Description
This creamy butternut squash pasta sauce blends roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, and onion into a smooth, flavorful sauce that’s both comforting and nutritious. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and depth, while the simple seasoning with thyme, salt, and pepper brings out the perfect balance of flavors. Tossed with your favorite pasta, this dish is a delightful way to enjoy a healthy, hearty meal in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 16 oz frozen diced butternut squash
- 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 yellow onion, sliced
Seasonings & Oil
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
Pasta & Liquids
- 1 lb pasta (any variety)
- 1/3 cup reserved pasta cooking water
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine & Season Vegetables: On the prepared baking sheet, evenly spread frozen butternut squash, fresh chopped tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Roast Vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the vegetables for about 20 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized, which intensifies their natural flavors.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/3 cup of the starchy cooking water to help loosen the sauce later.
- Blend Sauce: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor. Add the reserved pasta water and blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Return the drained pasta to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the creamy butternut squash sauce over the pasta and toss thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated.
- Serve: Plate the sauced pasta immediately. Optionally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley or your favorite herbs for added color and freshness.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, add a splash of cream or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese when tossing the pasta with the sauce.
- You can substitute fresh butternut squash if available; just peel, dice, and roast similarly.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less reserved pasta water as needed.
- To make this dish vegan, omit cheese or use a vegan alternative if desired.
- This sauce pairs well with various pasta types including penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
