasta. Stir in some yogurt or cheese, like ricotta cheese or parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Since roasting the vegetables is what takes the longest, feel free to prep over the weekend for a super easy weeknight meal.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months (See storage suggestions section above).
Jenny says
Made this for dinner tonight! I realize now that I was a little crazy trying to squeeze in roasting the squash and making this dish on a weeknight! Barely got it on the table in time 😉 Next time I will prep the squash ahead of time (as recommended!).
Love the texture and how easy it is to customize it to the taste of whomever is eating it. I added ricotta and Parmesan cheese to my son's dish, with a side of steamed broccoli. I always hold my breath when he tries something new and this did not disappoint. He ate it up happily.
Min says
Yes! I always make this when I have some leftover butternut squash on hand :). SO happy to hear that it got your son's seal of approval!
Tiffany says
Thank you so much for sharing all these healthy recipes with us. I find them super helpful and inspiring!!
Min says
I'm so glad you are here!
Julia says
This sauce is simply wonderful! I loved it as a soup too.
Min says
Yes! We too enjoy this as a soup with a side of grilled cheese!
Yim says
Hello. Thanks for your recipes and tips.
I am korean and i am a bit panic about korean baby meal style. It is all about porridg... soo many steps and rules to follow. So i googled to check other country styles and found yours . Now i feel more free to play diverse cooking styles!!!
Min says
Hi! I am Korean too! I can't wait for you to try some of my other recipes too ;).
Subanggi Auly says
Great that I found this pg .. really helps me alot in coming out new ideas of meals and snacks .. love it thanks
Min says
I'm so glad you're finding my blog helpful!! Thanks for being here! If there's any topic or recipes you'd like for me to share, don't hesitate to let me know!