Baked butternut squash pasta is a creamy, cheesy, comforting dish that is full of all the flavors of fall. The butternut squash and sage sauce is tossed with penne pasta, mozzarella, and Parmigiano Reggiano, and layered between more sauce before being baked until melty.
When Fall arrives, I embrace it fully.
I really enjoy the cooler weather and all the flavors and ingredients that are used predominantly this time of year.
Butternut squash is one of those ingredients. I use it in so many dishes, like:
- Butternut squash parmigiana
- Roasted poblano and butternut squash chili
- Butternut squash soup
- Butternut squash gnocchi
Sage is another favorite fall ingredient and it marries perfectly with the squash in this baked butternut squash pasta.
Aside from the flavor, I’m wild about the textures in this dish.
The creamy butternut squash-tomato sauce, and the melty cheese make this so darn comforting that it’s really hard to stop eating.
Think of this as an autumnal version of meatless baked ziti, or pasta al forno.
Serve alongside a simple green salad, and you’ve got the perfect Fall dinner.
How to make baked butternut squash pasta
Each number corresponds to the numbered written steps below.
- Begin by peeling 1 medium butternut squash. If you’re having a hard time, microwaving the squash for 3-4 minutes will soften the hard outer skin. Let it cool before beginning to peel again.
- Cube 5 cups worth of squash. Any remaining bits can be saved for another purpose. Dice a medium-sized onion, and chop a 1/4 cup worth of sage.
- In a large pan over medium-low heat saute the onion in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter until soft (about 5 minutes). Also, preheat the oven to 400f and set the rack to middle level.
- Add the diced butternut squash, 3 ounces tomato paste, 2 cups low sodium chicken stock, 1/4 cup chopped sage, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. Turn heat to medium, and give it all a stir for 1-2 minutes to incorporate. Cover the pan, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and let the sauce cook for 20 minutes.
- While the sauce is simmering, boil the penne pasta in salted water (2 tablespoons kosher salt) until very al dente. Also, shred 1/2 pound of mozzarella and grate 3/4 cup of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. After 20 minutes of simmering, stir the sauce and place a layer (about 1/4 of the sauce) into a 9 by 13″ baking dish.
- Add most of the sauce into a large bowl. Also, add the al dente pasta to the bowl along with 2/3’s of the shredded mozzarella and all of the grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Mix well.
- Add the pasta into the baking dish.
- Top the pasta with the remaining butternut squash sauce and the remaining shredded mozzarella. Cover the baking dish with a layer of parchment paper, then a layer of foil. Bake the pasta for 20 minutes, then remove the covering and bake for 10 minutes longer. If you want the top charred, broil for 1-2 minutes but watch very carefully. Enjoy!
Top tips
- If you don’t have parchment paper, drizzle some oil on the foil before placing it on the pasta. This will help prevent the cheese from sticking to the foil.
- Using fried sage leaves as a garnish makes for a beautiful presentation. Simply fry whole sage leaves for approximately 60-90 seconds in a 1/4″ layer of hot olive oil.
- Peeling butternut squash can be difficult. The skin is quite hard and the shape is a bit unwieldy. You can microwave the whole squash for 3 minutes which can help make the peeling process a bit easier.
Favorite Fall dishes and drinks
If you are a sucker for fall flavors, just like me, you’ll love these dishes and drinks that showcase all the bounties of Autumn!
- Roast turkey breast – Dry brined for the juiciest turkey breast you’ve ever had.
- Sausage and apple stuffed acorn squash – This full meal stuffed acorn squash is loaded with apples, Italian sausage, and Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Pan seared pork chops with apples and cinnamon – Braised pork chop recipe with apples and cinnamon.
- Sage and onion stuffing – Classic Thanksgiving stuffing recipe with country bread, sage, and a touch of parmesan cheese.
- White wine sangria with pears and apples – The perfect fall cocktail for a large group.
- Pumpkin spice martini – Vanilla and pumpkin vodka with Rumchata.
- Apple cider old fashioned – Twist on the classic with the addition of apple cider.
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Watch the video below where Jim will show you how to make this recipe with easy-to-follow instructions.
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Baked Butternut Squash Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 pound penne or rigatoni, ziti, etc.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium onion diced
- 3 ounces tomato paste
- 2 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 5 cups butternut squash cubed
- 1/4 cup sage chopped
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano grated
- 1/2 pound mozzarella cheese shredded, divided
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400f and set rack to the middle level. Saute onion in the butter and olive oil over medium-low heat until soft (about 5 minutes).
