Pasta with Brown Butter, Sage & Butternut Squash is a stunning autumn-inspired dish that beautifully marries nutty brown butter, sweet roasted squash, and aromatic sage into a bowl of pure comfort. Every bite feels like fall — earthy, creamy, and perfectly balanced.

This recipe captures the essence of seasonal comfort cooking — elegant enough for entertaining but simple enough for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely love this recipe because it celebrates the beauty of simplicity and seasonal flavors. The brown butter adds a deep, nutty aroma that enhances the natural sweetness of the butternut squash.

The sage, crisped gently in the butter, infuses the entire dish with an herbaceous fragrance that feels both rustic and luxurious.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This pasta is a must-try for anyone who loves comforting, flavor-forward meals that don’t require fancy techniques. It’s proof that vegetarian dishes can be rich, satisfying, and full of complexity.

The combination of roasted butternut squash, brown butter, and sage is a timeless culinary trio — perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and nutty.

Recipe Details

Preparation Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: Approximately 480 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course / Vegetarian

Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz (340 g) pasta (fettuccine, rigatoni, or penne)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, for pasta water

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 medium squash)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Brown Butter Sage Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons (85 g) unsalted butter
• 10–12 fresh sage leaves
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup pasta water (reserved from cooking)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Prepare the Butternut Squash:
   • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
   • Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized.
   • Set aside.
2. Cook the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add pasta and cook until al dente, according to package directions.
   • Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Make the Brown Butter:
   • In a large skillet or sauté pan, melt butter over medium heat.
   • Once melted, add sage leaves and let them crisp gently (about 2 minutes).
   • Remove the sage leaves and set aside for garnish.
   • Continue cooking the butter until it turns golden brown and smells nutty — about 2–3 minutes.
   • Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Assemble the Pasta:
   • Add roasted butternut squash to the brown butter sauce and toss to coat.
   • Add cooked pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water.
   • Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and toss until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
   • Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice if desired.
5. Serve:
   • Plate the pasta, top with crispy sage leaves, and finish with extra Parmesan cheese.

How to Serve

Serve this pasta warm as a main course or as a side dish for roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a holiday feast.

Garnish with:

• Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese
• A drizzle of browned butter
• Toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch

Pair it with a glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Noir and a crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette for a perfect meal.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh sage only: Dried sage won’t deliver the same fragrance or crisp texture.
• Don’t overcook the butter: Once it turns golden with brown flecks and smells nutty, remove from heat immediately.
• Cut squash evenly: Uniform cubes ensure even roasting.
• Add texture: Toss in toasted breadcrumbs, nuts, or crispy pancetta.
• Balance the flavors: A splash of lemon juice or vinegar brightens the richness of brown butter.

Variations

1. Creamy Version: Add ¼ cup of heavy cream or mascarpone for a silky sauce.
2. Nutty Twist: Toss in toasted hazelnuts, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch.
3. With Protein: Add sautéed chicken, shrimp, or crispy prosciutto for a hearty variation.
4. Vegan Option: Substitute butter with vegan brown butter (made from plant-based butter) and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
5. Cheese Lovers: Try crumbled goat cheese or ricotta instead of Parmesan for a tangy flavor contrast.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or butter to restore the sauce’s silkiness.
• Freezing: Not ideal — the texture of roasted squash and pasta changes when frozen. However, you can freeze roasted squash separately for up to 2 months.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet for roasting squash
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Pasta pot and colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw and pat it dry before roasting to prevent sogginess.

Q2: What type of pasta works best?
Short pastas like rigatoni or orecchiette work well, but fettuccine or tagliatelle are great for a more elegant touch.

Q3: How do I know when the butter is browned enough?
It should turn golden with tiny brown specks at the bottom and smell nutty. If it starts to smoke, it’s gone too far.

Q4: Can I make it ahead of time?
You can roast the butternut squash and brown the butter in advance, then combine everything just before serving.

Q5: Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! Just ensure you’re using vegetarian-friendly Parmesan or a suitable substitute.

Conclusion

Pasta with Brown Butter, Sage & Butternut Squash is the epitome of cozy sophistication — a dish that feels indulgent yet light, simple yet impressive. The combination of nutty brown butter, crisp sage, and caramelized butternut squash creates a flavor harmony that’s hard to beat.

Perfect for fall dinners, date nights, or holiday gatherings, this pasta dish is both comforting and elegant — a celebration of the season’s best ingredients in one bowl.