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Creamy Brown Butter Sage Pasta with Roasted Squash

Creamy Brown Butter Sage Pasta - featured image
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A quick, 30-minute comfort food dish featuring nutty brown butter, crispy sage, and sweet roasted butternut squash tossed with pasta for a rich, emulsified sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons dried sage leaves
  • 1 pound pasta (cavatappi, rigatoni, or orecchiette recommended)
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup starchy pasta water
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  2. While squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Cook until it foams, then subsides, revealing brown specks and a nutty aroma (3-5 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.
  4. Add dried sage leaves to the hot butter and fry for 30 seconds until crisp. Be careful of splatter.
  5. Return skillet to low heat. Add minced garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Slowly whisk in reserved pasta water. Whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. Add drained pasta and roasted squash to the skillet. Toss vigorously, adding more pasta water if needed to create a glossy sauce.
  8. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra parmesan.

Notes

Use unsalted butter to control sodium. Dried sage is preferred for crispiness; if using fresh, use 15-20 leaves and cook slightly longer. Do not skip the pasta water; it is essential for emulsifying the sauce. Brown butter burns easily, so watch it closely once the foam subsides.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter pasta, sage pasta, butternut squash recipe, quick dinner, comfort food, vegetarian pasta, 30 minute meals

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/creamy-brown-butter-sage-pasta-best-30-minute-roasted-squash/