- Add in the tomato paste, chicken stock, butternut squash, chopped sage, salt, pepper, and cook partially covered over medium heat until the squash is fork-tender (about 20 minutes).
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted water to very al dente. About 2 minutes less than the package instructions.
- In a large bowl add half of the butternut squash sauce and the pasta. Add in the Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and 2/3's of the shredded mozzarella. Gently mix together.
- Place a layer of butternut squash sauce into the bottom of a 9 by 13" baking dish. Add the pasta and top with the remaining sauce and the remaining shredded mozzarella.
- Cover with parchment paper then foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the covering and cook for 10 more minutes. If you want the cheese browned broil for 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning. Let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Microwaving the whole butternut squash for 3 minutes can help soften the hard skin and make peeling easier.
- When cooking the sauce keep the lid slightly cracked to encourage a bit of evaporation and to help the hard squash soften more quickly.
- Covering the pasta with a layer of parchment paper, then foil, prevents the cheese from sticking. If you don't have parchment paper try wiping a bit of oil onto the foil to prevent sticking.
- Fried sage leaves can be used as a garnish for a nice visual effect. To cook, just fry the sage leaves for 60-90 seconds in a 1/4" layer of hot olive oil.
- Leftovers can be saved for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the microwave until warm.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I made this last night, and my husband and I were both blown away by how delicious it is. This one is going in our regular rotation. I wish I could give it more than five stars!
Hi Theresa, we’re so hpapy you enjoyed and thanks for the comment!
OMG this was so good. I love butternut squash and usually make soup with it. But I was looking for new recipes to shake it up a bit. This was fantastic. It’s just my husband and I so I split it into two casserole dishes. We ate one and froze one for later.
Hi Kim, thanks for the comment and so happy you enjoyed this one!
You are the best cook on the internet !
Hi Angela, we really appreciate your comment and so happy you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you!
Can you make this ahead and finish baking later?
Paula
Hi Paula, yes, you can make ahead and finish by baking later. Hope you enjoy!
I have heard that some people think cilantro tastes like soap. That’s what I think of fresh sage. Dried sage I can use, but every time I try to use fresh sage, and I grow it in my herb garden, I can’t stand to smell it on my hands. Can you think of a good substitute for sage in this recipe?
Hi Susan, if you don’t like sage you can just completely omit it and it will still be good.
Looking forward to trying this, I did notice in the video you cubed 2/3 of the mozzarella cheese and grated the rest. The printed recipe just calls for grating the mozzarella cheese. I do like the idea of the cubed cheese so will do it that way.
Your videos are always interesting and very easy to relate to. I love how you go with the flow when you accidentally leave something out but toss it in later and encourage us to adjust seasonings, etc. to our own taste.
Hi Maureen, thanks for the comment and we’re so happy you enjoy the videos! We hope you enjoy the recipe with you make it and as far as the cheese, you’ll get great results whether shredded or cubed.
I made this tonight and it was delicious and thank you 😁
Hi Donna, I’m so happy you enjoyed the soup! Thanks for the comment.
Hello, I’m thinking of making this for Thanksgiving. Can the butternut squash be puréed into a smooth sauce. We prefer a smoother sauce. Can everything be assembled the day before and baked the next day?
ThankYou
Hi Josephine, yes you can puree the squash if you’d like and assembling the day before baking should work out just fine. Hope you enjoy!
Absolutely lip-smaking delectable! I love the variation of flavors. Great recipe, out of the ordinary.
Hi Cheryl, so happy you liked this one. Thanks for the comment!
Excellent!! Made this for a Halloween party and everyone was raving about it. You can also sub dairy-free cheese, I did for my mini-casserole. Thank you!
Hi Jennifer, thanks for the comment and so happy you all enjoyed it!
Looks absolutely fantastic !!!! How about some holiday desserts ???
Hi Fran. I’m running out of time this year, but hopefully, I’ll get up one or two.
Oh my goodness, was this delicious! I loved the surprise bites that had the cubed mozzarella and the crispy top is addictive. Your videos are pleasant to watch and I always learn something. Thank you, Chef Jim!
Hi Clare. I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed it. Thanks for watching my videos and making the recipes.