This recipe for butternut squash pasta is spaghetti tossed in a creamy butternut squash sauce, then topped with bacon and herbs. An easy and delicious dinner that’s perfect for fall!
Who would have thought that butternut squash puree would make the most luxuriously creamy pasta sauce? This pasta is my favorite way to enjoy butternut squash.
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Pasta is my go-to meal choice around here these days, partially because I know that my entire family will happily eat it any night of the week! I took our usual favorite, spaghetti, and gave it some fall flavors to create this butternut squash pasta. Best of all, this meal is on the table in less than half an hour, and the delightfully creamy sauce is made with just a handful of ingredients! How can you go wrong with that?
How do you make butternut squash pasta?
This recipe starts with bacon, which is cooked until crisp. Finely diced onions and garlic get cooked in a little bacon fat which forms the base of the sauce. The sauce also contains butternut squash puree, heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Spaghetti is tossed in the sauce, then the reserved bacon goes on top with a sprinkle of parsley. Serve, and enjoy!
How to make butternut squash puree
For this recipe, you can use a box of frozen winter squash puree that’s been thawed, or you can make your own butternut squash puree. You’ll want to start with a medium sized squash, around 2 pounds in size. Cut the squash in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds. Place the squash, cut side down, in a pan with 1 inch of water. From there, you can either microwave the squash halves, covered, for 10 minutes, or bake the squash at 350 degrees F for 45 minutes. You want the cooked squash to be quite soft. Use a spoon to scoop the cooked squash out of its skin, then place the squash in a food processor and puree until smooth.
Tips for butternut squash pasta
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese tastes best in this recipe, and it melts smoother compared to pre-grated cheese, which often contains anti caking agents.
- The butternut squash sauce can be made up to 2 days before you plan to eat it, it also freezes well for later use.
- If you feel that your squash sauce is a little too thick, add some cooking water from the pasta, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached.
Pasta Variations
This pasta is delicious as-is, but you can switch up the ingredients to customize the recipe to your tastes.
- Protein: Try topping your pasta with grilled chicken, shrimp or sliced steak.
- Pasta: While I often use spaghetti for this dish, other options include linguine, farfalle, penne or even cheese tortellini.
- Vegetables: You can mix some veggies into your pasta such as kale, sauteed red onions or mushrooms.
This pasta is sure to be a hit with your family, and it’s a great way to sneak in that extra serving of veggies!
More pasta recipes you’ll enjoy
- Cheeseburger Pasta
- Philly Cheesesteak Pasta
- Taco Pasta
- Sausage and Pepper Pasta
- Chicken Parmesan Pasta
Butternut Squash Pasta Video
Butternut Squash Pasta
Ingredients
- 10 ounces spaghetti
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1/2 cup onion finely diced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic minced
- 1 1/2 cups butternut squash puree (fresh frozen or canned). If using frozen puree, thaw before use.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil; prepare the pasta according to package instructions, cooked to al dente.
- Place the bacon in a pan over medium heat. Cook for 4-5 minutes or until crisp.
- Remove the bacon from the pan and reserve for later use. Drain most of the fat from the pan, leaving about 2 teaspoons left in the pan.
- Add the onion to the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes or until softened. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add the butternut squash puree and heavy cream to the pan. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is heated through and is starting to thicken. Stir in the parmesan cheese and cook for 1 more minute.
- Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, and return it to its cooking pot.
- Place the pot over medium heat and add the butternut squash sauce. Toss to combine.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add the cooking liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
- Sprinkle the reserved bacon over the pasta, along with the parsley, then serve.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on October 17, 2016, and was updated on September 3, 2019 with new content.
Karen says
Great combo of flavors! The bacon really made this dish pop! We loved it!
Lou says
Would plain canned pumpkin work instead of the butternut puree ?
Sara says
Yes that’s fine!
Beatrice says
The combination of the butternut squash and the salty smokey bacon was amazing!
Cookilicious says
I make something similar too! Love Butternut Squash in anything..this looks so good
Colleen says
Seriously so delicious! I can’t wait to try this butternut squash pasta! Making asap.
Sarah | Wandercooks says
Perfect, I have a pumpkin sitting on the kitchen bench and was thinking what to cook with it. Problem solved!
Sophie says
I love butternut squash in anything. Love your version of pasta in sauce too. So apt for fall!
Suzy says
Wow! This came out so creamy and delicious! Definitely a fall favorite!
Lori says
SO GOOD- I love the creamy sauce and the bacon!
April says
Love this dish! Butternut squash adds so much depth to it. Delicious!
Steph says
Butternut squash is my favorite! Such a great recipe!
Echo says
I made this the other night for my family and they all thought it was amazing! who knew that butternut squash and chicken were so good together!
Jamie says
Amazing dish, the purée tasted amazing and just the right amount of sauce! Butternut squash tasted great with the chicken????❤️
Beth says
I just had this at a restaurant!!! They used bow tie pasta and added spinach leaves as garnish. Also, be careful about the bacon amount. We each had a heaping tablespoon of bacon on top and it was too much, way too salty. A heaping teaspoon would have been more than enough. Otherwise, a great dish.
Monica Richmond says
Where did you find the puree?
Sara says
My store sells it in the freezer section with the frozen veggies, it comes in boxes like this my store typically has 2-3 brands: http://www.cascadianfarm.com/products/frozen-vegetables/gourmet-boxed/winter-squash
All That I'm Eating says
Well that’s the prettiest plate of pasta I’ve seen for ages. I could just dig my fork into it now!
Jennifer @ Seasons and Suppers says
Such a beautiful dish! Love butternut pasta sauce and with that beautiful chicken and bacon, it’s very much a yes please!
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I had the best time watching your video for this recipe with my 4 1/2 year old grandson. We talked about all the ingredients as you put them in – ohhh pasta, yum bacon, etc. This looks so easy I bet he could help me make it – and it looks so good I would serve it to company. Thanks Sara!
Greg says
Looks delicious. I love the simple bold flavors.