When the temperatures drop, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of Butternut Squash Pasta to bring that cozy, comforting feeling to the end of the day. I love how the colder months inspire the best kind of cooking, and this dish proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be heavy. Filled with butternut squash, kale, fresh herbs, and parmesan, it’s soul-satisfying without weighing you down. It’s the kind of cold weather meal that warms both the body and the spirit.

😍 Why You’ll Love My Butternut Squash Pasta

This dish is everything you want from a cozy, comforting meal – without the heaviness. It’s bright and flavorful with a perfect balance of roasted butternut squash, earthy kale, and the rich, aromatic combination of sage and lemon butter.

It’s vegetarian, but still deeply satisfying, thanks to the hearty veggies and freshly grated parmesan. Whether you’re winding down after a long day or gathering around the table with loved ones, this simple pasta hits all the right notes. It’s warm, cozy, and full of those fall flavors that make you feel right at home. Plus, it’s quick enough to whip up any night of the week – no fuss, just good food.

🗒️ Ingredients

Pasta: A hearty base that perfectly holds all the flavors, making every bite comforting and filling – whatever shape takes your fancy!

Butternut Squash: Sweet, roasted, and a little caramelized – this squash adds the perfect touch of cozy fall flavor.

Kale: Fresh, vibrant, and packed with nutrients, it’s the perfect green to balance out the richness of the dish.

Sage: Fragrant and earthy, sage brings a touch of warmth that’s perfect for cooler evenings.

Shallot: A delicate onion with a subtle sweetness that adds depth without overpowering the dish.

Lemon Zest: Bright and fresh, this zest adds a burst of citrus that brings everything together.

Lemon Juice: A splash of tartness that cuts through the richness and lifts the flavors to new heights.

Butter: Smooth, creamy, and rich, butter is that underrated ingredient that makes comfort food feel special.

Olive Oil: A drizzle of olive oil that adds a bit of warmth and enhances the natural flavors of the squash and kale.

Parmesan: Freshly grated, it’s the finishing touch that adds a savory, umami-packed bite.

Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings for any dish!

👩‍🍳 How to Make My Butternut Squash Pasta

🔥 Preheat your oven to 425°F. Toss the diced butternut squash in olive oil, then sprinkle generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Spread it out on a large sheet pan and roast for 20-25 minutes, until it’s soft and beautifully caramelized.

🧂While the squash is roasting, cook your pasta in a large pot of salted water until it’s almost al dente. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

🥬 Once the squash is nearly done, toss the chopped kale onto the sheet pan with the squash and roast for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the kale is tender and everything’s perfectly cooked through.

🧈 In the empty pasta pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the thinly sliced shallot and cook for 1-2 minutes until it softens. Stir in the chopped sage and lemon zest, letting everything cook for another minute.

🥣 Add the cooked pasta to the pot with the butter, then toss in the roasted squash, kale, and reserved pasta water. Stir everything together for 3-5 minutes, letting the sauce thicken around the pasta.

🍋 Squeeze in the lemon juice, then stir in a generous 1/4 cup of parmesan. Give it a good crack of black pepper, and for an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle with more parmesan before serving.

🥳 Enjoy!

🎩 Tips and Tricks

• Make it a one-pan meal: If you’re short on time or want to keep things simple, you can roast the squash and kale together in the same pan from the start—just be sure to toss everything halfway through roasting for even cooking.
• Make it ahead: You can roast the squash and kale ahead of time, and just reheat them when you’re ready to make the pasta. This cuts down on the prep time, especially for busy nights.
• Tip 3

🌟 A Protein Lover’s Variation

If you’re looking for a heartier meal, add some roasted chicken, grilled shrimp, or even chickpeas for a protein boost. It’ll add some extra flavor and texture without compromising the cozy vibe of the dish.

🤲 Substitutions

• Any pasta shape works, but I recommend short or small pasta like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. You can also use gluten-free pasta or a different type of whole grain pasta, like quinoa or spelt pasta, if you prefer.
• If you can’t find butternut squash, try using acorn squash, delicata squash, or even pumpkin. Just adjust the roasting time as needed since some squashes cook faster than others.
• If you’re not a fan of kale, you can easily swap it for spinach, Swiss chard, or even arugula for a slightly peppery kick. If using spinach, add it towards the end of the roasting time as it wilts quickly.
• Fresh thyme or rosemary would be a lovely alternative to sage. Or, you could use dried sage if fresh isn’t available, but be sure to use a bit less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
• You can replace shallots with a small onion or a couple of cloves of garlic for a different flavor. If you want something milder, try using green onions or leeks.
• If you don’t have fresh lemon, you can substitute with lemon juice concentrate or a splash of white wine vinegar. You can also try orange zest and juice for a sweeter, citrusy twist.
• For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
• If you don’t have parmesan or prefer a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for that cheesy, umami flavor. Vegan cheese options also work well as a substitute.
• If you don’t have olive oil, any neutral oil like avocado, grapeseed, or canola oil will work well for roasting the squash and sautéing the shallot.

📓 Best served with

• Crusty bread
• Grilled protein

👝 How to Store Leftover Butternut Squash Pasta

Let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, or warm it in the microwave covered to retain moisture.

🧠 Common Questions