Go Back
–+ servings
Ultra close-up macro of creamy garlic butternut squash pasta with melted parmesan and crispy fried sage leaves

Creamy Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta

An ultra-comforting autumn pasta dish enrobed in a velvety roasted butternut squash and garlic cream sauce, infused with fresh sage and nutmeg, topped with crispy fried sage leaves and toasted walnuts.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 465

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Roasted Squash Puree
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta cooked al dente, 1 cup pasta water reserved
  • 4 cups cubed butternut squash roasted until fork-tender
  • 1 cup low-sodium vegetable or chicken bone broth
  • 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream or full-fat coconut cream
  • 4 cloves garlic roasted or sautéed minced
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg freshly grated preferred
  • 0.5 tsp kosher salt plus more for pasta water
  • 0.25 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
Sauté, Crispy Sage & Finishing
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or extra virgin olive oil
  • 12 leaves fresh sage fried crisp
  • 0.5 cup freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano plus extra for serving
  • 0.25 cup toasted walnuts roughly chopped for topping

Method
 

Step-by-Step Cooking Walkthrough
  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the rigatoni until al dente according to package instructions (about 10 to 12 minutes). Dip a measuring cup into the pot to reserve 1 cup of starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta.
  2. Puree Squash Sauce: In a high-powered blender or food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash cubes, broth, heavy cream, garlic, nutmeg, salt, and black pepper. Blend on high for 60 seconds until velvety smooth and creamy.
  3. Crisp the Sage: Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add fresh sage leaves and fry for 1 to 2 minutes until crispy and fragrant. Transfer fried sage leaves to a paper towel, leaving the sage-infused brown butter in the skillet.
  4. Simmer & Emulsify Pasta: Pour the smooth butternut squash puree into the skillet with the sage butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the cooked rigatoni and grated Parmigiano-Reggiano. Splash in 2 to 4 tablespoons of reserved pasta water, tossing continuously for 1 to 2 minutes until the golden sauce glosses over and clings tightly to every ridge of the pasta.
  5. Garnish & Serve Hot: Divide into warm pasta bowls. Crown with crispy fried sage leaves, toasted chopped walnuts, freshly cracked black pepper, and shaved parmesan ribbons. Serve immediately!

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 465kcalCarbohydrates: 64gProtein: 14gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 640mgFiber: 6gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 11400IUVitamin C: 32mgCalcium: 240mgIron: 3.2mg

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!