Butternut Squash Pasta Bake

Butternut Squash Pasta Bake is a cozy and comforting vegetarian dinner made with tender pasta coated in a creamy roasted butternut squash sauce and topped with melted cheese. This dish combines the natural sweetness of squash with savory garlic, herbs, and Parmesan for a rich, satisfying flavor. Baked until golden and bubbly, it’s perfect for fall and winter evenings or anytime you want a hearty meatless meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 45 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread on the baking sheet and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in roasted squash, milk, and vegetable broth. Blend with an immersion blender (or in a regular blender) until smooth and creamy.
- Stir Parmesan cheese into the squash sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta and squash sauce. Transfer to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle mozzarella evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For extra richness, add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce.
Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
Swap mozzarella for Gruyère or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
This dish can be made ahead and baked just before serving.
