Savory Roasted Butternut Squash And Sage Pasta Recipe

Savory Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta Recipe Magic

Autumn’s warmth flows through this delectable butternut squash and sage pasta that promises comfort in every bite.

Crisp leaves and cool breezes inspire culinary creativity when you need something extraordinary.

Rustic ingredients transform simple pasta into a memorable meal that feels like a countryside embrace.

Seasonal vegetables bring robust flavors dancing across your plate with unexpected charm.

Fragrant sage whispers earthy notes while roasted squash adds gentle sweetness to each forkful.

Hearty yet elegant, this dish speaks directly to your soul’s hunger for nourishment and joy.

Let this recipe become your new cold-weather companion.

Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta That Sings

  • Boost Flavor Fast: Roasting butternut squash transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal with minimal kitchen effort, creating deep caramelized notes that elevate the entire dish.
  • Comfort Food Champion: This pasta combines hearty vegetables and rich cheese, making it a perfect solution for satisfying hunger while delivering incredible taste and nutrition.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick ingredient swaps like different cheeses, herbs, or adding protein, ensuring it adapts to personal preferences and pantry availability.
  • Simple Seasonal Delight: Uses autumn's favorite squash in a warmly spiced, rustic preparation that feels like a culinary hug, perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.

Ingredients for Savory Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Butternut Squash: A sweet and nutty winter squash that becomes tender and caramelized when roasted.
  • Pasta: The hearty base of the dish that provides a satisfying texture and carries the roasted squash flavors.
  • Sage: A fragrant herb that adds an earthy and aromatic dimension to the pasta.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that melts beautifully and enhances the overall richness of the dish.
Seasoning and Oils:
  • Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that help roast the squash and add depth of flavor to the entire dish.
Cooking Liquids:
  • Pasta Water: A starchy liquid that helps create a smooth and creamy sauce when tossed with the pasta and squash.

How to Cook Roasted Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Squash

Crank up your oven to a toasty 400°F. Grab a baking sheet and toss your butternut squash cubes with:
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Make sure the squash is spread out in a single layer for perfect roasting.

Step 2: Create Golden Roasted Squash

Slide the baking sheet into the oven and let the squash transform into golden, caramelized goodness. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the edges are crispy and the center is melt-in-your-mouth tender.

Step 3: Cook Pasta to Perfection

While the squash roasts, boil your pasta in salted water until it reaches that ideal al dente texture. Before draining, scoop out a mugful of pasta water – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 4: Awaken the Sage

Heat a skillet and dance some olive oil around the pan. Toss in freshly chopped sage and let it sizzle for about a minute, releasing its aromatic magic.

Step 5: Combine Magical Ingredients

Gently tumble the roasted squash and cooked pasta into the sage-infused skillet. Stir everything together, splashing in some reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, creamy coating.

Step 6: Finish with Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle in a generous handful of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and hugs every morsel of pasta and squash.

Serve immediately while it’s steaming hot and irresistibly delicious.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Butternut Squash Pasta

  • Select firm, unblemished butternut squash for the best roasting results, ensuring even caramelization and rich flavor.
  • Save pasta water as a secret weapon to create a silky, smooth sauce that perfectly coats every pasta strand.
  • Try fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary instead of sage for a delightful flavor variation.
  • Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version that still delivers amazing taste and creamy texture.
  • Enhance protein content by adding crispy pancetta or toasted pine nuts for extra crunch and depth.

Creative Twists on Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

  • Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta: Replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast and use plant-based pasta. Add roasted pine nuts for extra protein and crunch.
  • Gluten-Free Squash Noodle Bowl: Swap regular pasta with zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. Keep roasted squash and sage as the main flavor profile.
  • Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes, crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with za'atar seasoning. Include chopped kalamata olives for a tangy Mediterranean touch.
  • Creamy Herb Alternative: Mix in soft goat cheese instead of Parmesan. Incorporate fresh thyme and rosemary alongside sage for a more complex herb blend.

