50 Fall Recipes and Dinner Ideas Pasta Recipe

Get Cozy with Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta: A Perfect Fall Recipe!

As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of a hearty pasta dish. Gather your family around the dinner table to enjoy a creamy butternut squash pasta that tastes just as delightful as it looks! This dish combines a rich, velvety sauce with al dente pasta for a meal that is both satisfying and elegant.

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (your choice: fettuccine, penne, or rotini)
• For the Creamy Sauce:
  • 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
  • 1/2 cup raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 2-3 cups vegetable broth
  • Olive oil (for cooking)
  • Fresh sage leaves (for garnish)
  • Optional: Grated Parmesan (for serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Roast the Squash

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. On a baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of salt.
3. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, turning halfway, until tender and slightly caramelized. Enjoy the autumn aroma wafting through your kitchen!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. In a blender, combine the roasted butternut squash, soaked cashews, garlic, onion powder, nutmeg, and salt.
2. Add 2 cups of vegetable broth and blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add additional broth or reserved pasta water little by little until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

1. In the same pasta pot, add the creamy sauce to the cooked pasta and toss over medium heat until the pasta is evenly coated.
2. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more salt or nutmeg if desired.
3. Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan if you like.

Tips for Family-Friendly Enjoyment:

• Involve the Kids: Let your little ones sprinkle the sage or help toss the pasta with the sauce!
• Variations: Swap out butternut squash for pumpkin or sweet potato for a different twist.
• Pair it Up: A side salad or some crusty bread makes a great addition to this filling meal!

As the days grow shorter and the nights cooler, cozy up with this comforting bowl of creamy butternut squash pasta. Perfect for sharing with family, it’s sure to become a favorite in your collection of 50 Fall Recipes and Dinner Ideas. Enjoy!