This simple butternut squash pasta sauce is quick and easy to make. It's creamy, comforting and perfect with pasta or gnocchi. Plus you can prepare it ahead, too.
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I'll be honest, this recipe originally came about a little by accident, as sometimes happens. I had been planing to work on some sauce recipes anyway, but a particular conversation sparked this squash sauce.
A friend had said she had liked the sound of my acorn squash gnocchi, but then had been a little intimidated by the fact they were gnocchi made from scratch - she had thought it was a sauce at first.
I decided to get to work on some good sauces that would be work with homemade gnocchi if you had the time, but that would also be good with store-bought if you didn't. And since we had been talking about squash, where better place to start.
Roasting brings out the natural sweetness in the squash that then combines perfectly with a smooth, creamy finish as well. A little parmesan for extra flavor and you're just about there.
How to make butternut squash sauce
This is really one of the simplest recipes as it only consists of pureed butternut squash, cream, stock, parmesan and a little nutmeg. But they go together to make a deliciously smooth, flavorful sauce that works perfectly with both gnocchi and pasta.
After roasting the squash, you then simply blend it with everything else. At this point, if you want you can store and then simply re-heat when needed.
If it's a little thick, you can thin it out with a little pasta cooking water. Feel free to add a little more cream or cheese for more of those flavors and textures, too.
A use for leftover roast squash
While I have written the recipe as being from scratch, it's also a great way to use up any leftover squash you may have from another meal. Butternut is definitely one of the best choices, but other sweeter winter squashes such as kabocha, red kuri or honeynut would also work well.
This butternut squash pasta sauce is so easy to make, especially if you have leftover cooked squash. It makes a delicious change from your more usual sauces for gnocchi and pasta and works so well. Give it a try and you'll see what I mean.
Try these other tasty ways to serve gnocchi and pasta:
- Gnocchi with pork and fennel
- Creamy bacon sauce with spinach (for pasta/gnocchi)
- Pesto alla Trapanese (a Sicilian pesto made with almonds and raw tomato)
- Plus get more sauce and condiment recipes in the archives.
Butternut squash pasta sauce
Ingredients
- 8 oz butternut squash 225g, peeled and deseeded weight
- ½ tablespoon olive oil approx
- ¼ cup heavy cream 60ml double cream
- ¼ cup light chicken stock 60ml, or vegetable stock
- ½ cup parmesan 20g, finely grated
- 1 pinch nutmeg (optional, or a little more to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F/200C.
- Cut the squash into bite sized pieces, arrange on a baking sheet/tray and drizzle over the olive oil. Toss the chunks of squash to evenly coat.
- Roast the squash until tender and the edges are starting to become slightly brown and caramelized, around 25 - 40 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly.
- Once the squash has cooled enough to handle, place in a blender or food processor with the cream, stock, parmesan and nutmeg. Blend until smooth. At this point, you can transfer the sauce to a container and store in the fridge for a day or two until needed, warm before using.
- Stir through pasta, using some pasta cooking water to thin out the sauce a little, as needed. Alternatively, use with gnocchi (you may also need a little of the hot water from cooking to thin).
Nutrition
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This post was first shared in January 2015 and has been updated, primarily with new photos.
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Myke
Do you think this would be just as good with acorn Squash? I have one In looking to use and I love this idea.
Caroline's Cooking
Yes, I think you could - acorn squash has a little different flavor and is not as sweet, so it won't turn out quite the same but I still think it should work fine.
LDann
Just made this for lunch. It tastes fab with spinach gnocchi!
Caroline's Cooking
So glad you enjoyed it! I agree, a tasty combination.
Terri-lynn Picard
I just made the Gnocchi for the very first time ever. I have always wanted to try these. I found them to be pretty bland, not sure if that is the way they are supposed to be or not. I will try the Butternut sauce to see if that helps. They are very light and fluffy. I'm undecided if i like them or not. Do you have any recommendations on what to serve them with?
Caroline's Cooking
I can understand that you might find gnocchi bland, they are a relatively delicate flavor. Light and fluffy is really more what they are about than packing a flavor punch. If you prefer things more flavorful, then maybe have them with pesto or else these are two flavorful ways: http://www.carolinescooking.com/creamy-bacon-sauce-with-spinach/ and http://www.carolinescooking.com/gnocchi-with-fennel-and-pork/
Choclette
What a fantabulous idea. I adore squash, but would never have thought to pair it with cream as a pasta sauce.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it really is delicious!
Heather
This sounds so delicious! I love butternut squash soup, but I never thought of making it in to a pasta sauce! I can't wait to try this one! Thanks for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Heather, I hope you enjoy!
Ginger
The nutmeg is such a great idea! I'll have to give that a try soon!
Selma | Selma's Table
Hi Caroline, I am one of the co-hosts for Angie's Fiesta Friday and would like to say thank you so much for sharing such a delicious sounding yet simple pasta sauce with us. I love butternut and will definitely add this to my list to try out! I read somewhere that it takes quite a few presentations (without a fuss) of the same food for the child to finally accept it so just keep plugging away - before you know it, you will be sitting round the table with teenagers, all eating the same delicious food! Happy Fiesta Friday!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Selma! Actually he has a great palette for his age, he did eat almost anything when he was younger but that changes a little as they get to the 2/3yr age. He will grow out of it, hopefully before he is a teenager! And at least he loves some pretty healthy things just now!
Chelsey
This sounds amazing! It would make a lovely substitute for regular pasta sauce one night. Pinning and stumbling. Thanks for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Chelsey, it is really tasty, hope you enjoy!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake
Ooh this sauce this look delicious, I love butternut squash so I bet it makes an amazing sauce! Will have to try this one!
Hilda
This is a great idea when I am not up to making gnocchi but want that squash pasta combination. Thanks for sharing and happy FF.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Hilda. Yes it's nice and easy and a great way to perk up bought gnocchi.