Pairings That Complement Butternut Squash Sage Pasta

  • Select a bright, acidic Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the richness of the butternut squash and Parmesan, creating a balanced flavor profile.
  • Toss a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette and toasted pine nuts to add freshness and crunch that contrasts the creamy pasta texture.
  • Toast thin baguette slices and top with aged Gouda cheese, which provides a nutty, sharp counterpoint to the sweet roasted squash and earthy sage.

How to Keep Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta Fresh

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Microwave Reheating: Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
  • Stovetop Revival: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of pasta water or olive oil, stirring constantly to prevent sticking and maintain the creamy texture. Heat until thoroughly warmed.
  • Freeze Option: Portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn or kabocha squash. Just ensure you cut them into similar-sized cubes for even roasting.

  • Is fresh sage essential for this recipe?

While fresh sage provides the best flavor, you can use dried sage if fresh is unavailable. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried sage instead of fresh leaves.

  • How can I make this dish vegetarian?

This recipe is already vegetarian. If you want to add protein, consider including toasted pine nuts or chickpeas for extra nutrition.

  • What if I don't have Parmesan cheese?

You can replace Parmesan with pecorino romano, nutritional yeast for a vegan option, or skip the cheese entirely and add a sprinkle of nutritional herbs for flavor.

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Savory Roasted Butternut Squash And Sage Pasta Recipe

Savory Roasted Butternut Squash And Sage Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Roasted butternut squash and sage pasta brings Mediterranean warmth to classic Italian comfort food. Nutty squash and fragrant sage combine with perfectly al dente pasta, creating a simple yet elegant dinner you’ll crave throughout autumn’s crisp evenings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 butternut squash (medium, peeled and cubed)
  • 2 tbsps olive oil
  • 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 tbsps sage (fresh, chopped)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (toasted, optional)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F, preparing a baking sheet with cubed butternut squash coated in olive oil, seasoned with salt and pepper, ensuring an even spread.
  2. Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, achieving a golden-brown exterior and tender interior.
  3. Simultaneously, cook pasta in boiling water until perfectly al dente, carefully preserving some cooking liquid before straining.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium temperature, gently sautéing sage leaves until their aromatic essence is released, approximately 1 minute.
  5. Introduce roasted butternut squash and cooked pasta into the fragrant skillet, delicately combining ingredients and incorporating reserved pasta water to develop a silky, luxurious coating.
  6. Generously fold grated Parmesan cheese throughout the mixture, ensuring complete integration of flavors and creating a harmonious, creamy dish.
  7. Transfer to serving plates immediately, capturing the warmth and vibrant textures of this rustic pasta preparation.

Notes

  • Customize the roasting time based on the size of your butternut squash cubes, smaller pieces will cook faster and caramelize more quickly.
  • Reserve extra pasta water as a secret weapon for creating a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
  • Experiment with different herbs like thyme or rosemary for a unique flavor twist that complements the butternut squash.
  • Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or your favorite gluten-free pasta alternative.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 390 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 200 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 6 g
  • Protein: 13 g
  • Cholesterol: 10 mg
Clara Bennett

Clara Bennett

Contributing Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Development, Gluten-Free and Allergy-Friendly Recipe Creation, Culinary Storytelling and Food Journalism, Recipe Testing and Standardization, Southern Comfort Foods and Modern Twists

Education

Sullivan University – National Center for Hospitality Studies
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Focus: Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing, and Culinary Journalism.

Clara specialized in crafting desserts that blend classic Southern comfort with modern techniques, while developing strong writing skills to tell the story behind every dish.

Lane Community College (Certificate Program)
Certificate in Food Writing and Photography

Focus: Culinary storytelling, recipe formatting, food styling, and visual presentation.


Clara’s love of baking started young, powered by homemade pies, biscuits, and stories passed around the family table.
After earning her degree at Sullivan University and a food writing certificate at Lane Community College, she turned her passion into a craft: sharing recipes that are simple, soulful, and always full of heart.
She’s big on bold flavors, flexible ideas, and creating sweets that fit any table (yes, even if you’re gluten-free). When she’s not baking, you’ll find her wandering farmers’ markets, styling food for the next photo shoot, or working on her ever-growing recipe journal.

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