As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, our taste buds start craving the warm, comforting flavors of fall. What better way to satisfy those cravings than with a hearty pasta dish topped with a seasonal sauce? Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a butternut squash pasta sauce that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. It’s the perfect answer to the question: what is the healthiest pasta to eat?

Why This Fall pasta Sauce is a Game-Changer

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why this sauce is so special. Butternut squash, the star of our show, is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s rich in vitamins A and C, which are great for your immune system – something we all need as the cold and flu season approaches. Plus, it’s low in calories but high in fiber, making it a fantastic option for those watching their waistline.

But health benefits aside, this sauce is just plain delicious. The roasted butternut squash gives it a creamy texture and slightly sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the acidity of tomatoes and the savory notes of thyme. It’s comfort food that you can feel good about eating.

Let’s Get Cooking!

Quick and Easy Fall Pasta Sauce for Busy Weeknights

Recipe by Fation

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 1 package (16 oz) frozen cubed butternut squash

• 1 medium tomato, chopped

• 1 small yellow onion, sliced

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1/3 cup pasta water

• Your favorite pasta (or butternut squash ravioli for an extra fall kick!)

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Spread the frozen butternut squash, chopped tomato, and sliced onion on the baking sheet.
• Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
• Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and slightly caramelized.
• While the veggies are roasting, cook your pasta according to package instructions. Remember to reserve 1/3 cup of pasta water before draining!
• Once the veggies are done, transfer them to a blender. Add the reserved pasta water and blend until smooth.
• Pour the sauce over your cooked pasta or ravioli, toss to coat, and serve immediately.
• Optional: Garnish with vegan parmesan, fresh herbs, or a drizzle of olive oil for some extra pizzazz.

Notes

• 
  Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s roll up our sleeves and make some fall pasta sauce!

Tips and Tricks

• Choose Your Pasta Wisely: While this sauce pairs well with any pasta, whole grain or legume-based pastas can amp up the nutritional value even more. They’re higher in fiber and protein, making your meal more satisfying and nutritious.
• Make It Your Own: Feel free to add other roasted veggies to the sauce. Roasted garlic or bell peppers could be delicious additions!
• Prep Ahead: You can roast the veggies and blend the sauce ahead of time. Just reheat gently when you’re ready to serve.
• Leftover Love: This sauce keeps well in the fridge for 3-4 days. It’s great for meal prep!

Why This Recipe Works

I love this recipe because it’s so simple yet so satisfying. The roasting process brings out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and caramelizes the onions, adding depth to the flavor. The tomato adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness perfectly.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some extra veggies into your diet. If you’ve got picky eaters at home, they might not even realize they’re eating squash!

Wrapping Up

Fall is all about cozy comfort foods, and this butternut squash pasta sauce delivers on all fronts. It’s creamy, flavorful, and nutritious – everything you want in a fall meal. Plus, it’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for a weekend gathering with friends.

So next time you’re wondering what to make for dinner as the autumn chill sets in, give this sauce a try. I bet it’ll become a new fall favorite in your household. Happy cooking!

For more pasta wisdom and culinary adventures, check out our other articles .

• Pasta History Timeline
• The Marco Polo Pasta Myth

Want to dive deeper ? Check out this fascinating article for more noodle knowledge!