Description
This Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a creamy, flavorful, and nutritious sauce made by roasting butternut squash, tomatoes, and onions, then blending them with reserved pasta water. It’s a simple yet delicious way to elevate your pasta dish, perfect for a cozy meal that brings natural sweetness and warmth to the plate.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 16 oz bag of frozen diced butternut squash
- 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Oils and Liquids
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta water
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Vegetables: Place the frozen diced butternut squash, fresh chopped tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season and Oil: Drizzle the vegetables with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then sprinkle salt, black pepper, and dried thyme over them. Toss gently to coat all pieces evenly with oil and seasonings.
- Roast Vegetables: Bake the vegetables in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the squash is tender and the tomatoes and onions are roasted and slightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1/3 cup of the hot pasta cooking water. This will help smooth and thin the sauce.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the hot roasted vegetables from the oven into a blender, add the reserved pasta water, and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the blended butternut squash sauce over the cooked pasta and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately. Optionally, garnish with parmesan cheese or a plant-based parmesan alternative for added flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh butternut squash if available; adjust roasting time accordingly to ensure tenderness.
- For a vegan dish, use plant-based parmesan or nutritional yeast as a topping.
- Reserve extra pasta water as needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Feel free to add herbs like basil or sage to customize flavors further.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
