Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a pasta dish that wraps you up in a cozy hug, you’ve gotta try this brown butter sage butternut squash pasta! The moment you take that first bite, you’re hit with this absolutely divine combination of nutty, rich brown butter and the sweet, earthy flavor of roasted butternut squash. I can still remember the first time I made it for a chilly fall dinner—it was a total game-changer! Everyone gathered around the table, and the aroma filled the house, making my heart sing. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day, perfect for family gatherings or a simple weeknight meal. Trust me, comfort food lovers will be left wanting more!
Ingredients for Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta
- 8 oz pasta (your choice, I love using fettuccine or penne)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (this is where the magic happens!)
- 6 fresh sage leaves (feel free to adjust based on your love for sage)
- Salt to taste (don’t be shy!)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is the best)
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (because who doesn’t love cheese?)
How to Prepare Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta
Preheat and Roast the Squash
First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, grab your peeled and cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with a splash of olive oil, a generous pinch of salt, and some freshly cracked pepper. Make sure every piece is coated—this is key for flavor! Once your oven is hot and ready, spread the squash cubes evenly on a baking sheet. Pop them in the oven and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until they’re nice and tender. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden and slightly caramelized—yum!
Cook the Pasta
While the squash is roasting, it’s time to cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I like to use a big pot of salted water; it really helps the pasta flavor pop! Don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking. Aim for al dente, so it has a little bite to it—that’s the secret to perfect pasta! Once it’s done, reserve about a cup of that starchy pasta water (trust me, you’ll want it later) and then drain the rest.
Make the Brown Butter Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to foam. Keep an eye on it because we want it to turn a beautiful golden brown—this is where all the nutty flavor comes from! Once it’s reached that lovely brown color, toss in the fresh sage leaves. They’ll sizzle and infuse the butter with a heavenly aroma—wow! Let them cook for just about a minute, then you’re ready for the next step.
Combine and Serve
Now, it’s time to bring everything together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the brown butter and sage, then gently toss it all together. Don’t forget to add in that roasted butternut squash, too! If the pasta seems a little dry, drizzle in some of that reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Finally, serve it up warm and top with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. You’re in for a treat with this comforting dish!
Nutritional Information
Before we dive into the deliciousness, I want to remind you that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so this is just an estimate! Each serving of this brown butter sage butternut squash pasta (which is about 1/4 of the recipe) typically contains:
- Calories: 400
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
So go ahead and enjoy every bite without a worry—this dish is not just comforting, but it’s packed with flavors too!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, savory flavors that make every bite a delight.
- Vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy it.
- Perfect for fall gatherings—it’s like a warm hug on a plate.
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find.
- The combination of brown butter and sage creates a unique and delicious flavor profile.
Tips for Success
To really nail this brown butter sage butternut squash pasta, here are a few tips from my kitchen to yours! First, don’t rush the browning of the butter; keep an eye on it as it can go from perfect to burnt in a flash. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the roasted squash for an extra layer of flavor. And remember, pasta water is your friend—adding a splash can help create a silky sauce. Lastly, taste as you go! Adjust the salt and pepper until it sings with flavor. You’ve got this!
Variations of Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta
Feeling adventurous? There are plenty of ways to switch things up with this brown butter sage butternut squash pasta! For a pop of color and flavor, try adding sautéed spinach or kale—both pair beautifully with the richness of the butter. If you want to up the protein, grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp can turn this dish into a heartier meal. You can also experiment with different cheeses; goat cheese adds a tangy creaminess, while feta brings a lovely saltiness. And don’t forget about nuts! Toasted walnuts or pine nuts sprinkled on top provide a delightful crunch and extra depth. The possibilities are endless!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you happen to have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s that good!), make sure to store them properly to keep all those delicious flavors intact. Transfer any remaining brown butter sage butternut squash pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about 3 days—just remember to seal it up tight!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, the best way to reheat is on the stovetop. Just add a splash of water or broth to a skillet over medium-low heat and gently warm it up, stirring occasionally. This helps to revive the sauce and keeps the pasta from drying out. Yum!
What’s Next?
I can’t wait to hear how your brown butter sage butternut squash pasta turns out! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and share your thoughts or any little tweaks you made. And don’t be shy—snap a photo and tag me on social media! I love seeing your creations and connecting over our shared love for delicious food. If you have any questions or need tips, just ask. Happy cooking!
Print
Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta: 5 Cozy Delights
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and savory pasta dish featuring brown butter, sage, and roasted butternut squash.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it turns golden brown.
- Add the sage leaves to the browned butter and cook for an additional minute.
- Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the brown butter and sage.
- Add the roasted butternut squash and toss everything together.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Adjust the amount of sage to your taste.
- This dish pairs well with a light salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: brown butter sage butternut squash pasta
