Imagine a dish that combines the velvety richness of butternut squash with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of flavors that will transport you straight to culinary heaven. This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta Skillet is not just a meal; it's an experience that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner you can easily make at home. Perfect for cozy nights, busy weekdays, or when you want to impress your dinner guests with minimal effort, this recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to comfort food.
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 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for garnish
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ingredients: Peel and cube the butternut squash into small, uniform pieces. Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent and slightly golden, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet and stir to combine with the onions and garlic. Cook for 5 minutes, allowing the squash to soften slightly.
- Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender and easily mashed with a fork.
- While the squash is cooking, prepare the pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions, ensuring to cook it al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Once the squash is tender, use a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon to partially mash the squash, creating a rustic, creamy texture.
- Stir in the heavy cream, creating a smooth and rich sauce. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta with the creamy butternut squash sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add some reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
- Remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
- Optional: For added texture, toast some pine nuts or pumpkin seeds and sprinkle on top before serving.
Tips
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for butternut squash with smooth, matte skin and no soft spots for the best flavor and texture.
- Uniform Cutting: Cut squash into similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a consistent sauce texture.
- Don't Rush the Onions: Take time to properly caramelize onions for a deeper, sweeter flavor base.
- Al Dente is Key: Cook pasta just until tender to prevent mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
- Pasta Water Magic: Always reserve some pasta water - its starchy goodness helps create a silky, clingy sauce.
- Customize Your Dish: Experiment with different herbs like sage or thyme, or add protein like crispy pancetta or grilled chicken.
- Make It Vegetarian-Friendly: Use plant-based cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh Parmesan, toasted nuts, or herbs can elevate the dish's visual appeal and flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 12g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 55mg
