This pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce recipe is a delightful twist on traditional pasta sauces. The sweetness of the butternut squash combined with the savory parmesan creates a uniquely flavorful dish that is sure to impress.
Photos of Pasta with Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce Recipe
Butternut squash is a versatile winter vegetable that might not be a regular in your pantry. It has a sweet, nutty flavor similar to a pumpkin. When shopping, look for a squash that feels heavy for its size with a hard, unblemished rind.
Key Ingredients for Pasta with Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
Butternut squash: This sweet and nutty vegetable adds a unique flavor and creaminess to the sauce.
Pasta: A medium for the sauce, choose your favorite kind, from penne to spaghetti.
Extra-virgin olive oil: Used to sauté the shallots and adds a depth of flavor.
Shallots: A type of onion that adds a subtle sweetness and complexity to the sauce.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory and salty element to balance out the sweetness of the squash.
Sour cream: Helps create a rich and creamy texture in the sauce.
Nutmeg: A warm spice that complements the flavors of the squash and cheese.
Parsley: Used as a garnish and adds a burst of freshness to the final dish.
Salt: Essential seasoning that enhances all the other flavors.
Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
One reader, Eleni Archibald says:
This pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce recipe is a game-changer! The creamy texture and rich flavor of the sauce perfectly complement the pasta. It's a delightful and comforting dish that's become a family favorite. The nutmeg adds a lovely touch, and the overall taste is simply divine. Highly recommended!
Techniques Required for Making Pasta With Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
How to bake the butternut squash: Cut the butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and bake it at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes until tender.
How to make the butternut squash parmesan sauce: Blend the cooked butternut squash flesh with sautéed shallots, water, parmesan, salt, and nutmeg until smooth. Warm the sauce over low heat, then mix in the sour cream.
How to cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and toss with a portion of the prepared sauce before serving.
How To Make Pasta with Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
Offering an amazing flavor, this pasta dish is served with a creamy butternut squash parmesan sauce made of roasted butternut squash, cream, and parmesan.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1butternut squash,(about 2½ lbs)
- 1lbpasta
- 1tbspextra-virgin olive oil
- ⅓cupshallots,or onions, chopped
- ¼cupparmesan cheese,packed, freshly grated
- ⅓cupsour cream,or Greek yogurt
- ⅛tspnutmeg,grated
- 1tbspparsley,chopped, to garnish
- 1tspsalt,plus more to taste
- pepper,to taste
- 1cupwater,as needed to thin the sauce
Instructions
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Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
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Cut the butternut squash lengthwise in half and scoop out the guts and seeds and discard them (or save the seeds and toast them).
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Pour ¼ cup of water into a baking dish and place the butternut squash halves cut side down.
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Bake for 40 minutes, or until a fork easily pierces the squash. Allow to cool for 10 minutes.
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Scoop out the squash flesh from the skins and put it into a blender. Discard the skins.
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Sauté the shallots in the olive oil over medium heat in a small skillet for about 2 to 3 minute until just beginning to brown.
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Add the shallots to the blender. Add 1 cup of water, parmesan, 1 teaspoon of salt, and ⅛ teaspoon of nutmeg and blend until smooth.
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Taste and add more salt if needed. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a little more water.
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Pour the sauce into a small pot set over low heat.
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Mix in the sour cream and warm it through. Do not let the sauce boil.
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Fill a pot with water and salt (1 tablespoon of salt for every 2-quarts of water).
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Set over high heat to bring to a hard boil.
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Add the pasta and cook at a hard boil, uncovered, until al dente.
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When the pasta is ready, drain and put it into a bowl.
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Mix with a little of the sauce and serve.
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Add a dollop of additional sauce and some parsley right when served on the table.
Recipe Notes
- This butternut pasta sauce will work with any pasta, but spaghetti is an especially good pairing.
- Be careful when cutting the squash, winter squash is hard. The best way to do it safely is to slice a bit off of both ends so that the squash can stand upright without it rolling. Then cut down the middle. See how to cut and peel a butternut squash for visuals, though note for this recipe you do not want to peel the squash before roasting.
- It also helps to microwave the whole squash for 1 minute before cutting into it. This will lightly soften the outside of the squash, making it easier to cut it.
