Creamy, nutty, and infused with earthy sage, this Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta is the kind of dish that makes autumn taste like comfort. Roasted cubes of sweet butternut squash melt into a sauce made luxurious by brown butter and kissed with garlic, sage, and parmesan. Every bite delivers a velvety richness balanced with a hint of sweetness and herbal aroma.

Whether you’re cooking for a cozy weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a fall gathering, this pasta brings elegance without complication. The caramelization of the squash pairs beautifully with the toasty, nutty notes of browned butter, while the sage infuses the dish with depth and warmth. It’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

You’ll fall in love with this pasta for how it turns just a few humble ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal. The butternut squash gives it a creamy texture without needing cream, and the brown butter offers a depth of flavor that’s deeply satisfying. Plus, it’s surprisingly simple to make and reheats beautifully for leftovers.

What Type of Pasta Works Best for This Recipe?

This dish is most luxurious when made with pasta shapes that hold sauce well. Think short pasta like orecchiette, shells, or rigatoni, which catch the bits of squash and sage in every bite. If you’re a fan of long pasta, fettuccine or pappardelle also work wonderfully, especially when twirled with the buttery sauce.

Ingredients for the Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

To make this pasta dish sing, every ingredient plays a role in both texture and flavor. Using fresh, quality ingredients truly elevates the final result.

Butternut squash: Roasted until golden and tender, it melts into the sauce, giving it body and natural sweetness.
Unsalted butter: Browning the butter creates a rich, nutty base that deepens the flavor profile.
Fresh sage leaves: Sautéed in the brown butter to infuse it with aromatic herbal notes.
Garlic: Just a few cloves, minced and gently cooked to bring warmth and complexity.
Pasta: Choose a shape like rigatoni, shells, or orecchiette that captures the creamy sauce in every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and umami, melting perfectly into the warm pasta.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the dish throughout.
Olive oil: Used for roasting the squash to achieve that golden caramelized edge.

How To Make the Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until caramelized and tender. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the squash roasts, boil your pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 3: Brown the Butter with Sage

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to foam and turn golden brown. Add sage leaves and fry until crisp. Remove sage and set aside for garnish.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Add garlic to the browned butter and stir for a minute. Add roasted squash to the pan and gently mash some pieces to blend into the butter. Stir in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time until it becomes silky.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Stir in grated parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with crispy sage and extra cheese before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Butternut Squash Pasta

This comforting pasta is best served warm right off the skillet, with plenty of parmesan and sage on top. It feeds about 4 hungry people as a main dish. For storing, let it cool and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve With Brown Butter Sage Butternut Squash Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The buttery sauce is begging to be scooped up with warm, crusty garlic bread.

Simple Arugula Salad

A peppery arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.

Roasted Brussels Sprouts

Slightly crispy sprouts pair nicely with the sweet squash and nutty butter.

Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

If you want to add protein, these juicy chicken meatballs are a great companion Herby Chicken Meatball Bowl

Easy Homemade Naan Bread

A fun twist if you want something softer and more scoopable than breadsticks Easy Homemade Naan Bread

Classic Caprese Salad

Tomatoes and mozzarella offer a refreshing contrast Classic Caprese Salad

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Serve as a small side or offer variety at a pasta night Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

Want More Pasta Ideas with Cozy Vibes?

If you loved this comforting pasta dish, here are more Janet Dishes recipes to inspire your next meal:

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a velvety, tangy twist.
One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni if you like heartier flavors.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce for a protein-rich creamy sauce.
Garlic Butter Chicken Balls with Creamy Parmesan Pasta for a cheesy-meaty pairing.
Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta if you crave heat with your comfort.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board for cozy weeknight dinners or holiday gatherings.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use a different pasta shape or try pumpkin instead of butternut squash?

I love hearing your twists and tips—we’re in this delicious journey together.

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