Spaghetti with Squash Parmesan Sauce Recipe

This delightful spaghetti dish combines the rich flavors of butternut squash, leeks, and parmesan cheese to create a meal that's hearty, nutritious, and bursting with flavor. It's a perfect way to warm up on a chilly day and is sure to impress your dinner guests with its elegant presentation and complex taste.

Photos of Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce Recipe

While most of the ingredients in this recipe are common, butternut squash and leeks might not be readily available in your kitchen. Butternut squash, a type of winter squash, is known for its sweet, nutty flavor similar to that of pumpkin. Leeks, on the other hand, are a type of vegetable that resemble large green onions but with a milder, sweeter flavor. You can easily find these ingredients in the produce section of your local supermarket.

Ingredients for Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce

Butternut squash: This sweet and nutty squash adds a creamy texture and rich flavor to the sauce.

Light butter: Used to sauté the leeks and garlic, it adds a subtle rich flavor to the dish.

Spaghetti: The backbone of this dish, spaghetti is perfect for catching every bit of the delicious sauce.

Large leek: Adds a mild, sweet undertone to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the sauce.

Garlic: Garlic adds a zesty punch that balances the sweetness of the butternut squash and leeks.

Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, umami flavor which pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.

Sage leaves: These aromatic leaves add a hint of warmth and earthiness to the dish.

Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: These seasoning staples help enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

One reader, Byron Morrison says:

This spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce recipe is a game-changer! The creamy butternut squash and savory leek flavors blend perfectly with the al dente spaghetti. The addition of parmesan and sage elevates the dish to a whole new level. It's a must-try for anyone who loves comforting and delicious pasta dishes.

Byron Morrison

Techniques Required

How to prepare butternut squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into small cubes. This will ensure that the squash cooks evenly and can be easily blended into a smooth sauce.

How to sauté leeks and garlic: Slice the leeks and mince the garlic. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat, then add the leeks and garlic. Sauté them until they are soft and golden, which will release their sweet flavors and aromas into the sauce.

How to blend butternut squash: After cooking the butternut squash until soft, transfer it to a blender and blend until smooth. This will create a creamy and luscious texture for the sauce.

How to cook pasta al dente: Follow the package directions for cooking the spaghetti, ensuring that it is cooked al dente, which means it should be tender yet still firm to the bite. This will prevent the pasta from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.

How to thin out the sauce: Add a little of the reserved pasta water to the pureed butternut squash to thin it out to your desired consistency. This will help the sauce coat the pasta evenly without becoming too thick.

How to serve with additional parmesan cheese: When serving the spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce, offer additional parmesan cheese on the side for those who want to add extra cheesy flavor to their dish.

How To Make Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce

Looking for something new for your pasta nights? This dish has parmesan sauce made richer with the addition of butternut squash, leeks, sage, & garlic.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking: 25 minutes

Total: 35 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

1lbbutternut squash,peeled and diced
1tbsplight butter
8ozspaghetti
1cuplarge leek,(white part only)
2clovesgarlic,minced
¼cupparmesan cheese,freshly shaved
4sage leaves,sliced thin
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper,to taste

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add butternut squash and cook until soft.
Remove squash with a slotted spoon and place in a blender, blend until smooth.
Add pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Meanwhile, in a large deep non-stick skillet, melt the butter, sauté the leeks and garlic over medium-low heat for 5 to 6 minutes, until soft and golden.
Add pureed butternut squash, season with with salt and fresh cracked pepper and add a little of the reserved pasta water to thin out to your liking.
Stir in parmesan cheese and sage and mix in pasta until well coated.
Serve with additional parmesan cheese on the side.

Nutrition

Calories: 339.24kcal
Fat: 5.54g
Saturated Fat: 3.00g
Monounsaturated Fat: 1.39g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.57g
Carbohydrates: 61.34g
Fiber: 5.18g
Sugar: 5.20g
Protein: 12.65g
Cholesterol: 10.03mg
Sodium: 497.29mg
Calcium: 216.76mg
Potassium: 611.99mg
Iron: 2.60mg
Vitamin A: 665.00µg
Vitamin C: 27.94mg

Technique Tip for Perfecting This Dish

When pureeing the butternut squash, ensure it's thoroughly cooked to achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Undercooked squash may result in a grainy texture. Additionally, when sautéing the leeks and garlic, keep the heat at medium-low to prevent them from burning and developing a bitter taste. Remember, the goal is to achieve a soft and golden texture. Lastly, the reserved pasta water is starchy and salty, making it a great addition to thin out the sauce and enhance its flavor. Always reserve some before draining your pasta.

