⭐Must-Have Products I Use & Recommend!⭐
Personal Note
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
I personally use and love these products in my kitchen. I only recommend what I trust!
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
A few years ago, my friend Liam, the one who's absolutely obsessed with Halloween, practically begged me to try a butternut squash pasta he'd made. I’ll admit, I was skeptical. Squash in pasta? Sounded kinda…weird. But one bite, and I was totally sold. The sweetness of the squash, balanced with savory spices and creamy sauce, was like a warm hug on a chilly evening. I knew I had to recreate it, but, y’know, better (don't tell Liam I said that!). The first version I tried felt like it needed something, what ever that was. My kids hated it, actually. But after a few tweaks, I’ve landed on this spiced butternut pasta recipe that is just, oh-so-perfect.
This Spiced Butternut Pasta is a celebration of autumn's bounty, a dish that's both elegant and approachable. The roasting of the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness, which is beautifully complemented by the warm spices like nutmeg and cinnamon. A creamy sauce, enriched with parmesan cheese, coats the pasta, creating a comforting and satisfying meal that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It’s seriously a game changer, folks. And easy enough that even I can't mess it up. Oh, and my kids love the current version! What about you? Are you a fan of pasta?
Required Equipments
- Baking Sheet
- Large Bowl
- Large Skillet or Pot
- Vegetable Peeler
- Sharp Knife
- Colander
Spiced Butternut Pasta: A Bowl of Autumnal Comfort: Frequently Asked Questions
Spiced Butternut Pasta: A Bowl of Autumnal Comfort
Indulge in the warm, inviting flavors of Spiced Butternut Pasta, a dish that perfectly captures the essence of fall. This creamy, comforting pasta features roasted butternut squash, aromatic spices, and a touch of parmesan for a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Get that oven nice and hot! This step is super important for roasting the squash properly.
- Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. A good, sharp vegetable peeler is your best friend here, trust me.
- In a large bowl, toss the squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick!), salt, and pepper. Make sure every piece is nicely coated with the spices and oil. Nobody wants bland squash!
- Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Don't overcrowd the pan, or the squash will steam instead of roast. Use two baking sheets if necessary.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye on it! You want it golden brown, not burnt.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta according to package directions. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Save that pasta water! It's liquid gold for creating a creamy sauce.
- In a large skillet or pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. The garlic should smell amazing, but don't let it burn!
- Pour in 1 cup of vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly, about 3-5 minutes. This concentrates the flavors and creates a richer base for the sauce.
- Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the skillet. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Reduce heat to low and simmer for another 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remember that pasta water? Here's where it comes in handy! Add a little at a time to thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Add the roasted butternut squash and the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated. Make sure to get every strand!
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone's taste buds are different!
- Garnish with fresh sage leaves and extra Parmesan cheese. A little extra cheese never hurt anyone!
- Serve immediately and enjoy your comforting bowl of Spiced Butternut Pasta! This is best served hot, so dig in!
📝 Notes
- For a vegan version, use plant-based butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese alternatives.
- Add roasted chicken or sausage for extra protein.
- A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavors of the final dish.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 15 g
Fat: 18 g
Carbohydrates: 65 g
Fiber: 8 g
Calcium: 150 mg
