Butternut squash pasta sauce is an absolute game-changer for anyone looking to enjoy a creamy, comforting, and vegan-friendly meal. This naturally sweet and velvety sauce offers a delightful alternative to traditional cream-based pasta sauces, making it perfect for those who want to indulge without dairy.
With the subtle nuttiness of roasted butternut squash combined with fragrant herbs and spices, this sauce is both nourishing and packed with flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply exploring plant-based options, these butternut squash pasta sauce recipes will inspire you to create vibrant dishes that everyone will love.
In this blog post, we’ll explore multiple delicious vegan butternut squash pasta sauce recipes, each bringing unique twists to this versatile ingredient. From simple roasted blends to rich, spiced variations, you’ll find recipes suited for every occasion.
Plus, we’ll share tips on perfect pairings, nutritional insights, and handy equipment suggestions to streamline your cooking process. Let’s dive into the world of creamy, dreamy butternut squash pasta sauces that celebrate plant-based goodness!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Butternut squash pasta sauces are a delicious way to add depth and creaminess to your meals without relying on dairy or heavy creams. The natural sweetness of the squash blends perfectly with savory herbs, creating a balanced flavor profile that complements a variety of pasta types.
These recipes are packed with nutrients, including vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a healthy addition to your weeknight dinners. They’re also incredibly versatile and can be customized to fit your taste preferences, whether you prefer a hint of spice, a garlicky punch, or a fresh herbal aroma.
Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip up a nourishing meal in under an hour.
If you enjoy exploring vegan recipes, you’ll also love these other plant-based delights: Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe, Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes, and Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or any plant-based cream alternative
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish
- 1 pound pasta of choice (gluten-free if preferred)
Equipment
- Baking sheet – for roasting the butternut squash
- Large skillet or sauté pan – to cook the aromatics and sauce
- Blender or food processor – to puree the sauce until smooth
- Large pot – for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula – for stirring
- Knife and cutting board – to prep vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare and roast the butternut squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the cubes evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Sauté the aromatics: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika, stirring for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Blend the sauce: Transfer the roasted squash and sautéed onion mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the vegetable broth and coconut milk. Blend until smooth and creamy. Add nutritional yeast, if using, for a cheesy depth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Simmer the sauce: Pour the blended sauce back into the skillet and warm over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add more vegetable broth or pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Toss and serve: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
“Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds a lovely depth to the sauce.”
- Add a spicy kick: Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced chipotle pepper in adobo to the sauté step.
- Make it nutty: Stir in 2 tablespoons of almond or cashew butter when blending for extra creaminess and richness.
- Herbal twists: Swap thyme for sage or rosemary for a rustic flavor profile.
- Garlic lovers: Roast some garlic cloves alongside the squash to add mellow sweetness and depth.
- Use fresh sage and nutritional yeast for a vegan “cheesy” butternut flavor.
- For a lighter sauce: Use unsweetened almond milk instead of coconut milk, and reduce the olive oil.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 320 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 55 g |
Protein | 7 g |
Fat | 8 g |
Fiber | 8 g |
Vitamin A | 240% DV |
Vitamin C | 30% DV |
Calcium | 6% DV |
Iron | 10% DV |
Serving Suggestions
This creamy butternut squash sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of pasta shapes — from long strands like spaghetti or linguine to short, textured options like penne or rigatoni. It also works wonderfully as a base for baked pasta dishes or lasagna.
For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, kale, or mushrooms. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the sauce.
For extra protein, add pan-fried tofu cubes or your favorite vegan sausage.
Try pairing this sauce with recipes like Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula for a fresh, herbaceous twist or complement it with a crunchy side like Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes.
Delicious Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Recipes Vegan
Classic Roasted Butternut Squash Sauce
This straightforward recipe captures the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with simple aromatics and coconut milk for creaminess.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Roast squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 400°F for 30 minutes.
- Sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Blend squash, onion mixture, broth, and coconut milk until smooth.
- Reheat sauce in skillet, adjust seasoning, and serve over pasta.
Spiced Butternut Squash and Sage Sauce
This version adds warming spices and fresh sage for an earthier, autumnal flavor perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 shallot, minced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup cashew cream or coconut milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast squash as in the classic recipe.
- Sauté shallot, garlic, and sage with spices.
- Blend all ingredients with broth and cream until smooth.
- Warm through and serve with your favorite pasta.
Garlic Roasted Butternut Squash Alfredo (Vegan)
A rich and garlicky twist on classic Alfredo, using roasted squash and cashew cream for luscious texture.
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash, cubed
- 4 garlic cloves, peeled and roasted
- 1/2 cup soaked cashews
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast squash and garlic at 400°F until soft.
- Blend roasted squash, garlic, soaked cashews, broth, nutritional yeast, and olive oil until creamy.
- Heat sauce gently in a pan and season to taste.
- Toss with fettuccine or linguine and serve.
Conclusion
These vegan butternut squash pasta sauce recipes beautifully showcase the versatility of this humble vegetable, transforming it into rich, creamy sauces that satisfy both comfort food cravings and health-conscious eating.
Whether you prefer a simple roasted squash blend or a spiced, garlicky alfredo, these sauces are easy to prepare and pair wonderfully with a variety of pastas and side dishes.
Embracing plant-based meals doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or indulgence. With just a handful of wholesome ingredients and basic kitchen equipment, you can create vibrant dishes that nourish your body and delight your taste buds.
Try experimenting with the tips and variations, and don’t forget to check out other delicious recipes like the Instant Pot Rabbit Recipe (for non-vegans), or if you want to stick fully plant-based, explore more vegan delights like the Harvest Hash Recipe.
Happy cooking and enjoy your creamy butternut squash pasta creations!
📖 Recipe Card: Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce Vegan
Description: A creamy and flavorful vegan pasta sauce made from roasted butternut squash, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a comforting plant-based meal.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
- 8 oz pasta of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast for 20 minutes until tender.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- Heat remaining olive oil in a pan; sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
- Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, almond milk, nutritional yeast, thyme, and smoked paprika to the pan.
- Simmer for 5 minutes, then blend the mixture until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Toss sauce with pasta and garnish with fresh basil if desired.
- Serve warm.
Nutrition: Calories: 320 kcal | Protein: 8 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 55 g
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