Name: Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 cups cubed butternut squash; 6-10 cloves garlic; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh rosemary; Crushed red pepper flakes, pinch; Kosher salt, pinch; Black pepper, pinch; 8 slices prosciutto; 1/2 cup ricotta cheese; 1 pound long or short cut pasta; 2 tablespoons salted butter; 1 tablespoon fresh chopped sage; 1/2 cup shredded gouda cheese; 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 22 reviews

If you’re craving a pasta dish that’s both comforting and impressive, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe. Honestly, it’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together easily—plus, the flavors get better each time you make it. I can’t wait to walk you through it and share some tips that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds sing!

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Why This Recipe Works

Balance of Flavors: The sweetness of roasted butternut squash pairs beautifully with savory herbs and salty prosciutto, creating a rich flavor profile.
Silky Texture: Roasting the garlic and squash before pureeing results in a creamy, velvety sauce without any heavy cream.
Simple Ingredients, Big Impact: Using just a handful of fresh herbs and cheeses elevates this dish beyond typical pasta dinners.
Versatile and Comforting: Whether for a weeknight dinner or a small gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels cozy and special.

Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta, healthy vegetarian pasta, fall dinner recipes, easy seasonal pasta ideas, comforting squash pasta dish - A white bowl filled with thick, creamy yellow pasta spirals coated in a rich sauce, topped with dark reddish-brown crispy pieces and small green herb leaves scattered over the top. The pasta is piled high in the middle with sauce clinging to each spiral, and grated white cheese sprinkled on top. A silver fork rests on the edge of the bowl, and a woman's hand is holding the bowl on a white marbled surface with a soft gray and blue striped cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe plays an important role. From the flavorful herbs to the creamy cheeses, together they create a sauce that’s anything but ordinary. Here’s a little on why I love each one and some tips for picking yours out.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A high-quality EVOO is key here—it adds fruity depth and helps roast the veggies perfectly.
Butternut Squash: Pick a firm, medium-sized squash with no soft spots; the natural sweetness shines after roasting.
Garlic: Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and adds a delicious nuttiness to the sauce.
Fresh Thyme and Rosemary: These herbs bring earthiness and piney notes that complement the sweetness and creaminess.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Just a pinch adds a nice, subtle heat that wakes up the whole dish.
Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for balancing flavors—you’ll adjust these to taste after blending.
Prosciutto: Crisps up nicely in the oven, adding a salty, crispy bite as a finishing touch.
Ricotta Cheese: This makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without heaviness and adds subtle sweetness.
Pasta: You can use long pasta like linguine or short pasta like penne—the sauce clings well to both.
Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps brown the garlic and herbs for deep flavor.
Fresh Sage: A flavor powerhouse—complements the rosemary perfectly and adds warmth.
Gouda Cheese: Melts beautifully with a mild smokiness that enriches the sauce.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharpness and umami for that irresistible “cheesy” finish.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how this Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe allows for creative tweaks. Play with the herbs or the type of cheese to fit what you have on hand, and trust your palate—it’ll reward you.

Vegetarian Version: Skip the prosciutto and add toasted walnuts for crunch, or swap it for sautéed mushrooms to keep it hearty.
Spicy Twist: If you like heat, increase the red pepper flakes and add a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce. I’ve done this for a game night and it was a hit!
Dairy-Free: Use a vegan ricotta alternative and nutritional yeast in place of cheeses to keep it creamy and flavorful.
Seasonal Flavor: Swap rosemary with fresh basil or parsley in the warmer months for a fresher herb profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash & Garlic

Start by heating your oven to 400°F. Toss cubed butternut squash, whole garlic cloves, fresh thyme, a tablespoon of rosemary, and a drizzle of olive oil on a baking sheet. Don’t forget a pinch of red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper—that little kick brightens the roasted flavors. I like to spread these out so everything caramelizes nicely. Then arrange the prosciutto slices around the squash so they crisp up alongside. Roast for 20 minutes, check the prosciutto crispiness, then keep baking another 10-15 minutes until the squash is tender and everything smells amazing.

