Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni Delight

ByJasmine
To make Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni, you need: - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1 cup baby spinach - Fresh sage leaves for garnish You can mix it up with these choices: - Add cooked chicken or sausage for protein. - Use different greens like kale or arugula. - Swap butternut squash for sweet potato or pumpkin. - Toss in some nuts for crunch, like walnuts or pine nuts. Gather these tools: - A sharp knife for chopping. - A baking sheet for roasting. - A large pot for boiling pasta. - A blender or food processor for the sauce. - A serving bowl for mixing and serving. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. First, you need a medium butternut squash. Peel it and dice it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, take a baking sheet and toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the squash out in a single layer. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the squash for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, give it a toss so it cooks well. When it’s done, it should be soft and caramelized. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of pasta water. This water will help with the sauce later. For the sauce, grab a blender or food processor. Add the roasted butternut squash, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. You can use coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Also, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Blend this mixture until it's smooth and creamy. Next, take the same pot you used for the pasta. Pour in the blended sauce and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency. Once you have the perfect sauce, add the cooked rigatoni and 1 cup of baby spinach. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni is ready to serve! To get the best flavor, choose a ripe butternut squash. Peel and dice it into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized. Toss them halfway through to avoid burning. To make a creamy sauce, blend the roasted squash with vegetable broth and cream. Use a blender or food processor for a smooth texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little and mix until you reach the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta without being runny. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a savory base. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to taste as you go! For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like sage. They give a lovely aroma and taste. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a rich flavor. For cheese, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You won’t miss the creaminess! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free rigatoni. Many brands offer great choices. Check the package to ensure it cooks well. This swap keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. They add depth and richness. Chopped walnuts or pine nuts add crunch. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! To keep your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni fresh, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it next. When you are ready to eat, reheat the rigatoni on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rigatoni cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors bright and delicious. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While rigatoni holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work great. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose. Cook until al dente for the best texture. To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. These will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. For a great substitute, use nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy flavor and is vegan-friendly. Another option is to use a dairy-free Parmesan. You can also skip cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter dish. This blog post covered how to make a delicious butternut squash pasta. We talked about the key ingredients, including options for different diets. Step-by-step instructions showed how to prep the squash, cook the pasta, and create a creamy sauce. Useful tips helped enhance flavor and texture. I shared variations for vegan, gluten-free, and extra toppings. Finally, we discussed storage methods and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy this tasty dish however you like!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to indulge in a warm, creamy meal that will impress your family? My Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni Delight is simple, delicious, and perfect for any night. You’ll find the right mix of flavors without complex steps. In this post, we’ll cover everything from the right ingredients to clever tips. Let’s dive in and make this cozy dish together!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Comforting Flavor: The creamy butternut squash sauce brings a warm and comforting taste that is perfect for any cozy dinner.
  2. Easy to Make: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish is great for busy weeknights or impressing guests.
  3. Versatile Ingredients: You can easily swap out the heavy cream for coconut cream and Parmesan for nutritional yeast to cater to dietary preferences.
  4. Nutritious and Delicious: Packed with vitamins from the butternut squash and greens, this dish is a wholesome option that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni, you need:

  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
  • 1 cup baby spinach
  • Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Optional Ingredients for Variations

You can mix it up with these choices:

  • Add cooked chicken or sausage for protein.
  • Use different greens like kale or arugula.
  • Swap butternut squash for sweet potato or pumpkin.
  • Toss in some nuts for crunch, like walnuts or pine nuts.

Equipment Needed

Gather these tools:

  • A sharp knife for chopping.
  • A baking sheet for roasting.
  • A large pot for boiling pasta.
  • A blender or food processor for the sauce.
  • A serving bowl for mixing and serving.
  • Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Butternut Squash

First, you need a medium butternut squash. Peel it and dice it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, take a baking sheet and toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the squash out in a single layer. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the squash for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, give it a toss so it cooks well. When it’s done, it should be soft and caramelized.

Cooking the Rigatoni

While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of pasta water. This water will help with the sauce later.

Making the Creamy Sauce

For the sauce, grab a blender or food processor. Add the roasted butternut squash, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. You can use coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Also, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Blend this mixture until it’s smooth and creamy.

Next, take the same pot you used for the pasta. Pour in the blended sauce and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency.

Once you have the perfect sauce, add the cooked rigatoni and 1 cup of baby spinach. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni is ready to serve!

Pro Tips

  1. Choose the Right Squash: Opt for a firm, heavy butternut squash with smooth skin for the best flavor and texture.
  2. Blend for Creaminess: Ensure your sauce is blended until completely smooth to achieve a velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
  3. Adjust Seasoning Thoughtfully: Taste your sauce before serving and adjust with additional salt, pepper, or nutmeg to enhance the flavors.
  4. Add Extra Greens: For added nutrition, consider mixing in other greens like kale or arugula along with the spinach.

