Butternut Sauce Recipe Vegan: Easy, Creamy, and Delicious

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Butternut squash is a true fall favorite, known for its naturally sweet, nutty flavor and velvety texture. When transformed into a creamy vegan butternut sauce, it elevates any dish from simple to spectacular.

This sauce is not only rich and comforting but also incredibly versatile, making it a staple for plant-based meals. Whether you’re drizzling it over pasta, using it as a dip, or adding a luscious touch to roasted vegetables, this vegan butternut sauce recipe is sure to become your go-to.

Plus, it’s packed with wholesome ingredients and free from dairy, so it’s perfect for those following a vegan lifestyle or anyone looking to enjoy a delicious, healthful meal.

In this blog post, I will guide you through an easy-to-follow recipe, share some tips and variations, and offer ideas on how to serve this delightful sauce. Get ready to bring warmth and rich flavor to your table with this creamy vegan butternut sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan butternut sauce recipe is a game-changer in the kitchen. It combines the natural sweetness of butternut squash with a silky smooth texture that rivals any dairy-based cream sauce.

Made entirely with plant-based ingredients, it’s dairy-free, gluten-free, and nutrient-rich.

It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring only simple ingredients and minimal prep time. You can customize the seasoning to suit your taste, making it perfect for a variety of dishes from pasta to grain bowls.

Best of all, it stores well, so you can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy the comforting flavor all week long.

If you enjoy wholesome, tasty, and versatile sauces that can brighten up your meals effortlessly, this recipe will instantly become a favorite!

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 cups peeled and cubed)
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for a cheesy flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup vegetable broth (optional, for thinning the sauce)
  • Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board
  • Medium-sized pot or saucepan
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler (for the butternut squash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butternut squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into roughly 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
  2. Cook the squash: In a medium pot, add the butternut cubes and cover with water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 12-15 minutes, until the squash is fork-tender. Drain and set aside.
  3. Sauté aromatics: While the squash cooks, heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 4-5 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
  4. Blend the sauce: In a blender, combine the cooked squash, sautéed onion and garlic, almond milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, smoked paprika, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add vegetable broth a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  5. Heat the sauce: Pour the blended sauce back into the saucepan and warm over low heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Serve and garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer sauce, try using canned coconut milk instead of almond milk. It adds a subtle creaminess while keeping the recipe vegan.

You can roast the butternut squash instead of boiling it for a deeper flavor. Simply toss cubes with a bit of olive oil and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized before blending.

If you want a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes. For a herbaceous twist, blend in fresh basil or sage.

To make this sauce nut-free, stick with oat or rice milk instead of almond milk. Nutritional yeast is key for that savory, cheesy flavor, but if you don’t have it, a tablespoon of tahini can add creaminess and depth.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently to maintain the creamy texture.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving (1/4 cup)
Calories 90 kcal
Carbohydrates 15 g
Protein 3 g
Fat 3.5 g
Fiber 3 g
Sugar 4 g
Vitamin A 120% DV
Vitamin C 15% DV
Calcium 10% DV
Iron 8% DV

Serving Suggestions

This vegan butternut sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started:

  • Over pasta: Toss it with your favorite pasta for a creamy, dairy-free alternative to alfredo or cheese sauces.
  • As a dip: Serve warm with crusty bread, vegetable sticks, or crackers.
  • On roasted veggies: Drizzle it over roasted Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, or root vegetables for a flavor boost.
  • In grain bowls: Use it as a dressing over quinoa, farro, or rice bowls with roasted or fresh veggies.
  • With tofu or tempeh: Pour over grilled or baked tofu and tempeh for a rich, comforting meal.

For more creative vegan sauce ideas, check out our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe or try the delicious Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes for added inspiration.

Conclusion

Creating a luscious vegan butternut sauce is easier than you might think, and the results are truly rewarding. This recipe highlights the natural sweetness and creaminess of butternut squash while keeping everything plant-based and wholesome.

Its versatility makes it a must-have in any vegan kitchen, perfect for adding richness to a variety of dishes without any dairy.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based cooking, this sauce offers a delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce in a comforting, nutritious form. Don’t forget to experiment with spices and herbs to make it your own.

For more tasty recipes and ideas, be sure to explore our collection including the hearty Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe and the refreshing Lemon Straws Recipe. Enjoy cooking and savor every bite!

📖 Recipe Card: Butternut Sauce Recipe Vegan

Description: A creamy and flavorful vegan butternut squash sauce perfect for pasta or grain bowls. Rich in nutrients and easy to prepare.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
  • 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for 20 minutes until tender.
  3. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  4. Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, and smoked paprika to the pan.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes, then blend the mixture until smooth.
  6. Adjust seasoning, garnish with parsley, and serve warm.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 8 g | Carbs: 25 g

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Marta K

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