Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ small butternut squash
halved vertically and seeded
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 2 shallots
coarsely chopped, ⅔ cup
- 3 garlic cloves
unpeeled
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
plus more for drizzling
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 10 fresh sage leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
plus more for garnish
- 12 ounces rotini pasta
- Sauteed broccoli
for serving, optional
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- 2
Drizzle the squash with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and place cut side down on the baking sheet. Wrap the shallots and garlic cloves in foil with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt and place on the baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, or until the squash is soft.
- 3
Measure 1 cup of the roasted squash flesh and transfer to a blender with the shallot, peeled garlic, water, cashews, olive oil, nutritional yeast, vinegar, sage, thyme, ¾ teaspoon salt, and several grinds of pepper. Blend until creamy.
- 4
Cook the pasta according to package directions in a pot of salted boiling water. Reserve 1 cup of the hot pasta water.
- 5
Drain the pasta and return to the pot. Stir in the sauce, adding ½ to 1 cup of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta. Season with ¼ to ½ teaspoon salt. Top with freshly ground black pepper, a few thyme leaves and sautéed broccoli, if desired.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 114 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, yet surprisingly light pasta dish that’s bursting with fall flavors? This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta delivers a rich, satisfying experience with simple ingredients and a prep time of just 10 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe shines by leveraging the natural sweetness of butternut squash and the luscious creaminess of raw cashews to create a sauce that feels indulgent without relying on heavy cream. The nutritional yeast adds a savory, cheesy depth, while balsamic vinegar brightens the overall profile, balancing the earthy squash and aromatic herbs like fresh sage and thyme. It’s a testament to how whole, plant-based ingredients can create incredible texture and flavor.
What to Expect
Prepare for a velvety smooth sauce that clings beautifully to every spiral of rotini pasta. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, with the delicate perfume of fresh herbs. You'll find it to be a hearty and satisfying meal, perfect for a cozy evening, yet surprisingly quick to get started in the kitchen. The addition of optional sautéed broccoli introduces a pleasant textural contrast and a hint of welcome bitterness to round out the dish.
Customization & Variations
While rotini pasta is specified, feel free to use your favorite short pasta shape like penne or cavatappi that can capture the creamy sauce. The optional sautéed broccoli is a fantastic addition, but you could also add other roasted or sautéed vegetables that pair well with squash, depending on your preference. For an extra layer of flavor, consider a drizzle of your best extra-virgin olive oil just before serving.
Serving & Context
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is a wonderful choice for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive, yet easy, meal to share with friends. Serve it as a stand-alone main course, garnished with a few fresh thyme leaves, and perhaps a simple green salad on the side to complete the meal.