How to Make the Perfect Butternut Squash Pasta
Italian · Easy · 35 min · 6 servings
This creamy butternut squash pasta sauce looks just like a cheesy orange sauce so kids eat it without a second thought. Kid friendly recipes that use squash as a pasta sauce base are a brilliant weeknight dinner solution for picky eaters.
Why this recipe works
This Butternut Squash Pasta recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 295 calories with 10g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 3 cups butternut squash cubed
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Squash
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute then add butternut squash cubes and vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes until squash is fork tender.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Transfer the squash and broth to a blender and add Parmesan and salt. Blend on high until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. Be careful blending hot liquids by holding the lid down firmly.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
Meanwhile cook penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve half a cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Toss the hot drained pasta with the butternut squash sauce adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the consistency. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- butternut squash → canned pumpkin puree for a shortcut
- Parmesan cheese → nutritional yeast for dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not cooking squash long enough which leaves it hard and creates a lumpy sauce that kids will reject
- Skipping the pasta water which is essential for getting the sauce to cling perfectly to the pasta
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 295 calories, 10g protein, 50g carbs, 7g fat, 4g fiber.
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