Butternut Squash Pasta

Total Time

Prep: 20 min. Cook: 1 hour

Makes

5 servings

Updated: Aug. 30, 2023
My husband can't eat tomatoes, so this butternut squash pasta is the perfect alternative pasta sauce. This dish is great garnished with bacon crumbles, caramelized onions, gorgonzola or walnuts. I can't get enough of it! —Gretchen Whelan, San Francisco, California
Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Ingredients

  • 1 small butternut squash (about 2-1/2 pounds)
  • 8 ounces uncooked spaghetti
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/3 cup chopped shallot
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Crumbled cooked bacon, optional

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°. Cut squash in half; discard seeds. Place squash cut side down in a 15x10x1-in. baking pan; add 1/4 in. of hot water to pan. Bake, uncovered, for 40 minutes. Drain water from pan; turn squash cut side up. Bake until tender, 20-30 minutes longer. Cool slightly.
  2. Carefully scoop out squash into a blender or food processor; cover and process until smooth. Set aside.
  3. Cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup cooking liquid. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add shallot; cook and stir until tender, 3-4 minutes. Stir in squash, Parmesan cheese, cream, parsley, lemon juice, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Add pasta and toss to coat. Stir in enough reserved cooking liquid to achieve desired consistency. If desired, serve with bacon and additional Parmesan cheese and parsley.
Butternut Squash Pasta Tips

How else can you cut and roast the butternut squash?

There are a few ways to cut and roast butternut squash. To create cubes, peel the squash before halving it lengthwise, scooping out the seeds and dicing it. Then, roast it according to your favorite butternut squash recipe. Alternatively, you can leave the skin on, cutting the squash into rings or half-moons and roasting the slices. The skin can be easily removed after roasting.

What other toppings can you put on butternut squash pasta?

Butternut squash pasta is a fun and different way to make spaghetti, so don't be afraid to use your imagination when it comes to the toppings. We love adding crispy bacon or pancetta to create a savory crunch. Toasted pine nuts or walnuts would be a great vegetarian-friendly topping. Fresh herbs like sage or thyme can also provide a fragrant and aromatic finishing touch.

What do you serve with butternut squash pasta?

Consider serving butternut squash pasta with side dishes that create a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta, like a green salad with a tangy homemade salad dressing. Roasted vegetables such as cauliflower, Brussels sprouts or broccoli add both color and texture to the plate. For a complete meal, you could also include a protein like grilled chicken or sauteed shrimp.

How long will leftover butternut squash pasta last?

Leftover butternut squash pasta will last 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container and add a splash of water to loosen up the sauce before reheating it.

—Lindsay Mattison, Taste of Home Contributing Writer

Nutrition Facts

1 cup: 418 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 400mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 10g fiber), 11g protein.