A Fall Favorite! Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach
Fall is the season when cozy, comforting dishes take center stage, and nothing embodies that more than butternut squash. This vibrant, nutrient-rich vegetable brings warmth and a touch of natural sweetness to any meal.
Combine it with fresh spinach and pasta, and you’ve got yourself the ultimate fall dish: Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach. It’s creamy, flavorful, and hearty, perfect for satisfying your cravings while keeping things wholesome.
As someone who loves cooking, there's something deeply satisfying about creating meals that blend nutrition and indulgence.
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With this recipe, you’ll have a bowl of pasta that feels rich and decadent, but it's loaded with vitamins from the squash and spinach. Plus, it’s vegetarian, making it a great option for anyone looking to enjoy a meat-free meal that’s still packed with flavor.
Why Butternut Squash?
Butternut squash is a star ingredient in this dish for a reason. It’s not just about flavor — though its sweet, nutty taste is unmatched — but also about the texture.
When cooked down, butternut squash transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to pasta. It’s like nature’s answer to creamy sauces, but without the heaviness of cream.
Plus, it’s a nutritional powerhouse. Butternut squash is loaded with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, which makes this pasta dish not only comforting but also nourishing.
Pair that with spinach, a leafy green that brings a punch of iron and other essential nutrients, and you’ve got a meal that’s as good for your body as it is for your soul.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or any shape you prefer)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond or oat milk)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a non-vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of nutmeg (optional, but it enhances the squash’s natural sweetness)
Step-by-Step Guide
Let’s dive into the steps so you can create this cozy, creamy butternut squash pasta at home.
1. Roast the Butternut Squash
To start, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread your cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized around the edges. Roasting enhances the sweetness of the squash and brings out a deeper, richer flavor, which will elevate the overall dish.
2. Cook the Pasta
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water, and set it aside.
3. Make the Butternut Squash Sauce
Once your squash is done roasting, transfer it to a blender or food processor. Add the vegetable broth and milk, and blend until smooth. This is where the magic happens — the roasted squash turns into a creamy, velvety sauce that’s perfect for coating your pasta. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Sauté the Garlic and Onion
In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
5. Add the Spinach
Next, toss in the chopped spinach and stir until it wilts down, which should only take about 2 minutes. Spinach adds a beautiful pop of green and a fresh, slightly earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of the butternut squash.
6. Combine Everything
Now, it’s time to bring everything together. Pour the butternut squash sauce into the skillet with the garlic, onion, and spinach.
Stir everything together and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the sauce until every piece is well coated. If you’re a fan of cheese, now is the time to stir in the Parmesan for an extra layer of creaminess and umami.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Your butternut squash pasta is ready to serve! For a finishing touch, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top, along with some freshly ground black pepper or even a pinch of nutmeg.
The nutmeg complements the natural sweetness of the squash and adds a warm, cozy note to the dish.
Pairing Suggestions
This creamy butternut squash pasta is a meal in itself, but if you want to round it out, here are some ideas for side dishes:
- Garlic bread: A slice of warm garlic bread is perfect for sopping up any extra sauce on your plate.
- Simple green salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Brussels sprouts: Their slightly bitter flavor complements the sweetness of the squash beautifully.
Tips for Perfect Pasta
- Choose the right squash: A ripe butternut squash should have a hard, matte skin and feel heavy for its size. The more vibrant the color, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be.
- Don’t skip roasting: While you can boil the squash if you’re in a hurry, roasting brings out a deeper sweetness and caramelization that takes this dish to the next level.
- Adjust the creaminess: If you prefer a richer sauce, you can replace some or all of the milk with heavy cream. For a lighter version, use dairy-free milk like almonds or oats.
- Make it vegan: Skip the Parmesan or use a vegan cheese alternative for a 100% plant-based dish.
Why are Pumpkin and Spinach Good for Your Health?
This dish is not only packed with flavor but also loaded with nutrients. Butternut squash is rich in vitamin A, which is essential for vision and immune function, as well as vitamin C and fiber.
The addition of spinach adds an extra boost of iron, magnesium, and antioxidants, making this a meal that’s both delicious and nourishing.
Pasta dishes often get a bad rap for being carb-heavy, but when you pair them with nutrient-dense vegetables like butternut squash and spinach, you’re getting a meal that’s balanced, filling, and good for you.
Variations
There are plenty of ways to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences:
- Add protein: Toss in some grilled chicken, crispy bacon, or toasted walnuts for added texture and protein.
- Spice it up: If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or drizzle with chili oil before serving.
- Try different greens: If you don’t have spinach on hand, kale or arugula can be great substitutes.
This Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach is the perfect dish for fall — it’s creamy, cozy, and packed with flavor, yet it’s light enough to keep you feeling good. Whether you’re a vegetarian or just looking for a wholesome, meat-free meal, this recipe hits all the right notes.
The combination of roasted squash, wilted spinach, and a luscious sauce that clings to every bite of pasta will have you coming back for seconds — maybe even thirds!
Give it a try this season, and enjoy the comforting flavors of butternut squash and spinach in every delicious forkful.
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Source: Tastemade
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