Tips & Tricks

Best Practices for Roasting Butternut Squash

To get the best flavor, choose a ripe butternut squash. Peel and dice it into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized. Toss them halfway through to avoid burning.

How to Achieve the Perfect Sauce Consistency

To make a creamy sauce, blend the roasted squash with vegetable broth and cream. Use a blender or food processor for a smooth texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little and mix until you reach the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta without being runny.

Seasoning Tips for Enhanced Flavor

Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a savory base. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to taste as you go! For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like sage. They give a lovely aroma and taste.

Variations

Vegan and Dairy-Free Alternatives

You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a rich flavor. For cheese, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You won’t miss the creaminess!

Gluten-Free Substitutions

If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free rigatoni. Many brands offer great choices. Check the package to ensure it cooks well. This swap keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues.

Additional Flavor Add-ins and Toppings

Want to boost the flavor? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. They add depth and richness. Chopped walnuts or pine nuts add crunch. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

To keep your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni fresh, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it next.

Reheating Instructions

When you are ready to eat, reheat the rigatoni on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming.

Freezing Tips for Future Meals

If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rigatoni cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors bright and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While rigatoni holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work great. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose. Cook until al dente for the best texture.

How do I make the dish spicier?

To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. These will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish.

What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?

For a great substitute, use nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy flavor and is vegan-friendly. Another option is to use a dairy-free Parmesan. You can also skip cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter dish.

This blog post covered how to make a delicious butternut squash pasta. We talked about the key ingredients, including options for different diets. Step-by-step instructions showed how to prep the squash, cook the pasta, and create a creamy sauce. Useful tips helped enhance flavor and texture. I shared variations for vegan, gluten-free, and extra toppings. Finally, we discussed storage methods and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy this tasty dish however you like!

To make Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni, you need: - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1 cup baby spinach - Fresh sage leaves for garnish You can mix it up with these choices: - Add cooked chicken or sausage for protein. - Use different greens like kale or arugula. - Swap butternut squash for sweet potato or pumpkin. - Toss in some nuts for crunch, like walnuts or pine nuts. Gather these tools: - A sharp knife for chopping. - A baking sheet for roasting. - A large pot for boiling pasta. - A blender or food processor for the sauce. - A serving bowl for mixing and serving. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. First, you need a medium butternut squash. Peel it and dice it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, take a baking sheet and toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the squash out in a single layer. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the squash for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, give it a toss so it cooks well. When it’s done, it should be soft and caramelized. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of pasta water. This water will help with the sauce later. For the sauce, grab a blender or food processor. Add the roasted butternut squash, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. You can use coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Also, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Blend this mixture until it's smooth and creamy. Next, take the same pot you used for the pasta. Pour in the blended sauce and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency. Once you have the perfect sauce, add the cooked rigatoni and 1 cup of baby spinach. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni is ready to serve! To get the best flavor, choose a ripe butternut squash. Peel and dice it into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized. Toss them halfway through to avoid burning. To make a creamy sauce, blend the roasted squash with vegetable broth and cream. Use a blender or food processor for a smooth texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little and mix until you reach the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta without being runny. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a savory base. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to taste as you go! For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like sage. They give a lovely aroma and taste. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a rich flavor. For cheese, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You won’t miss the creaminess! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free rigatoni. Many brands offer great choices. Check the package to ensure it cooks well. This swap keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. They add depth and richness. Chopped walnuts or pine nuts add crunch. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! To keep your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni fresh, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it next. When you are ready to eat, reheat the rigatoni on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rigatoni cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors bright and delicious. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While rigatoni holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work great. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose. Cook until al dente for the best texture. To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. These will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. For a great substitute, use nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy flavor and is vegan-friendly. Another option is to use a dairy-free Parmesan. You can also skip cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter dish. This blog post covered how to make a delicious butternut squash pasta. We talked about the key ingredients, including options for different diets. Step-by-step instructions showed how to prep the squash, cook the pasta, and create a creamy sauce. Useful tips helped enhance flavor and texture. I shared variations for vegan, gluten-free, and extra toppings. Finally, we discussed storage methods and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy this tasty dish however you like!

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni

Indulge in this delightful creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni, a perfect dish for cozy evenings! With simple ingredients like roasted squash, creamy sauce, and baby spinach, it’s both comforting and nutritious. This recipe is easy to follow, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Click through to discover how to create this flavorful meal that will impress your family and friends!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

12 oz rigatoni pasta

1 cup vegetable broth

1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

1 cup baby spinach

Fresh sage leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

    On a baking sheet, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through.

      Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

        In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, heavy cream (or coconut cream), garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy.

          In the same pot used for the pasta, add the blended sauce, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.

            Add the cooked rigatoni and baby spinach to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.

              Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.

                Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves and extra Parmesan on top if desired.

