I’m so excited to share this Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe with you—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity and richness; the velvety butternut squash sauce is naturally sweet and perfectly creamy without needing heavy cream. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or want a comforting dish to impress friends, this pasta hits all the right notes.

What makes the Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe truly special is the balance of flavors—the gentle earthiness of sage, the mild heat from red pepper flakes, and the sharpness of Parmesan all come together beautifully. I’ve made this recipe countless times, and every time, it reminds me why seasonal ingredients can make pasta taste so incredible. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy that creamy, cozy goodness yourself!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building a rich, flavorful sauce that clings perfectly to your pasta. When you pick your butternut squash, aim for a firm, heavy one with smooth skin for the best sweetness and texture.

Butternut squash: Peeled and cubed, it forms the creamy base when blended—you want it ripe and dense for sweetness.
Yellow onion (or shallot): Adds a subtle sweetness and depth when sautéed, balancing the squash’s natural sugars.
Extra virgin olive oil: Infuses the sauce with richness and helps sauté the aromatics gently.
Kosher salt: Enhances the natural flavors—don’t skip it or add all at once; layering salt makes a difference.
Crushed red pepper flakes: A gentle kick that brings warmth without overpowering the sauce.
Ground black pepper: Adds earthiness and sharpness for balance.
Garlic cloves: Finely chopped to release their full flavor when gently cooked.
Fresh sage leaves (or dried sage/thyme): Sage is a classic pairing with butternut squash—its slightly peppery, medicinal notes contrast the sweetness perfectly.
Warm vegetable broth: Essential for creating a silky sauce and helps the squash blend smoothly.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a savory, nutty depth and that unmistakable umami hit.
Butter: For richness and to help the sauce coat the pasta luxuriously.
Short pasta (rigatoni, shells, or ziti): These shapes hold the sauce well, making sure every bite is full of flavor.

Variations

I love how this Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe invites creativity. I often change things up depending on what I have in the kitchen or the season, and you should too—feel free to make this recipe your own!

Add toasted walnuts or pecans: I sometimes sprinkle chopped nuts on top for crunch and a touch of earthiness.
Use coconut milk instead of broth: For a dairy-free twist, I’ve swapped vegetable broth with coconut milk, which adds a subtle tropical sweetness that pairs nicely with squash.
Try sage and thyme combo: Mixing fresh sage with some thyme can give the sauce a herbaceous layer that’s truly delightful.
Make it vegan: Omit the butter and Parmesan, and add nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor.
Swap pasta shapes: While shells or rigatoni are my go-tos, elbow macaroni or penne work beautifully if that’s what you have on hand.

How to Make Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the sliced onion and sauté until soft and translucent—about 5 minutes. Add the chopped garlic and crushed red pepper flakes, stirring for another minute until fragrant. The key here is not to burn the garlic, so keep that heat moderate and watch closely.

Step 2: Cook the Butternut Squash

Next, toss in the cubed butternut squash along with half the kosher salt and black pepper. Stir to coat everything evenly. Pour in the warm vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and let it cook gently until the squash is fork-tender, about 15 to 20 minutes. This slow simmer helps the squash absorb flavor and soften perfectly without falling apart.

Step 3: Blend the Sauce

Once the squash is tender, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree until completely smooth. You want this sauce nice and creamy, so don’t rush this part! Add the butter and Parmesan cheese back to the sauce, stirring until melted and silky. Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed—sometimes a pinch more salt or pepper perfects the balance.

Step 4: Cook and Combine Pasta

While your sauce is coming together, cook your pasta in salted boiling water until just shy of al dente (about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions). Save a cup of pasta water before draining. Toss the pasta with the creamy squash sauce, adding reserved pasta water a splash at a time to loosen and help the sauce cling beautifully. Stir in fresh sage leaves at the last minute, letting their aroma infuse the dish.

How to Serve Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I love topping this pasta with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan—nothing beats that salty, nutty finish. Sometimes, I’ll add a few fried sage leaves for a crisp, herby accent that elevates the dish’s flavor and presentation. A drizzle of good-quality olive oil right before serving also adds a luscious sheen and richness.

Side Dishes

This creamy pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed kale also make great sides, adding texture and bright veggie flavors. For a heartier meal, I sometimes serve with garlic bread or a slice of crusty sourdough to soak up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this pasta in shallow bowls, twirl the pasta into neat nests, and highlight the golden sauce with a bright sprig of sage on top. Adding toasted pine nuts or a light sprinkle of chili flakes can bring color and texture contrast. It makes the dish feel a little fancy while staying comforting and approachable.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 3 days. The sauce thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it looks a bit dense—that’s easy to fix when reheating. Just make sure to reheat gently to keep that creamy texture intact.

Freezing

Freezing this pasta can be tricky because the sauce might separate a bit, but I’ve done it with success by freezing the sauce and pasta separately. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of vegetable broth or water to loosen it up. Then I toss in the pasta until everything is heated through. Microwave works too, but stirring halfway through helps maintain creaminess.

FAQs

Can I make the Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Just swap out the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative. Using coconut milk instead of vegetable broth can also add richness while keeping the dish dairy-free.
What pasta works best with this butternut squash sauce?

Short, ridged pasta shapes like rigatoni, shells, or ziti are ideal because their grooves hold onto the creamy sauce nicely, ensuring each bite is flavorful. Penne or elbow macaroni are also good substitutes if you don’t have these on hand.
Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cubed butternut squash works well and is a great shortcut. Just thaw it before cooking, and adjust the cooking time since frozen squash tends to soften faster.
How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick or too thin?

The vegetable broth helps you control consistency. Start with less, then add more as needed when blending and combining with pasta. If the sauce is too thick after cooking, adding reserved pasta water is a perfect fix for a silky texture.
Is it necessary to sauté the onions and garlic first?

Sautéing softens the onions and mellows the garlic, which creates a deeper flavor foundation for the sauce. You can skip this step if you’re short on time, but I promise it makes a noticeable difference in richness!

Final Thoughts

This Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it combines comfort food with elegance in such an easy way. I love how it brings out the natural sweetness of squash while wrapping it in a cozy, creamy sauce that feels both light and indulgent. Give it a try—you might find yourself making it again and again, just like I do when I want that soul-warming pasta fix!