Description
This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta is a comforting and flavorful autumn dish featuring tender, golden roasted butternut squash combined with garlic, sage, and toasted walnuts in a buttery sauce. Tossed with your choice of cavatelli or gemelli pasta and finished with crumbled gorgonzola and optional cacao nibs, this recipe offers a delightful balance of savory, nutty, and slightly tangy flavors perfect for a cozy meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Squash and Roasting
- 1 large butternut squash, peeled, seeds scooped and discarded, cut into 1” cubes
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil (for roasting)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta
- 10 oz. pasta, such as cavatelli or gemelli
Sauce
- 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil (for sauce)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
- 1 cup roasted chopped walnuts
Toppings
- 1/2 cup crumbled gorgonzola cheese
- 2 Tbsp. cacao nibs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Squash: Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper on a large baking sheet. Roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and golden brown, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Pasta: While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add minced garlic, chopped fresh sage, and roasted walnuts to the skillet. Cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add the roasted butternut squash and cook for an additional 30 seconds, tossing gently to combine.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving dishes and sprinkle with crumbled gorgonzola cheese and optional cacao nibs for a unique touch. Serve immediately.
Notes
- You can substitute the pasta for gluten-free varieties if desired.
- The cacao nibs add a subtle crunchy texture and bitterness that complements the creamy gorgonzola but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Ensure not to overcook the pasta; al dente texture will hold better when tossed with sauce.
- Use fresh sage leaves for the best aromatic flavor; dried sage is not recommended.
- Leftover roasted butternut squash can be refrigerated and used in salads or soups.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/5 of recipe)
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 50mg