Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

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This Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta is the cozy bowl of comfort your fall and winter dinners have been waiting for. Rich, nutty brown butter coats every piece of golden roasted butternut squash, while crispy sage leaves add an earthy crunch and the pasta soaks up all that savory goodness. Finished with a flurry of freshly grated Parmesan, this dish brings warmth and sophistication to your table with minimal effort.

Perfect for meatless nights or impressing dinner guests, this recipe balances sweet, savory, and umami like a dream. It’s one of those satisfying meals where each forkful delivers creamy textures, buttery notes, and toasty autumn vibes. All made in under an hour!

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Short, ridged pasta like rigatoni, mezzi rigatoni, or even orecchiette work beautifully here. These shapes hold onto the brown butter and soft squash pieces, creating a luxurious bite every time. Avoid thin noodles or long strands, which may not pick up the sauce as effectively.

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Ingredients for the Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

Butternut Squash: The star ingredient. Roasted for caramelized sweetness and hearty texture.

Unsalted Butter: For browning and developing that deep, nutty flavor base.

Fresh Sage Leaves: Adds a crispy, aromatic touch that brings the entire dish together.

Pasta: Choose a sturdy shape to capture all the butter and squash. Rigatoni is ideal.

Garlic: Subtle but essential to boost the savory depth.

Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle heat that elevates every bite.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, umami finish.

Salt & Pepper: To season and enhance every element.

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How To Make the Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until golden and tender.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the squash roasts, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 3: Brown the Butter and Crisp the Sage

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add sage leaves and let them crisp for 1–2 minutes. Remove the leaves and set aside. Let the butter continue browning until it smells nutty and turns golden.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add garlic and red pepper flakes to the browned butter. Stir in roasted squash and cooked pasta. Toss to coat, adding pasta water as needed for silkiness. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Top with crispy sage leaves and generous shavings of Parmesan. Serve warm and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

This dish is best served fresh while warm, as that’s when the brown butter is silkiest and the sage is crispiest. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or butter.

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What to Serve With Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta?

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery garlic bread complements the creamy pasta wonderfully.

Arugula Salad

Tossed in lemon vinaigrette, it adds a peppery, refreshing contrast.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Their caramelized edges pair well with the sweet squash.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Adds a bright, tangy note to the meal.

Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus

Elegant and salty, a perfect side for dinner guests.

Apple Walnut Salad

For a seasonal, crunchy and sweet touch.

White Wine

A chilled Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay balances the richness.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If this cozy fall pasta warmed your heart, you’ll love exploring more comforting dishes like these:

• Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells with creamy filling and baked perfection.
• Creamy Beef and Shells for a rich, weeknight dinner staple.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta when you need a one-pan miracle.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for a hearty oven-baked delight.
• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken if you’re craving restaurant-style flavor.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add pancetta? Swap the pasta? Try it with brown rice pasta?

I love hearing your variations and kitchen creativity. Drop your questions too—we’re all here to learn and cook better.

Explore more crave-worthy comfort food on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and find your next dinner favorite!

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