Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Penne
Sweet butternut squash puree blends with maple syrup for a naturally sweet pasta dish that even picky eaters enjoy. This italian-inspired pasta (vegetarian) ready in about 50 minutes pairs penne pasta, butternut squash, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups butternut squash (peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes) with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 25 minutes until tender and golden at edges.
- Step 2: Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot. Add 12 oz penne and cook for 10 minutes until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
- Step 3: In a saucepan, combine roasted squash, 2 tbsp pure maple syrup, and 1/4 cup heavy cream. Simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Stir in 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Add drained penne and 1/2 cup reserved pasta water, tossing until sauce coats pasta evenly.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Penne take to make?
Total time is about 50 minutes (15 min prep + 35 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Penne?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep penne pasta from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Penne?
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 Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Penne 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.
Is Maple-Glazed Butternut Squash Penne vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved the maple glaze! My kids devoured it. A new family favorite.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for fall dinners. The squash was roasted just right.
- ★★★★☆
Great flavor, but the sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste. Still delicious.
