Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipe for Fall Nights

This butternut squash pasta sauce is rich and creamy and makes the perfect fall meal! We served it with lobster ravioli and it was fantastic!

I’m not usually a huge fan of butternut squash, so I was surprised by how much my family and I enjoyed this sauce. I’ll gladly admit I prefer other squashes most of the time, but this creamy butternut squash pasta sauce changed our minds.

I’ll eat butternut squash in soups or mixed with roasted vegetables, but it’s rarely my first pick. Still, when I served this sauce over lobster ravioli, everyone loved it — even those who normally avoid squash.

The sauce is rich, creamy, and satisfying — a perfect match for a fall dinner. We paired it with lobster ravioli for a special meal, but it works equally well with many types of pasta or as an accompaniment to chicken or fish.

Because it’s so flavorful, a small salad on the side helps balance the richness, especially when served with a decadent main like lobster ravioli.

What goes well with butternut squash?

Butternut squash has a naturally sweet flavor that pairs well with earthy or savory ingredients. Try it with Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or other roasted vegetables. It also complements proteins like grilled chicken, seared fish, or shellfish such as lobster.

This sauce works as a vegetarian main over any pasta, or as a side sauce alongside meat or fish. When we used lobster ravioli, the combination was particularly delightful.

Because the sauce is rich, lighter sides like a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables help to keep the meal balanced.

How do you peel a butternut squash?

Peeling a butternut squash is straightforward. Trim both ends, cut the squash in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Place each half flat-side down and remove the skin with a vegetable peeler or a sharp knife. A sturdy peeler is often the quickest and safest option.

Here are some more great squash recipes for you:

• Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
• Instant Pot Butternut Squash Soup
• Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash
• Southwest Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

Yield: serves 6

Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce

This butternut squash pasta sauce is rich and creamy and makes the perfect fall meal! We served it with lobster ravioli and it was fantastic!

Prep Time
10 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1/2 inch cubes
• 2 shallots, chopped finely
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (35% whipping)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan (for serving, optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or pumpkin seeds (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. In a medium stovetop pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the squash, shallots, and garlic, and cook, stirring, for 3-4 minutes or until the vegetables start to soften.
3. Add the chicken broth, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and sage and stir to combine.
4. Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for 10-12 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
5. Puree the sauce until smooth with an immersion blender, or transfer the sauce to a blender and puree.
6. Stir in the cream.
7. Serve over hot, cooked, pasta, garnished with nuts and parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

I made this sauce with heavy cream, but half-and-half or milk will work for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative try coconut milk. Optional garnishes like parmesan and toasted nuts add texture and flavor. We served this with lobster ravioli and it paired beautifully, though it’s equally good with most pastas or as a side to roasted or grilled proteins.

Recommended Products

• 
  Cuisinart Immersion Blender
• 
  KitchenAid Euro Peeler, Black
• 
  Cutting Boards (3-Piece Set)
• 
  Classic Stainless Saucepan

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

serves 6

Serving Size:

1/6 recipe

Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 121Total Fat: 6.4gSaturated Fat: 2.7gCholesterol: 14mgSodium: 234mgCarbohydrates: 15.6gFiber: 2.5gSugar: 2.9gProtein: 2.5g

Nutrition information is an estimate for the sauce only and does not include optional garnishes or pasta.