Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

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Creamy, nutty, and savory with just a hint of sweetness, Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta is the kind of dish that makes a cozy night at home feel like a special occasion. The roasted butternut squash brings warmth and silkiness to each bite, while the brown butter and crispy sage elevate the flavor to restaurant-worthy elegance.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something deeply comforting, this pasta dish is a stunning choice. It tastes like fall in a bowl and is surprisingly simple to put together, relying on just a few ingredients that pack a lot of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

This recipe feels like the ultimate comfort food while still being wholesome. The butternut squash delivers velvety texture and natural sweetness, perfectly balanced by the nuttiness of browned butter and earthy sage. It’s ideal for cozy dinners, yet fancy enough to serve at gatherings. And the best part? It all comes together in under an hour.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

You can use any pasta you love here, but short pasta like rigatoni, penne, or orecchiette works especially well for catching all that luscious sauce. If you prefer long noodles, fettuccine or tagliatelle are also great options. Just be sure to cook the pasta al dente, so it doesn’t get too soft once tossed with the creamy squash sauce.

Ingredients for the Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

This pasta leans on seasonal ingredients to build rich flavor with minimal effort. Each component brings something essential to the table, from depth to creaminess to aroma.

• Butternut squash: Roasted until tender and caramelized, this is the sweet and creamy base of the sauce.
• Pasta: Use short or long pasta shapes that can hold the sauce well.
• Unsalted butter: Browned to a golden, nutty perfection, this adds richness and depth.
• Fresh sage: Fried in the butter to bring a crisp texture and an aromatic flavor that defines the dish.
• Garlic: Adds a savory undertone that balances the sweetness of the squash.
• Parmesan cheese: Brings sharpness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning.
• Pasta water: Helps loosen the sauce and make it glossy and smooth.

How To Make the Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

Step 1: Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Peel and cube the butternut squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast for 25-30 minutes until golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Boil your pasta in salted water until just al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Make the Brown Butter Sage Sauce

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it starts to brown and smell nutty. Add the fresh sage leaves and fry until crispy. Remove the leaves and set aside for garnish.

Step 4: Blend the Squash Sauce

Add roasted squash, garlic, a splash of pasta water, and some Parmesan into a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Adjust the texture with more pasta water if needed.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Pour the squash sauce into the brown butter skillet, stir to combine, then toss in the cooked pasta. Mix well until the sauce coats every bite. Finish with more Parmesan, crispy sage, and a few grinds of black pepper.

How to Serve and Store Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

This recipe serves about 4 people, making it ideal for a cozy family meal or an elegant dinner for guests. It’s best served hot straight from the skillet, with extra Parmesan and sage on top.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or milk to restore the creaminess. It doesn’t freeze well due to the dairy and squash base, so enjoy it fresh whenever possible.

What to Serve With Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta?

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

The crisp texture and slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts balance the creamy sweetness of the pasta.

Warm Garlic Bread

Perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce on your plate.

Simple Arugula Salad

A lemony arugula salad cuts through the richness with peppery freshness.

Grilled Chicken Thighs

If you want to add some protein, lightly seasoned grilled chicken works beautifully.

Caramelized Onions with Balsamic

Their deep sweetness matches the roasted notes of the squash.

Sauteed Kale

Adds a hearty, earthy component to round out the plate.

A Glass of Chardonnay

A buttery white wine pairs wonderfully with the sage and browned butter.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this rich and creamy squash pasta, you might want to try these other pasta favorites:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta Recipe
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go for rigatoni or fettuccine? Try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat?

I love seeing how others make these recipes their own. Share your variations, and don’t hesitate to ask questions—let’s make pasta nights even better.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and seasonal dishes on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for cozy weeknight recipes.

Conclusion

Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta isn’t just another fall dinner idea—it’s a full flavor experience. With the sweet silkiness of squash, the depth of brown butter, and the crispy bite of fried sage, this dish turns a simple evening into a memorable one. Ready in under an hour, made with everyday ingredients, and sure to satisfy—this is comfort food done right.

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