This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake is the ultimate fall comfort food, blending roasted butternut squash, garlic, and onion into a velvety sauce tossed with pasta. Enriched with Parmesan, mozzarella, and ricotta, it delivers a creamy, cheesy finish that’s perfect for cozy dinners.
This dish is not only delicious but also a healthy vegetarian dinner option. It’s easy to prepare ahead of time, making it ideal for weeknights or festive gatherings.
Hearty Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
The Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake is a delightful dish that embodies the essence of fall. This comforting meal combines roasted butternut squash with a rich, velvety sauce that envelops the pasta, creating a warm and inviting experience. The addition of fresh sage enhances the flavor profile, making it a perfect choice for cozy dinners.
With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, this Butternut Squash Pasta Bake is not just a treat for the taste buds but also a healthy vegetarian dinner option. It’s an excellent way to incorporate seasonal produce into your meals, making it a standout among fall dinner recipes.
Ingredients That Shine
The key to a successful Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta lies in its ingredients. The dish features roasted butternut squash, which adds a natural sweetness and depth to the sauce. Combined with sautéed onions and garlic, these elements create a flavorful base that is both comforting and satisfying.
Cheeses like ricotta, Parmesan, and mozzarella contribute to the creamy consistency, ensuring every bite is rich and indulgent. The use of fresh sage leaves not only garnishes the dish but also infuses it with a fragrant aroma, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Preparation and Cooking Process
Preparing the Butternut Squash Pasta Bake is a straightforward process that begins with roasting the squash. Tossing the diced squash in olive oil and seasoning it with salt and pepper before roasting brings out its natural sweetness and caramelizes the edges, adding a delightful texture.
While the squash is roasting, sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil creates a fragrant base for the sauce. Once blended with the roasted squash, this mixture transforms into a smooth, creamy sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. The combination of flavors melds beautifully, making it a dish that is sure to impress.
Baking to Perfection
Once the pasta is combined with the creamy butternut squash sauce, it’s transferred to a rustic ceramic baking dish. Topping it with a generous layer of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese creates a golden, bubbly crust as it bakes in the oven.
The baking process not only melds the flavors together but also gives the dish a beautiful presentation. The sight of the melted cheese and the aroma wafting from the oven will have everyone eagerly anticipating the first bite.
Serving Suggestions
This Butternut Squash Dinner is perfect for gatherings, family meals, or a cozy night in. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or some crusty bread to round out the meal. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a delightful centerpiece for any table.
Garnishing with fresh sage leaves just before serving adds a touch of elegance and enhances the dish’s visual appeal. This thoughtful presentation will surely impress your guests and make the meal feel even more special.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
The Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Bake is not only a delicious choice but also a healthy option that showcases the versatility of butternut squash. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy seasonal produce while indulging in a comforting meal.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress at a gathering, this pasta bake is sure to become a favorite. With its creamy sauce, cheesy topping, and the warmth of roasted butternut squash, it’s a dish that brings joy to the table.
Hearty Butternut Squash Pasta Bake
This Butternut Squash Pasta Bake features a rich sauce made from roasted butternut squash and fresh sage, combined with pasta and baked until golden and bubbly. The recipe takes about 1 hour from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Roast the Squash: Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a little olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and fragrant (about 5 minutes).
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the roasted squash, sautéed onion and garlic, vegetable broth, nutmeg, ricotta, and half of the mozzarella. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce is blending, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.
- Combine: Pour the butternut squash sauce over the pasta and mix well. Transfer to a baking dish and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 45g