Time-Saving Tips for Making Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce

Prep ahead: Chop the butternut squash and leeks the night before to save time on the day of cooking.

Use pre-cut squash: Consider buying pre-cut butternut squash to save time on peeling and chopping.

Multitask: While the squash is boiling, start sautéing the leeks and garlic to save time.

Quick cleanup: Clean as you go to minimize the mess and save time on post-cooking cleanup.

Organize ingredients: Measure and prepare all ingredients before starting to cook for a smoother and quicker cooking process.

Efficient blending: Use a high-powered blender for a quicker and smoother puree of the butternut squash.

Substitute Ingredients For Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce Recipe

butternut squash - Substitute with pumpkin: Both have a similar sweet and nutty flavor, making pumpkin a great substitute for butternut squash in this recipe.
light butter - Substitute with olive oil: Olive oil can add a rich and smooth texture to the sauce, similar to light butter, while also providing a hint of fruity flavor.
spaghetti - Substitute with linguine: Linguine has a similar texture and shape to spaghetti, making it a suitable substitute for this recipe.
large leek - Substitute with yellow onion: Yellow onions can provide a slightly sweeter and milder flavor compared to leeks, while still adding depth to the sauce.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with pecorino Romano: Pecorino Romano offers a similar salty and nutty flavor to parmesan, making it a great alternative for this recipe.
sage leaves - Substitute with thyme: Thyme can provide a subtle earthy and floral flavor, complementing the other ingredients in the sauce.

Elevate Your Plate: Presentation Tips

Elevate the plating: When presenting this dish, focus on creating an elegant and visually appealing plate. Use fine dining plating techniques to arrange the spaghetti and sauce in a visually stunning manner.
Incorporate seasonal garnishes: Enhance the dish with a touch of seasonal flair by incorporating microgreens or edible flowers as a delicate garnish. This adds a pop of color and freshness to the plate.
Utilize high-quality tableware: Choose elegant and sophisticated tableware to serve the dish. Opt for minimalist yet refined plates and utensils that complement the overall presentation.
Emphasize precision in sauce placement: Pay attention to the placement of the butternut leek parmesan sauce. Use sauce drizzling techniques to create intricate patterns or swirls, adding a touch of artistry to the presentation.
Highlight the pasta texture: Showcase the al dente texture of the spaghetti by carefully twirling it into a visually appealing nest-like arrangement on the plate, allowing the strands to stand out.
Incorporate a touch of elegance with edible gold leaf: For an extra touch of luxury, consider delicately placing edible gold leaf on the dish, adding a subtle shimmer and a touch of extravagance.
Consider the use of negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to create a balanced and visually striking presentation. Allow the dish to stand out against the backdrop of the plate.
Add a finishing touch with fresh herbs: Just before serving, delicately place a few fresh sage leaves or other herbs on the plate to add a final burst of color and aroma, enhancing the overall presentation.

Essential Kitchen Tools for Making This Dish

Blender: A kitchen appliance used to blend ingredients into a smooth consistency, perfect for pureeing the butternut squash in this recipe.
Large pot: A cooking vessel used for boiling water and cooking the spaghetti.
Slotted spoon: A spoon with slots or holes that allow liquid to drain through, ideal for removing the cooked butternut squash from the boiling water.
Non-stick skillet: A frying pan with a non-stick coating, suitable for sautéing the leeks and garlic without sticking.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Allow the spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce to cool completely before storing or freezing.
For storing in the refrigerator, transfer the cooled sauce to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, add a splash of water or chicken broth to the sauce and heat it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
For freezing, transfer the cooled sauce to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible before sealing.
Label the container or bag with the date and contents, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw, place the frozen sauce in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours until completely thawed.
Reheat the thawed sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little water or chicken broth if needed to thin out the sauce.
Note: The texture of the spaghetti may change slightly after freezing and thawing, but the flavor of the butternut leek parmesan sauce should remain delicious.

How To Reheat Leftovers

To reheat leftover spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce, start by placing the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a damp paper towel to prevent the pasta from drying out during the reheating process.
Microwave the spaghetti on high power for 1-2 minutes, depending on the portion size. Stop the microwave halfway through the reheating process to stir the pasta and sauce, ensuring even heat distribution.
Alternatively, you can reheat the spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce on the stovetop. Place the desired portion in a non-stick skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat.
Add a splash of water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth to the skillet to help loosen the sauce and prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Stir the pasta and sauce occasionally as it reheats.
If the sauce appears too thick after reheating, add more liquid (water, chicken broth, or vegetable broth) until the desired consistency is reached. If the sauce becomes too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken.
Once the spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce is heated through and the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
Serve the reheated spaghetti hot, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves, if desired. For an extra touch of flavor, you can also drizzle some high-quality olive oil over the top of the pasta before serving.

