Indulge your taste buds with a comforting bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sage Mushrooms! This Italian-inspired dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more. Imagine the rich, creamy sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta, paired with the earthy sweetness of butternut squash and the savory touch of sautéed mushrooms. With just 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up this mouthwatering meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. Ready to elevate your pasta game? Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Cube the butternut squash into small, even pieces for uniform cooking. Slice the mushrooms and chop the fresh sage. Measure out the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the pasta of your choice and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed butternut squash and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until it begins to soften. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Next, add the sliced mushrooms to the skillet with the butternut squash. Continue to sauté for another 5 minutes, or until the mushrooms are tender and have released their moisture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine, allowing the cream to heat through and thicken slightly.
- Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet, stirring until it melts and creates a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it directly to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash and mushroom sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Finally, stir in the chopped fresh sage for added flavor. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary.
- Serve the creamy butternut squash pasta hot, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few sage leaves if desired. Enjoy your delicious Italian-inspired dish!
Tips
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While any pasta will do, opt for shapes like fettuccine or penne that can hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Perfectly Cube the Squash: For even cooking, make sure to cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces. This ensures that every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: Reserving some pasta water is key! It helps to adjust the sauce’s consistency and adds a touch of starchiness that binds everything together.
- Sauté with Care: When cooking the butternut squash and mushrooms, make sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and achieve that perfect caramelization.
- Fresh Sage Matters: Using fresh sage instead of dried will elevate the dish's flavor profile, adding a vibrant aroma that complements the creamy sauce.
- Adjust to Your Taste: Feel free to tweak the seasoning or add more Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy finish. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a delightful kick!
- Garnish for Presentation: Serve your pasta with a sprinkle of extra Parmesan and a few fresh sage leaves for a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests.
- Make it a Meal: Pair this dish with a light salad or some crusty bread to round out your meal and enjoy a complete dining experience.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 40mg
