One-Pot Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta (Print Version)

Sweet butternut squash and sage join a velvety sauce in this simple, comforting Italian-inspired pasta meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 1.75 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
02 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced

→ Pasta

04 - 12 ounces short pasta, such as penne or rigatoni

→ Dairy

05 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
06 - 2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

→ Liquids

08 - 3 1/4 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
09 - 1/2 cup water

→ Herbs & Spices

10 - 10 fresh sage leaves, finely chopped, plus extra whole leaves for garnish
11 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
12 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Oils

13 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - Combine olive oil and butter in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, allowing the butter to melt and the mixture to become fragrant.
02 - Add the finely chopped onion with a pinch of salt. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the onion is softened and translucent.
03 - Stir in minced garlic and chopped sage. Sauté for 1 minute, stirring constantly to release the aromas.
04 - Introduce the butternut squash cubes. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, lightly stirring, until the squash begins to soften at the edges.
05 - Pour in vegetable broth and water. Increase heat to bring to a gentle simmer.
06 - Add the pasta, nutmeg, and a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir thoroughly to combine.
07 - Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 12 to 15 minutes, or until both pasta and squash are tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
08 - Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan. Mix gently until the sauce becomes smooth and coats the pasta evenly. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
09 - For an ultra-creamy consistency, gently mash some of the cooked squash with the back of a spoon, blending it into the sauce.
10 - Plate the pasta warm, finishing with additional Parmesan and whole sage leaves (pan-fried in butter if desired) as a garnish.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Quick weeknight dinner no need for multiple pots
  • Rich creamy sauce without heavy prep work
  • Seasonal and wholesome perfect for fall or winter
  • Vegetarian crowd pleaser even for meat lovers
  • One pot meal for easy cleanup and maximum flavor
02 -
  • Full of fiber vitamin A and comforting carbs
  • Freezes beautifully to reheat for later
  • Comes together in one pot for minimal mess
03 -
  • Mash just enough squash into the sauce for body but leave plenty of chunks for texture
  • Toast your sage leaves until crisp for the ultimate garnish Never skip this step if you love autumn aroma
  • Use a block of Parmesan and grate it fresh for a melting creamy finish Pregrated usually does not melt as well
  • Taste for salt right at the end The Parmesan will add saltiness so hold off until everything comes together

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