Random Fact About Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce

Butternut squash is a great source of fiber, potassium, and vitamins, making it a healthy addition to this delicious pasta dish.

Is This Recipe Budget-Friendly for Home Cooking?

This spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. Butternut squash and leeks are affordable, and the addition of parmesan cheese adds a touch of luxury without breaking the bank. The total cost for a household of 4 people would be approximately $15. The dish offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures, making it a satisfying and budget-friendly meal. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe a solid 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome.

Is This Spaghetti Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?

This spaghetti with butternut leek parmesan sauce recipe is a healthier twist on traditional pasta dishes. The use of butternut squash as a base for the sauce provides a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber. Leeks offer a milder, sweeter flavor compared to onions and are rich in vitamins K and B6. The recipe also uses light butter and a moderate amount of parmesan cheese, reducing the overall fat content.

However, there are a few areas where the recipe could be improved to make it even healthier:

Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta to increase the fiber content and provide additional nutrients
Reduce the amount of parmesan cheese or opt for a low-fat version to further decrease the fat content
Include more vegetables, such as spinach or kale, to boost the nutrient density of the dish
Use olive oil instead of butter to incorporate healthier fats
Consider adding lean protein sources, like grilled chicken or shrimp, to make the meal more balanced and satisfying

Editor's Take on This Spaghetti Recipe

The combination of butternut squash, leek, and parmesan creates a rich and flavorful sauce that pairs beautifully with the spaghetti. The use of sage adds a lovely earthy note, and the addition of garlic enhances the overall depth of flavor. The recipe is well-balanced and offers a comforting and satisfying dish. It's a delightful twist on traditional pasta dishes and is sure to impress with its creamy texture and delicious taste.

Enhance Your Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Garlic Bread: A warm and crispy garlic bread would be the perfect accompaniment to this creamy butternut leek parmesan spaghetti.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts with a balsamic glaze would provide a nice contrast to the richness of the butternut leek parmesan sauce.

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Juicy grilled chicken skewers marinated in a tangy lemon herb sauce would complement the flavors of the butternut leek parmesan spaghetti.

Similar Recipes to Try

Creamy Mushroom Risotto: Creamy arborio rice cooked with mushrooms, onions, garlic, and parmesan cheese for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Honey Mustard Glazed Salmon: Flaky salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

Roasted Vegetable Quinoa Salad: Nutty quinoa mixed with roasted vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, tossed in a light vinaigrette for a healthy and flavorful salad option.

Appetizer and Dessert Ideas to Complement This Dish

Appetizers:

Savory Stuffed Mushrooms: Delight your guests with these savory stuffed mushrooms, filled with a flavorful mixture of herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect bite-sized appetizer to kick off any meal.

Crispy Zucchini Fritters: These crispy zucchini fritters are a delicious way to start any meal. The combination of shredded zucchini, herbs, and cheese fried to perfection will have your guests coming back for more.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder. The perfect way to satisfy your sweet tooth after a delicious meal.

Berry Parfait: Layered with creamy yogurt, fresh berries, and crunchy granola, this berry parfait is a delightful and refreshing dessert option. It's a great way to end a meal on a light and fruity note.

Why trust this Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce Recipe:

This recipe offers a delightful twist on traditional spaghetti, featuring a velvety butternut squash and leek parmesan sauce that promises a harmonious blend of flavors. The use of fresh sage adds a fragrant and earthy note, while the incorporation of garlic infuses depth into the dish. The inclusion of parmesan cheese lends a rich and savory element, elevating the overall taste. With its simple yet sophisticated combination of ingredients, this recipe is sure to captivate the palate and provide a satisfying dining experience.

Want to share your experience making this Spaghetti with Butternut Leek Parmesan Sauce or discuss variations you've tried? Head over to the Recipe Sharing forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of pasta if you prefer. Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape or whatever you have on hand.

Can I substitute the butternut squash with another type of squash?

Absolutely! If you don't have butternut squash, you can use other types of squash such as kabocha or acorn squash. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. To make it vegan, simply use a plant-based butter and substitute the parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the butternut leek parmesan sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce on the stove and toss it with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I freeze the leftover sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating it on the stove.