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Best Creamy Butternut Pasta Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 9 reviews

This Best Creamy Butternut Pasta Sauce recipe combines roasted butternut squash with a savory butter, sage, and garlic cream sauce, topped with parmesan cheese for a rich and comforting pasta dish. Roasting the vegetables develops deep flavors while the sauce comes together on the stovetop, making this an elegant yet approachable meal perfect for two servings.

  • Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 200 grams dried pasta or 300 grams fresh pasta

Roasted Vegetables

  • 420 grams cubed butternut squash (about three heaped cups)
  • 1 small onion (cut into wedges)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to season

Sauce

  • 40 g butter
  • 8 – 10 fresh sage leaves (optional)
  • 3 cloves garlic (very finely chopped or minced)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2/3 cup single or light cream
  • 40 grams parmesan (finely grated), plus extra for serving
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash and onion.
  2. Prepare Vegetables for Roasting: Arrange the cubed butternut squash and onion wedges on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to season evenly.
  3. Roast Vegetables: Roast in the preheated oven for 40 to 50 minutes until the butternut is lightly charred and tender. Keep an eye on the onion pieces, removing them earlier if they brown too much.
  4. Puree Roasted Vegetables: Transfer the roasted butternut and onion to a blender or use a stick blender to puree with 1 cup of water until smooth and creamy.
  5. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil, cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  6. Burgundy Butter with Sage: In a pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once it starts to sizzle, add the sage leaves and swirl the pan to cook evenly until the butter browns lightly and the sage leaves become crisp. Remove sage and set on paper towels; keep the browned butter in the pan.
  7. Sauté Garlic and Tomato Paste: Add the minced garlic to the browned butter and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring continuously to avoid burning. Then add the tomato paste and gently simmer for 2 minutes, whisking to combine.
  8. Add Cream and Pasta Water: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cream and 1/2 cup of reserved pasta water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, ensuring it does not boil vigorously.
  9. Incorporate Butternut Puree: Add the butternut puree to the sauce and mix thoroughly to create a smooth base.
  10. Melt Parmesan: Gradually add the parmesan in two portions, whisking well and allowing it to melt completely between additions for a silky texture.
  11. Season Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, black pepper, and salt to taste, mixing everything well to balance the flavors.
  12. Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the pan with the sauce. Let it bubble gently for about a minute so the pasta absorbs the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with additional reserved pasta water as needed.
  13. Serve: Plate the pasta and garnish with extra parmesan, freshly cracked black pepper, and the crisp sage leaves on top for a beautiful presentation and added flavor.

Notes

  • Roasting the butternut and onion brings out a natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
  • If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
  • Fresh sage is optional but adds a wonderful aromatic flavor that complements the creamy sauce.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melting texture and taste.
  • Adjust salt and pepper at the end to suit your preference.
  • Author: Olivia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Find it online: https://iamstarved.com/best-creamy-butternut-pasta-sauce-recipe/