Savory Butternut Squash Sage Pasta (Print-Friendly Format)

Tender pasta with roasted butternut squash, creamy sage sauce, and a hint of Parmesan for cozy autumn comfort.

# Ingredients You’ll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 340 g fettuccine or penne pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 2 cups butternut squash, diced into small cubes
03 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

→ Herbs and Spices

05 - 1 teaspoon fresh sage, finely chopped or 0.5 teaspoon dried sage
06 - 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Black pepper, to taste

→ Sauce

09 - 120 ml vegetable broth
10 - 120 ml heavy cream or coconut milk
11 - 50 g grated Parmesan cheese plus extra for serving

→ Garnish and Finish

12 - 30 g toasted walnuts, roughly chopped
13 - Fresh sage leaves, for garnish

→ Other

14 - 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Arrange diced butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to coat. Roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and edges begin to caramelize.
02 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 240 ml pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium heat, warm remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the finely chopped onion and cook for 5 minutes until translucent. Stir in garlic, chopped sage, and red pepper flakes if using. Sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
04 - Add roasted butternut squash to the skillet. Pour in vegetable broth and use a fork or masher to gently mash some of the squash, creating a creamy texture. Stir in heavy cream or coconut milk and grated Parmesan. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
05 - Fold cooked pasta into the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Portion pasta into bowls, topping each with toasted walnuts, extra grated Parmesan, and fresh sage leaves for garnish. Serve immediately.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Coconut milk can be substituted for heavy cream for a dairy-free version without compromising creaminess.
02 - For a smoother sauce, mash more of the roasted squash with a fork before adding the pasta.