Pasta with Blended Butternut Squash and Fresh Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A velvety pasta dish where roasted butternut squash is blended into a smooth sauce, then tossed with al dente spaghetti and fresh basil for a naturally sweet, vibrant finish. This italian-inspired pasta ready in about 55 minutes pairs spaghetti, 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.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 35 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 550 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 1 cup peeled and cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and golden.
  2. Step 2: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz spaghetti and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
  3. Step 3: In a blender, combine the roasted butternut squash, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 cup vegetable broth, and 1/4 cup fresh basil. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach a creamy consistency.
  4. Step 4: Heat the remaining 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the blended sauce and simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, along with 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the pasta is coated and the sauce is glossy, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if too thick.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Bakeware & baking tools → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pasta with Blended Butternut Squash and Fresh Basil take to make?

Total time is about 55 minutes (20 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 Pasta with Blended Butternut Squash and Fresh Basil?

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 spaghetti from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pasta with Blended Butternut Squash and Fresh Basil?

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 Pasta with Blended Butternut Squash and Fresh Basil 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 Pasta with Blended Butternut Squash and Fresh Basil?

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.

What others are saying

Related recipes