Butternut Squash Sauce Recipe Vegan and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Butternut squash is a true autumn favorite, beloved for its naturally sweet and nutty flavor. When transformed into a creamy sauce, it becomes a versatile and comforting addition to any meal.

This vegan butternut squash sauce recipe is not only easy to prepare but also packed with wholesome ingredients that bring out the best in this seasonal vegetable. Whether you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative to creamy sauces or simply want to add a nutritious twist to your pasta, grain bowls, or roasted veggies, this sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

With its silky texture and subtle warmth from spices, this sauce is perfect for cozy dinners or meal prepping ahead. Plus, it’s entirely plant-based, making it suitable for vegans and anyone seeking a healthier lifestyle without sacrificing flavor.

Ready to dive into a deliciously smooth, comforting sauce that celebrates fall flavors? Let’s get started!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan butternut squash sauce stands out for several reasons:

  • Simple ingredients: Made with pantry staples and fresh produce, no complicated or hard-to-find items needed.
  • Rich and creamy texture: Thanks to the natural creaminess of butternut squash and a touch of plant-based milk or cashews.
  • Versatility: Use it as a pasta sauce, dip, spread, or even a base for soups and casseroles.
  • Nutritious and vegan: Packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and zero dairy or animal products.
  • Customizable flavors: Easily adjust spices and herbs to suit your taste preferences, making it a flexible addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2-3 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon ground sage
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Sharp knife and cutting board
  • Blender or immersion blender
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Peeler (for butternut squash)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the butternut squash: Peel the squash carefully using a vegetable peeler. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds, and chop into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Cook the squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the pot and stir to combine with the onion and garlic. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the squash is very tender.
  4. Blend until smooth: Remove the pot from heat. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture until silky smooth. Alternatively, transfer in batches to a blender and blend until creamy.
  5. Add milk and seasonings: Stir in the coconut milk, ground sage, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want a bit of brightness, add the lemon juice now.
  6. Warm through: Return the pot to low heat and warm the sauce gently for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Do not boil.
  7. Serve and garnish: Pour the sauce over your favorite pasta, roasted vegetables, or grain bowls. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

“For an extra creamy and rich sauce, soak 1/4 cup raw cashews in hot water for 15 minutes, then blend them with the cooked squash mixture.”

  • Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a smoky heat.
  • Herb variations: Swap sage for thyme or rosemary to change the flavor profile.
  • Make it nut-free: Use unsweetened oat or rice milk instead of nut milks or coconut milk.
  • Storage: This sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories 140
Fat 7g
Saturated Fat 4g
Carbohydrates 18g
Fiber 3g
Sugar 5g
Protein 2g
Vitamin A 280% DV
Vitamin C 25% DV
Calcium 6% DV

Serving Suggestions

This creamy vegan butternut squash sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Try it drizzled over freshly cooked pasta for a comforting meal, or use it as a creamy base for vegan lasagna.

It also works wonderfully as a dipping sauce for roasted vegetables or grain bowls featuring quinoa or farro.

For a complete meal, consider pairing this sauce with sautéed kale or spinach, and a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for added texture and nutrients. If you love experimenting with flavors, combine it with Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe to create a unique fusion of creamy and zesty tastes.

Don’t forget to check out other delicious and wholesome recipes like Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes and the hearty Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food to complement your seasonal cooking adventures.

Conclusion

This vegan butternut squash sauce recipe is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall while keeping your meals light, healthy, and satisfying. Its creamy texture and warm spices make it an excellent alternative to traditional dairy-based sauces, perfect for anyone embracing a plant-based lifestyle or simply looking to enjoy more vegetables in their diet.

With easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a recipe that even beginners can confidently master. Once you try it, you’ll find endless ways to incorporate this sauce into your weekly meal rotation, from cozy pastas to nourishing bowls.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with the suggested tips and variations to make it truly your own. Happy cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Butternut Squash Sauce Recipe Vegan

Description: A creamy and flavorful vegan sauce made from roasted butternut squash, perfect for pasta or grain bowls. This sauce is rich, healthy, and easy to prepare.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup canned coconut milk
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 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 1 tablespoon olive oil and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
  3. Heat remaining olive oil in a pan over medium heat; sauté onion and garlic until translucent.
  4. Add roasted squash, vegetable broth, coconut milk, nutritional yeast, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to the pan.
  5. Simmer for 5 minutes, then transfer to a blender and blend until smooth.
  6. Adjust seasoning if needed and serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 kcal | Protein: 3 g | Fat: 9 g | Carbs: 22 g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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