As autumn’s chill begins to settle in, there’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of pasta to lift the spirits. Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta combines the nutty richness of brown butter with the sweet earthiness of roasted butternut squash, creating a dish that captures the essence of the season.

This pasta is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Whether you’re in the mood for a vegetarian delight or want to add a savory sausage kick, this recipe caters to your cravings, making it a perfect fit for any occasion.

In just one hour, you can create a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying, ideal for cozy weeknight dinners or impressing guests at a fall gathering. Discover your new favorite pasta meal that beautifully marries seasonal ingredients with delightful flavors.

Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta – Ingredients

• Butternut Squash: This sweet, creamy vegetable serves as the heart of the dish, providing warmth and a comforting texture that embodies fall flavors.
• Red Onion: Adding a touch of sweetness and depth, the red onion complements the squash beautifully while enhancing the overall aroma of the dish.
• Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: A drizzle of this oil not only helps to roast the vegetables to perfection but also adds a rich, fruity flavor that elevates the entire dish.
• Bucatini: This unique pasta shape offers a delightful chew and captures the sauce, ensuring each bite is infused with the rich, nutty flavors.
• Sausage: Bringing a savory element, the sausage adds a robust contrast to the sweetness of the squash, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Butter: When browned, this ingredient transforms into a nutty, aromatic base that enriches the sauce, harmonizing all the flavors in a luxurious embrace.
• Garlic, Sage, and Thyme: These aromatic herbs and spices infuse the dish with an earthy essence, enhancing the comforting vibe and elevating the overall taste experience.
• Shaved Parmesan: The finishing touch, this cheese adds a salty, umami burst, perfectly balancing the sweet and savory notes of the pasta.

Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta: Enhancements and Tips

Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta is the epitome of comfort food, perfect for cozy fall evenings. To make the most of this delicious recipe, consider the following sections that will elevate your cooking experience.

Recipe Tips

1. Choose the Right Squash: When selecting butternut squash, look for a firm, heavy one with a smooth, unblemished skin. Fresh squash will roast beautifully, yielding a sweet and tender texture. For easier preparation, you can also buy pre-cubed squash from the store.
2. Control the Nutty Flavor: Browning butter is a delicate process; watch it closely to achieve the perfect nutty aroma without burning it. Stir continuously and remove it from heat as soon as it reaches a deep golden color, as residual heat will continue cooking it slightly.
3. Customize Your Pasta: Bucatini is excellent for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other pasta shapes like farfalle or penne. Just ensure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions. Adding more vegetables or substituting sausage for a plant-based option can also tailor this dish to your dietary preferences.

What to Serve with Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta

1. Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta dish, providing a satisfying crunch and a buttery complement to the rich flavors. Serve it on the side to scoop up any remaining sauce on your plate.
2. Mixed Green Salad: A light mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta. Include ingredients like arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes, topped with feta or goat cheese for added flavor and texture.
3. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: For a heartier side, consider roasting Brussels sprouts seasoned with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Their crispy edges and slightly bitter flavor will contrast beautifully with the sweet and nutty notes of the pasta.

FAQ

1. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
   Yes! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using a plant-based sausage alternative. Additionally, you can add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
2. How do I store leftovers?
   Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help revive the sauce’s creaminess.
3. Can I freeze the pasta?
   While it’s best fresh, you can freeze this pasta dish. Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
4. What can I substitute for bucatini?
   If you can’t find bucatini, you can substitute with spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine. Adjust the cooking times as needed, following the package directions for al dente pasta.

Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta

Looking for a cozy fall dinner that’s not a soup or basic chicken dinner? Enter: Brown butter butternut squash pasta. It’s warming and filling without being overly heavy, and completely customizable. Plus, this 1-hour meal is simple to whip up, making it the perfect weeknight dinner when you’re craving a cozy night in or want to impress dinner guests. Butternut squash fans—this just might be your new go-to pasta dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Course Pasta

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Ingredients

  

• 1 large butternut squash peeled, halved, and seeds removed
• 1/2 medium red onion
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
• Kosher salt to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 pound bucatini
• 1 pound sausage casings removed
• 1/2 cup 1 stick butter
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon freshly chopped sage
• 2 teaspoons freshly chopped thyme
• 1/4 cup shaved Parmesan

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F. Cut the butternut squash into half-inch cubes. In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash, red onion, and two tablespoons of olive oil, tossing until well coated. Spread the mixture evenly across two large baking sheets, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until the vegetables are fork-tender and golden, approximately 30 minutes, remembering to toss halfway through cooking.
• Step 2: In a large pot filled with boiling salted water, cook the bucatini according to the package instructions. Once cooked, reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the remaining liquid.
• Step 3: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks until it turns golden and crispy, which should take about 10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer the sausage to a plate to keep warm.
• Step 4: Return the skillet to the heat and add the butter. Allow the butter to cook until it becomes foamy, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Continue stirring until the butter emits a nutty aroma and takes on a deep golden hue, which should take around 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, sage, and thyme, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant before removing the pan from the heat.
• Step 5: To the skillet, add the cooked bucatini, sausage, roasted squash, and ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss everything together to combine. If necessary, add more pasta water to help the sauce come together smoothly.
• Step 6: Finally, top the pasta with shaved Parmesan before serving.

Keyword Brown Butter Butternut Squash Pasta