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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

A silky smooth pasta sauce that combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with roasted tomatoes and aromatic herbs for a nutritious and comforting meal.  
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main-course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 380
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz frozen diced butternut squash
  • 1.5 cups fresh chopped tomatoes
  • 1/2 yellow onion
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 lb pasta
  • 1/3 cup pasta water reserved

Method
 

  1. Prepare for Roasting
  2. Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature will help caramelize the vegetables, intensifying their flavors and natural sweetness.
  3. Season the Vegetables
  4. Spread the butternut squash, fresh chopped tomatoes, and sliced yellow onion on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Toss to coat evenly. Ensuring all vegetables are evenly coated will promote consistent roasting and flavor development.
  5. Roast the Vegetables
  6. Roast the vegetables in the oven for 20 minutes, until tender and slightly caramelized. The caramelization adds depth of flavor and natural sweetness to the sauce.
  7. Cook the Pasta
  8. While the veggies roast, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water before draining. The starchy pasta water is crucial for helping the sauce adhere to the pasta and creating the perfect consistency.
  9. Blend the Sauce
  10. Blend the roasted vegetables with the reserved pasta water in a blender until smooth and creamy. Blend thoroughly to achieve a silky texture without any vegetable chunks.
  11. Combine and Serve
  12. Toss the blended sauce with the cooked pasta until evenly coated. Serve immediately with grated parmesan or a plant-based alternative, if desired. The hot pasta will help the sauce cling to each strand or shape.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, add a few cloves of roasted garlic to the vegetables before blending.
  • This sauce freezes well for up to 3 months. Make a double batch and store in portion-sized containers.
  • For a protein boost, add white beans or chickpeas to the sauce.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more pasta water or vegetable broth.
  • Fresh herbs like basil or sage can be added just before serving for a flavor boost.