There’s something truly magical about the combination of brown butter, sage, and roasted butternut squash in this pasta dish. Every time I make this brown butter sage butternut squash pasta, it feels like a warm hug on a plate. The nuttiness of the brown butter perfectly complements the earthy flavor of the sage, while the roasted butternut squash adds a sweet, caramelized richness that makes every bite irresistible. I love how comforting this dish is; it’s like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket on a chilly evening. Plus, it’s a vegetarian delight that’s both elegant and simple to prepare. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be dreaming about it long after the last forkful! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients List
To whip up this delicious brown butter sage butternut squash pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 12 oz pasta (your choice, I love using farfalle or pappardelle for a fun twist!)
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (don’t skimp on the butter, it’s the star of the show!)
- 6-8 fresh sage leaves (the fresher, the better for that aromatic flavor)
- Salt to taste (I usually go with sea salt for a little extra flavor)
- Pepper to taste (freshly cracked black pepper adds a nice kick)
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional, but trust me, it’s a lovely addition!)
How to Prepare brown butter sage butternut squash pasta
Now, let’s get down to the fun part—making this delightful brown butter sage butternut squash pasta! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to pasta perfection in no time.
Step 1 – Preheat and Roast
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s warming up, take your diced butternut squash and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash on a baking sheet in a single layer—this ensures it roasts beautifully. Pop it in the oven and let it roast for about 25-30 minutes until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. Yum!
Step 2 – Cook the Pasta
While your squash is roasting, go ahead and cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually set a timer so I don’t forget! Once it’s al dente, drain it, but don’t rinse it—that starchy goodness helps the sauce stick later. Just set it aside and let it hang out for a bit.
Step 3 – Make the Brown Butter Sauce
In a skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Keep an eye on it as it melts, and once it starts to foam, toss in those fresh sage leaves. Stir occasionally until the butter turns a gorgeous golden brown and smells nutty—about 3-5 minutes. This is where the magic happens!
Step 4 – Combine and Serve
Now, for the grand finale! Add the roasted butternut squash and cooked pasta into the skillet with the brown butter and sage. Toss everything together gently, allowing those flavors to mingle. Serve it up hot, and if you want that extra touch, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top. Trust me, it’s the cherry on top of this cozy dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Incredible flavor: The combination of nutty brown butter, aromatic sage, and sweet roasted butternut squash creates an unforgettable taste experience.
- Easy to make: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this impressive dish in under an hour—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Vegetarian-friendly: This pasta is not only delicious but also a hearty, meatless option that everyone will enjoy.
- Comfort food: It’s the kind of cozy meal that feels like a warm hug, making it ideal for chilly evenings or gatherings with loved ones.
Tips for Success
To make sure your brown butter sage butternut squash pasta turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few tips that I swear by! First, don’t rush the roasting process—let the butternut squash get that lovely caramelization for maximum sweetness. If you want to kick things up a notch, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the brown butter for an extra layer of flavor. Also, feel free to swap out the pasta type based on your preference; whole wheat or gluten-free options work beautifully here! And if you have any leftover roasted squash, toss it in salads or soups for a delicious twist. Lastly, always taste as you go; adjusting the salt and pepper to your liking is key to making this dish truly shine!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this delicious brown butter sage butternut squash pasta. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Sugar: 3g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on ingredient choices and portion sizes. Enjoy your meal guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Here are some common questions I get about this delicious brown butter sage butternut squash pasta, along with a few helpful answers!
Can I use a different type of squash?
Absolutely! While butternut squash is my favorite for its sweetness, you can experiment with acorn or pumpkin for a different flavor profile. Just keep an eye on the roasting time, as different squashes may cook at different rates!
How can I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat gently on the stove or microwave to enjoy it again!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can roast the squash and cook the pasta in advance. Just combine everything right before serving for the best flavor and freshness.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
If you’re looking for a cheese alternative, try nutritional yeast for a vegan option or a sprinkle of pecorino for a similar flavor. Both will add a lovely savory touch!
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Grilled chicken or sautéed shrimp would be fantastic additions, adding a nice protein boost while still keeping the dish deliciously satisfying.
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your brown butter sage butternut squash pasta experience, consider serving it with a light arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette. The peppery greens add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. For a heartier meal, pair it with some crusty garlic bread, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, a glass of crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc, will complement the flavors beautifully. Trust me, these sides will take your cozy dinner to the next level!
Imprimer
Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta: 5 Cozy Secrets
- Temps Total: 50 minutes
- Rendement: 4 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A flavorful pasta dish featuring brown butter, sage, and roasted butternut squash.
Ingrédients
- 12 oz pasta (your choice)
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6–8 fresh sage leaves
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, grated (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add sage leaves and cook until butter turns golden brown.
- Add the roasted squash and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Serve with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use any pasta type you prefer.
- Adjust the amount of sage based on your taste.
- Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 35 minutes
- Catégorie: Main Course
- Méthode: Roasting and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sucre: 3g
- De Sodium: 150mg
- La graisse: 22g
- Graisses Saturées: 10g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 10g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 55g
- La fibre: 4g
- La protéine: 12g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 30mg
Mots-clés: brown butter sage butternut squash pasta
