Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce for Pasta

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety tomato sauce enriched with pureed butternut squash, making it a nutrient-dense, family-friendly sauce that pairs perfectly with any pasta. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 60 minutes blends peeled and cubed butternut squash, peeled and cubed carrots, tablespoon olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.1 (10 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 40 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1/2 cup cubed butternut squash and 1/2 cup cubed carrots with 1 tablespoon olive oil on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tender.
  2. Step 2: In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and cook for 5 minutes until soft and translucent.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the roasted butternut squash and carrots, 1 can diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon dried basil, 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Bring to a simmer.
  5. Step 5: Simmer for 15 minutes, then use an immersion blender to puree until smooth (or transfer to a blender in batches).
  6. Step 6: Cook 12 oz pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and toss with the sauce.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce for Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 60 minutes (20 min prep + 40 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce for Pasta?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce for Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce for Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Butternut Squash Tomato Sauce for Pasta?

Italian pasta like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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