Step 2: Puree the Sauce

Once roasted and cooled a bit, transfer the butternut squash, garlic, and fresh ricotta cheese into your food processor. Puree everything until smooth and silky, like a luscious soup base. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning—more salt or pepper can elevate it just right. This step is magic—it transforms simple veggies into a creamy sauce you’ll want to dive into.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Get a large pot of salted water boiling and add your pasta, cooking it until just al dente—firm to the bite, not mushy. Before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water; trust me, it’s gold for adjusting sauce consistency later. Then drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 4: Finish the Sauce & Combine

Heat salted butter in a large skillet and add the chopped sage and remaining rosemary. Let the butter brown slightly to bring out a nutty aroma—this little trick makes a huge flavor difference. Stir in your butternut squash puree along with half a cup of the reserved pasta water. Toss in shredded gouda and grated parmesan, stirring until everything melts and combines into a creamy sauce. If it’s too thick, add a splash more pasta water to loosen it up. Then add the pasta right into the skillet, tossing gently so every noodle gets coated.

Step 5: Serve, Garnish & Enjoy

Plate your pasta and sprinkle extra parmesan on top. Crispy prosciutto slices make the perfect finishing touch, adding crunch and savory contrast. I like to twirl my pasta with a fork and dig in while it’s warm and inviting—you’ll love how comforting and flavorful each bite is.

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Tips from My Kitchen

Don’t Skip Roasting Whole Garlic: Roasting whole cloves softens and sweetens garlic, preventing any raw harshness in your creamy sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water: That starchy water is your secret weapon to adjust sauce consistency without watering down the flavor.
Brown the Butter Slowly: Keep an eye on the butter when browning with herbs—it should be nutty, not burnt, to add wonderful depth.
Instant Crispy Prosciutto: Roasting prosciutto alongside the squash crisps it up perfectly without extra pans or effort.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I love topping it with extra grated parmesan for sharpness and scattering the crispy prosciutto slices on top—adds irresistible texture and saltiness. If you’re feeling fancy, a sprinkle of fresh thyme or sage leaves looks beautiful and adds a fresh contrast.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs beautifully with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette, which cuts through the richness. I also often serve crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up any leftover sauce—trust me, you’ll want to.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, I like to plate the pasta in quiet little nests, garnished with edible flowers like sage blossoms for that wow factor. Or serve it family-style in a large bowl with all the garnishes on the side so everyone can customize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce tends to thicken once chilled, but a quick toss with a splash of warm water revives its creamy texture beautifully.

Freezing

This sauce freezes surprisingly well! I separate the sauce from the pasta before freezing in portioned containers. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge, then gently warm and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers over low heat on the stove, stirring constantly and adding a bit of pasta water or broth to loosen the sauce. Microwaving works too, but I find the stovetop helps maintain that silky finish better.

FAQs

Can I make the Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute ricotta with a plant-based alternative and swap gouda and parmesan for vegan cheeses or nutritional yeast. Using olive oil instead of butter keeps it completely dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
What type of pasta works best with this sauce?

Long pastas like linguine or fettuccine hold the sauce beautifully, but short shapes like penne or rigatoni work just as well since the sauce clings to the pasta’s curves. Choose your favorite—both taste amazing!
Can I prepare the butternut squash puree ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the squash and garlic ahead, puree it with ricotta, and store the sauce in the fridge for up to two days. Just reheat gently and add a splash of pasta water when combining with your noodles.
How spicy is this dish?

The recipe has a gentle warmth from the crushed red pepper flakes—not overwhelming but just enough to add some depth. You can adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Roasted Garlic Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe quickly became one of my all-time favorites because it combines cozy comfort with elegant flavor. It’s a dish I love making when I want to treat myself or impress friends without too much fuss. I hope you’ll give it a go and make it your own. Once you do, I guarantee it’ll become a staple in your recipe rotation too—comfort food with a twist that feels just right, every time.