Name: Devastatingly Delicious Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 pound pasta; 1/2 cup butter; 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves, chopped; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup reserved pasta water

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Okay, friends, let me tell you about the *best* Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta you’ll ever make! Seriously, this stuff is like a warm hug in a bowl. The creamy sauce, the sweet roasted squash, and that *amazing* sage aroma… it’s just perfection.

I first had this kind of pasta at a little Italian place downtown, and I was instantly hooked. I knew I had to recreate it at home, but I wanted to make it even *better*. And trust me, this version? It’s a winner.

My favorite part is how easy it is! You don’t need to be a fancy chef to whip this up. Just roast some squash, boil some pasta, and stir in a few simple ingredients. Boom! Dinner is served. And the flavors? Wow! That nutty squash with the earthy sage? It’s a match made in heaven. It’s become a fall staple in our house and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta Recipe

Quick and Easy

Seriously, who has time for complicated dinners? This recipe is ready in under an hour, and most of that is just letting the oven do its thing. Minimal effort, maximum flavor – that’s my kind of cooking!

Flavorful and Aromatic

The sweetness of the butternut squash with that earthy sage? It’s a flavor explosion! This isn’t your boring, bland pasta dish. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.

Vegetarian Delight

Looking for a satisfying meat-free meal? This is it! It’s packed with veggies and flavor, so you won’t even miss the meat. It’s hearty, it’s delicious, and it’s totally vegetarian-friendly.

Perfect for Fall

Butternut squash is *the* fall veggie, right? This recipe uses seasonal ingredients at their peak, making it the perfect autumn dish. Think cozy nights and warm, comforting flavors!

Creamy and Comforting

That creamy sauce… oh my goodness! It coats the pasta perfectly and makes every bite pure heaven. It’s so comforting, it’s like a warm blanket on a chilly evening.

Ingredients for Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta

Alright, here’s what you’ll need! Don’t skimp on the good stuff, okay? We’ve got: 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 2 pounds). Then grab 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt and pepper (to taste, of course!), 1 pound of your fave pasta, 1/2 cup of butter (yes, real butter!), 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves (chopped!), 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, and 1/4 cup of that liquid gold – the reserved pasta water. Got it? Let’s go!

How to Make Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Butternut Squash

First things first, let’s get that squash roasting! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating up, toss your cubed butternut squash with those 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Don’t be shy with the salt and pepper – season it generously! Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet, and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until it’s nice and tender. You should be able to easily pierce it with a fork. If it starts to brown too much, just tent it with foil.

Cook the Pasta

While the squash is roasting, get your pasta cooking! Follow the package directions, but *don’t* forget to reserve about 1/4 cup of that pasta water before you drain it. Seriously, this is important! That starchy water is going to help create the creamiest sauce ever. Trust me on this one. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.

Make the Sage Butter Sauce

Okay, now for the good stuff: the sage butter sauce! In a large skillet over medium heat, melt that 1/2 cup of butter. Once it’s melted, add your chopped fresh sage leaves. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sage is fragrant and the butter starts to brown just a bit. Careful not to burn the butter! Burnt butter = sad pasta.

Combine Butternut Squash, Sage, and Pasta

Alright, time to put it all together! Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet with the sage butter sauce. Stir it all together, then add your cooked pasta. Toss everything to coat. Now, sprinkle in that 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and pour in the reserved pasta water. Toss again until everything is combined and you’ve got a beautiful, creamy sauce coating every strand of pasta. If it looks a little dry, add a splash more pasta water.

Serve Immediately

And that’s it! Serve your Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and a few fresh sage leaves for a fancy touch. Enjoy every single bite!

Tips for the Best Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta

Use Fresh Sage

Seriously, don’t even *think* about using dried sage for this! Fresh sage is where it’s at. It’s got this amazing aroma and flavor that you just can’t get from the dried stuff. Trust me on this one!

Don’t Overcook the Squash

Nobody wants mushy squash! Keep an eye on it while it’s roasting. You want it tender, but still holding its shape. Overcooked squash will just turn to mush in the sauce, and that’s no good!

Adjust the Sauce Consistency

Is your sauce looking a little too thick? No problem! Just add a splash more of that reserved pasta water. That’s the magic ingredient that’ll bring it all together. You want a nice, creamy sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

Season to Taste

Don’t forget to taste as you go! Everyone’s taste buds are different, so adjust the salt and pepper to your liking. You might even want to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! Go wild (but not *too* wild!).

Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta Variations

Add Red Pepper Flakes

Want a little zing? Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes while you’re making the sauce. It adds a *fantastic* little kick that balances out the sweetness of the squash. Just don’t go overboard, okay?

Use Different Herbs

Sage is classic, but why stop there? Thyme and rosemary also pair beautifully with butternut squash. Try swapping out the sage for one of these, or even using a mix! Get creative!

Add Vegetables

Roasting up some extra veggies? Toss ’em in! Brussels sprouts, carrots, even some roasted red onions would be amazing in this pasta. It’s a great way to use up what you’ve got!

Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Okay, so, frozen butternut squash *can* work in a pinch, but honestly, fresh is always best! If you’re using frozen, make sure you thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting. It tends to be a bit wetter than fresh squash, so you might need to roast it a little longer to get that nice, caramelized edge.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta is super easy to veganize. Just swap out the butter for a good quality plant-based butter (I like Miyoko’s Kitchen!). And instead of Parmesan cheese, use your favorite vegan Parmesan. There are some surprisingly good ones out there these days!

How long does this pasta last?

Leftovers are the best, right? This pasta will keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. Just store it in an airtight container. But fair warning: it’s so good, it probably won’t last that long!

Storing and Reheating Your Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Just pop the pasta in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for a few days, but honestly, it’s so yummy you might just sneak a midnight snack!

Reheating Instructions

Reheating is a breeze! You can nuke it in the microwave (add a splash of water to keep it moist) or heat it up in a skillet on the stovetop. If it seems a little dry, add a bit of water or broth to loosen things up. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta

Okay, so, here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and nutritional info can vary *wildly* depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, I can’t give you exact numbers, okay? Just keep in mind that this is a delicious, but definitely not a *diet* dish! Enjoy responsibly!

Enjoy Your Delicious Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta!

Alright, friends, that’s it! I hope you loved this Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta as much as I do! Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you think. And hey, if you loved it, share it with your friends! Happy cooking!