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Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe
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★★★★★

5.2 from 17 reviews

A creamy and flavorful butternut squash pasta sauce that combines roasted butternut squash, tomatoes, and onions with aromatic herbs and spices. This easy-to-make sauce perfectly coats penne pasta for a comforting vegetarian dinner, enhanced with a touch of Parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil.

Ingredients

Scale

Vegetables and Herbs

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 1.5 pounds), diced
  • 2 plum tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 yellow onion, quartered
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme

Seasonings and Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for roasting vegetables)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for serving)

Pasta and Cheese

  • 1 lb. penne pasta
  • 1/4 cup grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). At the same time, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for cooking the pasta later.
  2. Toss Vegetables with Seasonings: In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon fresh thyme, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Add the diced butternut squash, quartered plum tomatoes, and quartered yellow onion. Toss everything well to ensure the vegetables are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
  3. Roast the Vegetables: Spread the seasoned vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 20 to 30 minutes until the vegetables are soft and have slightly browned edges, enhancing their natural sweetness.
  4. Cook the Pasta: While vegetables roast, cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside.
  5. Blend the Sauce: Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender. Add the reserved pasta water and blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy, forming a luscious sauce.
  6. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Pour the creamy butternut squash sauce over the cooked pasta and stir thoroughly to coat every piece.
  7. Serve: Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle 1/4 cup of grated vegetarian Parmesan cheese on top just before serving for added richness and flavor.

Notes

  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  • For a vegan version, omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Red pepper flakes add a gentle heat; adjust the quantity to suit your taste preferences.
  • Make sure to roast the vegetables until slightly browned to enhance the natural sweetness and depth of flavor in the sauce.
  • This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash pasta sauce, roasted vegetable pasta sauce, vegetarian pasta recipe, creamy squash sauce, easy pasta sauce

Find it online: https://reemcook.com/butternut-squash-pasta-sauce-recipe/