                  Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 4

                    To make Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni, you need: - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 12 oz rigatoni pasta - 1 cup vegetable broth - 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option) - 1 cup baby spinach - Fresh sage leaves for garnish You can mix it up with these choices: - Add cooked chicken or sausage for protein. - Use different greens like kale or arugula. - Swap butternut squash for sweet potato or pumpkin. - Toss in some nuts for crunch, like walnuts or pine nuts. Gather these tools: - A sharp knife for chopping. - A baking sheet for roasting. - A large pot for boiling pasta. - A blender or food processor for the sauce. - A serving bowl for mixing and serving. - Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy. First, you need a medium butternut squash. Peel it and dice it into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. Next, take a baking sheet and toss the squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to taste. Spread the squash out in a single layer. Now, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Roast the squash for about 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through, give it a toss so it cooks well. When it’s done, it should be soft and caramelized. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 12 oz of rigatoni pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. Once cooked, drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of pasta water. This water will help with the sauce later. For the sauce, grab a blender or food processor. Add the roasted butternut squash, 1 cup of vegetable broth, and 1 cup of heavy cream. You can use coconut cream if you want a dairy-free option. Also, add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and ½ teaspoon of nutmeg. Blend this mixture until it's smooth and creamy. Next, take the same pot you used for the pasta. Pour in the blended sauce and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to get your desired consistency. Once you have the perfect sauce, add the cooked rigatoni and 1 cup of baby spinach. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni is ready to serve! To get the best flavor, choose a ripe butternut squash. Peel and dice it into even pieces. This helps them cook at the same rate. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the pieces on a baking sheet. Make sure they are in a single layer. This allows them to roast evenly. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized. Toss them halfway through to avoid burning. To make a creamy sauce, blend the roasted squash with vegetable broth and cream. Use a blender or food processor for a smooth texture. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water. Start with a little and mix until you reach the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta without being runny. Seasoning is key to a tasty dish. Use garlic powder and onion powder for a savory base. Nutmeg adds warmth and depth. Adjust salt and pepper to your liking. Don’t forget to taste as you go! For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like sage. They give a lovely aroma and taste. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegan. Instead of heavy cream, use coconut cream. It gives a rich flavor. For cheese, swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast. This adds a cheesy taste without dairy. You won’t miss the creaminess! If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free rigatoni. Many brands offer great choices. Check the package to ensure it cooks well. This swap keeps the dish tasty and safe for those with gluten issues. Want to boost the flavor? Try adding sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes. They add depth and richness. Chopped walnuts or pine nuts add crunch. You can also sprinkle fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra aroma. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! To keep your creamy roasted butternut squash rigatoni fresh, let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to label it with the date. This way, you’ll know when to eat it next. When you are ready to eat, reheat the rigatoni on the stove. Add a splash of water or broth to help it heat evenly. Stir gently over low heat until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place it in a microwave-safe dish, cover it, and heat for one to two minutes. Stir halfway to ensure even warming. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the rigatoni cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When you want to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it as mentioned earlier. This keeps the flavors bright and delicious. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. While rigatoni holds the sauce well, penne, fusilli, or even farfalle work great. Just ensure the cooking time matches the pasta you choose. Cook until al dente for the best texture. To add spice, you can include red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add fresh chopped chili peppers or a dash of hot sauce. These will enhance the flavor without overpowering the dish. For a great substitute, use nutritional yeast. It has a cheesy flavor and is vegan-friendly. Another option is to use a dairy-free Parmesan. You can also skip cheese altogether if you prefer a lighter dish. This blog post covered how to make a delicious butternut squash pasta. We talked about the key ingredients, including options for different diets. Step-by-step instructions showed how to prep the squash, cook the pasta, and create a creamy sauce. Useful tips helped enhance flavor and texture. I shared variations for vegan, gluten-free, and extra toppings. Finally, we discussed storage methods and answered common questions. Now you can enjoy this tasty dish however you like!

                    Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni

                    A delicious and creamy pasta dish made with roasted butternut squash and rigatoni, perfect for a comforting meal.
                    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
                    Prep Time 15 minutes
                    Cook Time 35 minutes
                    Total Time 50 minutes
                    Course Main Course
                    Cuisine Italian
                    Servings 4 servings
                    Calories 500 kcal

                    Ingredients
                      

                    • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
                    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
                    • to taste Salt and pepper
                    • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
                    • 1 cup vegetable broth
                    • 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
                    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
                    • 1 teaspoon onion powder
                    • 0.5 teaspoon nutmeg
                    • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)
                    • 1 cup baby spinach
                    • for garnish Fresh sage leaves

                    Instructions
                     

                    • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
                    • On a baking sheet, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out in a single layer and roast for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, tossing halfway through.
                    • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
                    • In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, heavy cream (or coconut cream), garlic powder, onion powder, and nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy.
                    • In the same pot used for the pasta, add the blended sauce, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
                    • Add the cooked rigatoni and baby spinach to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts.
                    • Adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
                    • Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves and extra Parmesan on top if desired.

                    Notes

                    Use coconut cream for a dairy-free option and nutritional yeast for a vegan alternative.
                    Keyword butternut squash, creamy, pasta, vegetarian

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