Description
A creamy and flavorful butternut squash pasta sauce made with sautéed onions, garlic, and tender butternut squash, blended with milk and seasoned with nutmeg and black pepper. This comforting sauce is perfect for fall and can be enjoyed over your favorite pasta, garnished with fresh herbs and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk or cream
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Fresh sage or thyme for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Sauté Onions and Garlic: In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add and Cook Butternut Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pan and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to slightly caramelize the edges and develop flavor.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 15–20 minutes until the butternut squash is fork-tender and soft.
- Blend Sauce: Remove the pan from heat and carefully transfer the contents to a blender. Add the milk or cream, nutmeg, black pepper, and salt. Blend the mixture until it is completely smooth and creamy.
- Warm and Finish Sauce: Return the blended sauce to the pan and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese if using. Gently warm the sauce through over low heat.
- Serve: Pour the warm sauce over cooked pasta of your choice. Garnish with fresh sage or thyme leaves if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a vegan version, use plant-based milk instead of dairy and omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with nutritional yeast.
- This sauce pairs well with penne, rigatoni, or stuffed pastas like ravioli for an enhanced texture and flavor experience.
- Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt and pepper, depending on your broth and cheese choice.
