Butternut Squash Sauce is a favorite in my kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a new way to top your pasta, jazz up roasted vegetables, or add richness to your favorite comfort foods, this sauce does it all. Let me show you how easy it is to make this condiment and how it can transform any meal.
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Butternut Squash Sauce Recipe
Butternut squash sauce is a savory, creamy, flavorful sauce with a sweet and nutty taste. This velvety sauce features roasted butternut squash blended with aromatics and herbs. The natural sweetness of the squash balances well with savory flavors, creating a rich and creamy base.
The sauce starts by roasting chopped butternut squash with onion and garlic until everything is caramelized and tender. After roasting, I like to blend the vegetables with broth and a splash of cream or non-dairy milk. The result is a smooth, golden sauce that’s perfect for so many dishes.
It’s a fantastic way to use up extra squash at your home. The sauce is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made vegan by replacing dairy components with plant-based alternatives.
This condiment pairs well with pasta, especially fettuccine or penne, as a creamy alternative to tomato-based sauces. You can use it as a base for grain bowls, drizzle it over roasted chicken, or serve it alongside grilled pork chops.
It also shines as a topping for baked potatoes, stirred into risotto, or spooned over sautéed greens. Try it as a spread on savory toasts, as a pizza sauce, or even as a dip for warm, crusty bread. You can serve the sauce with steamed vegetables, mix it into mac and cheese, or use it as an enchilada or lasagna filling. It’s a great addition to casseroles, layered vegetable bakes, or even as a topping for polenta.
This sauce is a favorite for meal prepping. It’s easy to reheat, and the flavor only deepens after a day in the fridge. Here’s how to make the butternut squash sauce:
Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce
Nutrition
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 1 small squash or 12 oz)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 small yellow onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/2 cup unsweetened milk dairy or plant-based
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast or grated Parmesan
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika optional
- Pinch of nutmeg optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash cubes with a bit of olive oil and roast on a baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, or until fork-tender. (Alternatively, steam until soft, about 10–12 minutes.)
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic. Cook for 3–4 minutes until fragrant and soft.
- In a blender, combine cooked squash, sautéed onion/garlic, broth, milk, nutritional yeast (or Parmesan), and spices. Blend until silky smooth. Add more broth to thin, if needed.
- Pour the sauce into a pan over low heat and warm through. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Notes
- Use plant-based milk and nutritional yeast for a vegan version.
- Add more Parmesan or melt in some cream cheese.
- Keeps in fridge up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
- Use frozen cubed squash to save time and money.
SIMILAR RECIPES:
butternut squash sauce Variations
From this recipe, you can adjust the ingredients to make your own variations of this butternut squash sauce:
- Vegan Version skips any dairy and uses cashews or coconut milk for creaminess.
- Spicy Sauce adds a pinch of cayenne, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce for a gentle heat.
- Garlic & Herb Additions blend in extra roasted garlic and fresh herbs like sage, thyme, or basil. The result is a deeply aromatic sauce that’s perfect for autumn-inspired dishes.
- Cheesy Butternut Squash Sauce stirs in Parmesan or pecorino cheese for a savory, umami-packed finish. This version is ideal for pasta or as a topping for baked casseroles.
- Nutty Sauce incorporates toasted walnuts or hazelnuts blended into the sauce for a subtle, earthy flavor and added creaminess.
- Lemon-Infused Variation adds fresh lemon zest and juice to brighten up the sauce. It’s an excellent pairing for seafood or spring vegetables.
- Butternut Squash and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce includes roasted red peppers. This gives the sauce a smoky sweetness and vibrant color.
- Smoky Sauce uses smoked paprika or a touch of liquid smoke for a deep, woodsy flavor.
This creamy sauce is my secret weapon for easy, comforting meals that never get boring. With just a few ingredients and a little creativity, you can whip up a batch that suits any craving or occasion. Whether you love it classic, spicy, or with a twist, this sauce brings warmth and satisfaction to every table.