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A close-up of a bowl of spaghetti pasta with creamy butternut squash sauce, topped with fresh sage leaves and crispy fried bits.

Butternut Squash Pasta With Crispy Sage

A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash and crispy sage leaves.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Squash
  • 1 medium butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces pasta such as fettuccine or penne
  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
For the Crispy Sage
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 15-20 fresh sage leaves

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Large skillet

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
  2. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
  3. Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth. You may need to add a tablespoon or two of water or pasta water to reach a creamy consistency.
  4. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the butternut squash puree and stir to combine.
  5. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and enough reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  6. While the pasta is cooking or sauce is warming, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a small skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sage leaves in a single layer and fry for 30-60 seconds per side, until crisp. Remove from the skillet and drain on paper towels.
  7. Serve the pasta immediately, topped with the crispy sage leaves.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 15gFat: 28gSaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 450mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 10gVitamin A: 20000IUVitamin C: 20mgCalcium: 150mgIron: 3mg

Notes

You can add a pinch of nutmeg to the squash puree for extra warmth. For a vegan option, use a plant-based cream and omit the Parmesan cheese or use a vegan alternative.

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