Go Back
Easy Butternut Squash Pasta with Brown Butter Sage served in a bowl.

Easy Butternut Squash Pasta — Brown Butter Sage

A cozy, restaurant-style pasta dish featuring brown butter and crispy sage that is simple to make and packed with flavor.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter Salted works, but taste as you go.
  • 8 leaves Fresh sage leaves Dried sage will not achieve the same crisp texture.
  • 1 small clove Garlic Finely chopped, optional.
  • to taste Salt and black pepper Adjust to taste.
  • to taste Parmesan or pecorino For serving.
  • as needed cup Pasta water Save some pasta water for the sauce.
Main Ingredients
  • 1 pound Pasta Use penne, rigatoni, or shells for best sauce adherence.
  • 1 medium Butternut squash Roasted or warmed.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Step 1: Roast or warm your butternut squash. If using fresh squash, cube it, toss with olive oil and salt, then roast at 425°F (220°C) for 20 to 30 minutes until soft and browned.
  2. Step 2: Boil the pasta. Salt the water so it tastes like the sea. Cook pasta until just tender, saving a mug of pasta water before draining.
Cooking
  1. Step 3: Make the brown butter sage sauce while the pasta cooks. Melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Once melted, wait until it foams, calms down, and starts smelling nutty. When golden bits form, add sage, then remove from heat.
  2. Step 4: Toss everything together. In the skillet with the sauce, add drained pasta and roasted squash. Add a splash of reserved pasta water and toss until sauce coats all ingredients. Adjust seasoning with parmesan, salt, and pepper.
  3. Step 5: Finish and serve. Top with crispy sage leaves, extra cheese, and black pepper. Optionally, add toasted nuts for extra comfort.

Notes

Brown butter moves fast—use a light colored pan for visibility and watch closely to avoid burning. Pasta water is crucial for a silky sauce.