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Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta – A Creamy, Cozy Dish for Autumn Nights

As the air turns crisp and leaves begin to fall, our kitchens transform into warm, inviting spaces filled with the aromas of roasted vegetables, toasted herbs, and comfort in every bite. Few dishes capture that seasonal feeling better than a creamy bowl of Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta — the ultimate cozy dinner for chilly autumn nights. This dish is a celebration of fall flavors. Sweet roasted butternut squash creates a velvety, rich sauce, while earthy sage adds a savory, aromatic balance. When tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with a touch of cheese, the result is a deeply satisfying meal that tastes like a warm hug. It’s comforting, simple, and elegant enough for guests — but easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. With no alcohol or pork, this dish is family-friendly and loaded with the wholesome, warming ingredients we all crave during the cooler months.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 generous bowls
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together for a delicious elegant meal:
Vegetables:
  • 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 3–4 cups)
  • 1 yellow onion roughly chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic peeled
Pasta:
  • 12 oz pasta of choice penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well
Herbs & Spices:
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage chopped (or 1 tsp dried sage)
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Salt to taste
Oils & Liquids:
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for roasting
  • ½ cup vegetable broth or water to blend sauce
  • ½ cup milk or unsweetened non-dairy alternative
  • ¼ cup pasta water reserved
Dairy:
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or a mild cheddar
  • optional: use a dairy-free version if preferred
Optional Garnish:
  • More fresh sage
  • Extra cheese
  • Cracked pepper

Equipment

  • Before diving into your autumn pasta night, gather these tools:
  • Large baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • High-speed blender (or food processor)
  • Large sauté pan or skillet
  • Large pot (for boiling pasta)
  • Chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Method
 

  1. Let’s bring the cozy magic to life with this easy step-by-step process:
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. On a lined baking sheet, spread cubed butternut squash, chopped onion, and garlic cloves.
  3. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, or until squash is fork-tender and golden.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
  1. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions.
  3. Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Blend the Sauce
  1. Transfer the roasted vegetables to a blender or food processor.
  2. Add vegetable broth, milk, nutmeg, and ½ of the chopped sage.
  3. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 4: Sauté Sage (Optional but Recommended)
  1. In a large skillet, heat a small amount of olive oil over medium heat.
  2. Add remaining chopped sage and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
  1. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with sautéed sage.
  2. Pour in the butternut squash sauce and toss gently to coat.
  3. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 6: Add Cheese & Serve
  1. Stir in grated cheese until melted and creamy.
  2. Plate the pasta and garnish with extra sage, cheese, or cracked pepper.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Sauce alone can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Pasta with sauce can also be frozen but may slightly change texture upon reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth.
Microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until hot.
🥄 Variations
Get creative with your pasta bowl using these tasty adaptations:
Add Protein: Stir in grilled chicken, sautéed mushrooms, or white beans.
Extra Greens: Toss in baby spinach or kale right before serving.
Spicy Kick: Add red chili flakes or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle with toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts.
Dairy-Free: Use plant-based milk and cheese alternatives — the sauce is naturally creamy thanks to the squash!
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes! Just roast it as you would fresh squash. It may cook slightly faster, so check for doneness.
2. What kind of pasta works best?
Short pastas like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni hold the creamy sauce best, but any type works!
3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Make and refrigerate the sauce for up to 3 days or freeze it for later use.
4. What’s a good milk alternative?
Oat milk or unsweetened almond milk work great. Avoid flavored varieties.
5. Can I add meat to this dish?
Yes — grilled chicken or beef strips pair wonderfully with the sweet and savory flavors.
6. Is this kid-friendly?
Very! It’s creamy, mild, and subtly sweet — a great way to sneak in vegetables.
7. Can I use pre-cut squash?
Yes, it’s a great time-saver. Just make sure the cubes are evenly sized for roasting.
8. Is this dish gluten-free?
It can be — just use certified gluten-free pasta.
9. Can I serve it cold or as leftovers?
It’s best served warm, but leftovers reheat beautifully with a splash of broth.
10. How do I make the sauce even silkier?
Blend with a touch more milk or broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
🏁 Conclusion
This Butternut Squash & Sage Pasta is the very definition of autumn comfort. It brings together the gentle sweetness of roasted squash, the deep aroma of sage, and the luxurious creaminess of a blended sauce — all nestled around your favorite pasta.
Whether you're serving it as a cozy weeknight meal, a vegetarian main at a dinner party, or a simple fall-inspired dish, it’s guaranteed to become a seasonal staple in your kitchen. Every bite is creamy, cozy, and full of love, making it the kind of meal you’ll crave all season long.