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Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta
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Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that blends the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with mellow roasted garlic in a luscious creamy sauce. This vegetarian-friendly recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors, perfect for an easy weeknight meal or special dinner that satisfies and delights.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 pounds), peeled and cubed
  • 1 whole garlic bulb
  • 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni recommended)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit or replace with nutritional yeast for vegan)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Herbs and Garnishes

  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage or thyme leaves
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese for serving
  • Fresh parsley or sage leaves for garnish
  • Drizzle of olive oil for finishing

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash and Garlic: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Cut the tip off the garlic bulb to expose the cloves, drizzle with olive oil, and wrap tightly in foil. Place both the squash and garlic on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until the squash is tender and the garlic is soft and caramelized.
  2. Prepare the Pasta: While the squash and garlic roast, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta to adjust the sauce consistency later.
  3. Blend the Sauce: Once roasted, squeeze the garlic cloves out of their skins into a blender. Add the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream (or coconut milk), Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, thin it with some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Over medium heat, toss the cooked pasta with the creamy squash and garlic sauce just until everything is warmed through and evenly coated. If using, stir in fresh sage or thyme leaves gently to combine flavors.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Cut squash into uniform cubes for even roasting and creaminess.
  • Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness resulting in a smoother sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water to thin sauce without losing flavor or creaminess.
  • If sauce appears grainy, add liquid slowly and blend thoroughly for a silky texture.
  • Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and herbs as you go for balanced seasoning.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash pasta, creamy pasta, roasted garlic recipe, vegetarian pasta, fall dinner, comforting meals, easy weeknight dinner, creamy squash sauce

Find it online: https://tastebudtrek.com/creamy-roasted-garlic-butternut-squash-pasta/