Nutrition
- Calories: 395.41kcal
- Fat: 7.65g
- Saturated Fat: 3.05g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 2.90g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.85g
- Carbohydrates: 68.76g
- Fiber: 4.58g
- Sugar: 4.98g
- Protein: 13.49g
- Cholesterol: 10.86mg
- Sodium: 489.90mg
- Calcium: 152.05mg
- Potassium: 528.28mg
- Iron: 1.87mg
- Vitamin A: 481.50µg
- Vitamin C: 19.17mg
Technique Tip for Perfecting Pasta With Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
When preparing the butternut squash, make sure to cut it evenly in half. This ensures that it cooks uniformly in the oven. Also, when scooping out the flesh to blend, be careful not to include any of the skin as it can make the sauce bitter. Lastly, when blending the sauce, start at a low speed and gradually increase to prevent the hot squash from splattering.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Pasta Dish
Prep ahead: Chop the butternut squash and shallots in advance to save time on the day of cooking.
Use pre-cut squash: Consider using pre-cut butternut squash to skip the peeling and chopping steps.
Multitask: While the squash is baking, start boiling the water for the pasta to save time.
Quick blend: Blend the sauce while the squash is cooling to streamline the process.
One-pot cooking: Choose a pasta shape that cooks quickly to reduce overall cooking time.
Store-bought sauce: Consider using store-bought butternut squash sauce to save time on preparation.
Efficient cooking: Use a large pot to cook the pasta to prevent it from sticking together.
Leftover sauce: Make extra sauce and freeze it for future use to save time on busy days.
Prep organization: Organize all ingredients and utensils before starting to cook for a more efficient process.
Substitute Ingredients For Pasta with Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce Recipe
butternut squash - Substitute with pumpkin: Both have a similar sweet and nutty flavor, and pumpkin can be used as a substitute for butternut squash in many recipes.
pasta - Substitute with zucchini noodles: Zucchini noodles are a low-carb, gluten-free alternative to traditional pasta and work well with creamy sauces.
extra-virgin olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable substitute for extra-virgin olive oil in cooking.
shallots - Substitute with onions: Onions can be used as a substitute for shallots in this recipe, providing a similar savory flavor.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano has a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan and can be used as a substitute in this sauce.
sour cream - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt can provide a similar creamy texture and tangy flavor to the sauce.
nutmeg - Substitute with cinnamon: Cinnamon can add a warm and aromatic flavor similar to nutmeg in the sauce.
parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil can provide a slightly different but complementary herbaceous flavor to the dish.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a similar level of saltiness.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can add extra flavor to the sauce and enhance the overall dish.
Best Way to Present Pasta With Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
Elevate the plating: As a chef, presentation is key. Consider using a wide, shallow bowl to showcase the vibrant colors and textures of the dish. The butternut squash parmesan sauce should be generously drizzled over the pasta, creating an artistic and appetizing display.
Garnish with a touch of elegance: Sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped parsley on top of the pasta to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. This delicate touch will enhance the visual appeal and bring a touch of elegance to the dish.
Incorporate contrasting textures: Consider adding a sprinkle of toasted butternut squash seeds as a garnish. The crunchy texture of the seeds will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy pasta and elevate the overall dining experience.
Emphasize precision: Pay attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Every component should be meticulously arranged to create a visually stunning presentation that reflects the care and precision put into crafting this dish.
Highlight the sauce: Use a spoon to carefully drizzle the butternut squash parmesan sauce in a graceful, artistic manner around the pasta. The sauce should be the focal point of the dish, and its smooth, velvety texture should be showcased prominently.
Consider the vessel: Select a sophisticated, high-quality serving dish that complements the colors of the dish and enhances the overall presentation. The vessel should be as carefully chosen as the ingredients themselves, adding to the overall dining experience.
Balance and symmetry: Aim for a balanced and symmetrical arrangement of the pasta and sauce on the plate. The visual harmony of the presentation will captivate the judges and elevate the perceived quality of the dish.
Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Pasta Recipe
- Oven: You will need an oven to bake the butternut squash.
- Baking dish: A baking dish is required to hold the butternut squash halves while they bake.
- Blender: A blender is essential to puree the cooked butternut squash and create a smooth sauce.
- Skillet: A skillet is used to sauté the shallots in olive oil before adding them to the blender.
- Pot: A pot is needed to cook the pasta.
- Colander: A colander is used to drain the cooked pasta.
- Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl may be used to toss the cooked pasta with the sauce before serving.
How To Store and Freeze Pasta With Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
To store leftover pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce, allow it to cool completely to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
When reheating the stored pasta, add a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. Heat it in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
To freeze the sauce separately, pour the cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
To freeze the pasta and sauce together, cook the pasta slightly less than al dente. Mix the pasta with the sauce and allow it to cool completely. Transfer the mixture to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.
When ready to use the frozen sauce or pasta, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If the sauce appears too thick, add a little water or milk to thin it out. For frozen pasta and sauce together, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or milk to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out.
To maintain the best quality and texture, consume the frozen butternut squash parmesan sauce or pasta within the recommended time frame. Avoid refreezing the sauce or pasta once it has been thawed.
How To Reheat Leftover Pasta With Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
- Reheat the pasta and butternut squash parmesan sauce separately for the best results. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy and overcooked.
- For the sauce, transfer it to a microwave-safe bowl and heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it reaches the desired temperature. Alternatively, you can reheat the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent scorching.
- If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add a splash of water or chicken broth to thin it out and improve its consistency.
- For the pasta, place it in a colander and dip it into a pot of boiling water for 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until it's heated through. This method helps the pasta retain its texture and prevents it from becoming overcooked.
- If you prefer, you can also reheat the pasta in the microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe bowl, add a splash of water, and cover the bowl with a damp paper towel. Heat the pasta in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until it's heated through.
- Once both the sauce and pasta are heated, toss them together in a serving bowl until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- If desired, garnish the reheated pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce with extra grated parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Serve the reheated pasta dish immediately while it's still hot, and enjoy your delicious leftovers!
Random Fact About Pasta With Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce
Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to this pasta dish.
Is Making This Pasta Dish at Home Economical?
The cost-effectiveness of this pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce recipe is quite high. Butternut squash is an affordable and nutritious ingredient, and the addition of pasta makes it a filling and economical meal for a family. The use of parmesan cheese and sour cream adds richness without breaking the bank. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall Verdict: 9/10.
Is This Pasta Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce recipe is a relatively healthy dish with some room for improvement. Here's why:
- Butternut squash is a nutrient-dense vegetable, rich in vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants
- Olive oil is a healthy source of monounsaturated fats
- Parmesan cheese provides calcium and protein, but is also high in saturated fat and sodium
- Sour cream adds creaminess but also contributes to the dish's saturated fat content
- The recipe uses minimal added salt and relies on the natural flavors of the ingredients
To make this recipe even healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber and protein content
- Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese and sour cream to lower the saturated fat and sodium levels
- Add more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to boost the nutrient profile and provide a pop of color
- Experiment with plant-based alternatives to sour cream, such as cashew cream or silken tofu, to maintain creaminess while reducing saturated fat
- Use low-sodium vegetable broth instead of water to enhance the flavor without adding excess salt
- Garnish with fresh herbs like sage or thyme to introduce more depth and complexity to the dish
Editor's Thoughts on This Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe
The recipe for pasta with butternut squash parmesan sauce is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The creamy butternut squash sauce, enriched with Parmesan and a hint of nutmeg, creates a luscious coating for the pasta. The addition of sour cream adds a tangy richness, while the shallots provide a subtle depth of flavor. The dish is beautifully balanced and showcases the natural sweetness of the butternut squash. Overall, it's a comforting and satisfying dish that is sure to impress with its elegant simplicity.
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Why trust this Pasta with Butternut Squash Parmesan Sauce Recipe:
This recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a must-try for any pasta enthusiast. The creamy butternut squash parmesan sauce provides a rich and velvety base, while the addition of nutmeg adds a warm, aromatic note. The use of sour cream lends a subtle tanginess, perfectly complementing the sweetness of the squash. With the inclusion of shallots and parmesan cheese, this dish promises a depth of savory flavors. The careful instructions ensure a successful outcome, making this recipe a trustworthy choice for a satisfying and comforting meal.
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