There’s something magically comforting about a pasta dish that’s both velvety and a little unexpected. This Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe brings that perfect blend, turning simple ingredients into a luscious dinner that fills your kitchen with the sweetest aromas and leaves you feeling cozy inside.

A black cast iron pan is filled with a creamy, bright orange pasta, likely coated in a thick sauce. The pasta strands are arranged in loose coils with a soft, smooth texture. On top, there are scattered grated white cheese pieces and small sprigs of green herbs, including whole sage leaves and thyme, adding contrast in color. The pan sits on a round wooden board, resting on a white marbled surface with some green herbs and a small brown bowl of coarse salt nearby. The warm lighting highlights the rich colors and textures of the dish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to tell you, this recipe quickly became one of my favorite comfort foods. It’s rich without feeling heavy, thanks to the natural creaminess of roasted butternut squash blended with Parmesan and cream. Plus, it’s so approachable and totally adaptable whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a quiet night in.

Unexpected Creaminess: The butternut squash gives a silky, smooth texture that’s way more interesting than plain Alfredo.
Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these in your kitchen already, making it easy to throw together anytime.
Versatile Pasta: Whether you like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or any ribbon pasta, it works beautifully with the sauce.
Impressively Quick: You’ll have this dinner ready in about half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners.

The image shows a bowl of creamy pumpkin pasta with three main layers. The bottom layer is a pile of white fettuccine noodles covered in smooth, orange pumpkin sauce. On top, there are thin, pale yellow shavings of Parmesan cheese spread evenly. The final layer includes green sage leaves placed on the cheese, adding a fresh touch. The dish is served in a light speckled bowl with handles, set on a wooden surface with a white marbled texture background. Near the bowl, a few sage leaves lie on the surface, and an orange pumpkin pumpkin and a brown jug are visible in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe plays a key role in balancing flavor and texture. When shopping, pick a firm butternut squash and fresh Parmesan for the best outcome.

Flat lay of fresh uncooked fettuccine pasta neatly coiled, vibrant orange butternut squash cubes, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves next to peeled garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl filled with thick double cream, a small white ceramic bowl of finely grated Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vegetable stock, a few fresh bright green sage leaves, and coarse black peppercorns and sea salt crystals scattered delicately, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Butternut Squash: Naturally sweet and creamy, it's the heart of the sauce, creating that luxurious texture without heaviness.
Pasta (Fettuccine or Tagliatelle): The broad noodles catch the vibrant sauce perfectly—don’t overcook for best texture.
Garlic: Adds a subtle savory depth that brightens the sweetness of the squash.
Olive Oil: Helps roast the squash beautifully and adds a rich, slightly fruity flavor.
Double or Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce indulgently creamy and silky.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings salty, nutty sharpness that elevates the whole dish.
Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Thins out the sauce naturally while adding layers of flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to balance the sweetness and richness.
Fresh Sage (optional): Frying sage leaves in butter adds a fragrant, crispy garnish that’s pure magic on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I always like to tweak the Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe depending on my mood—or what’s in season. It’s such a forgiving sauce that you can easily customize to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Variation: I’ve swapped cream for a blend of coconut milk and cashew cream for a dairy-free version that still delivers that rich, creamy texture.
Add Protein: For a heartier meal, adding grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms works wonderfully and adds extra layers of flavor.
Fresh Herbs: Sometimes I toss in fresh rosemary or thyme when cooking the squash for a different aromatic twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil—salty like the sea, I always say. Add your pasta and cook it until just al dente, usually a minute or two less than the package suggests. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is gold for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Sauté the Butternut Squash

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the butternut squash cubes and let them cook for around 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally until they turn soft and develop those little golden edges I adore. Add the minced garlic in the last couple of minutes so it softens without burning—raw garlic can be too sharp in this sauce.

Step 3: Blend into a Silky Sauce

Transfer the cooked squash and garlic into a blender. Add in the cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and the stock. Blend everything on high until it’s irresistibly smooth and creamy—almost like a velvet hug! Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the sauce back into your pan, then toss in the pasta while it’s still warm. Use that reserved pasta water sparingly to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency—it helps the sauce cling to the noodles perfectly without being too thick or watery.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

Dish it out straight away, topping each plate with extra Parmesan. If you’re feeling fancy, crispy fried sage leaves add a nutty, aromatic crunch that takes this Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe over the top.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, a few little insights will help you master this dish without stress—because I’ve been there, fumbling with too thin or lumpy sauces!

Roast or Sauté the Squash Thoroughly: Taking the time to get those nice caramelized edges on the butternut adds a natural sweetness and depth that's key to the sauce’s flavor.
Reserve Pasta Water: Adding it bit by bit when stirring the pasta in the sauce is a game-changer. It helps achieve that perfect, clingy texture without diluting the flavor.
Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts smoothly and tastes so much better than pre-grated options, making your sauce truly stand out.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: It cooks a bit more when mixed with sauce, so aim for slightly firm to keep your texture just right.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe

butternut squash Alfredo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

For me, the fried sage leaves are a must—they add that crispy, herbaceous pop I crave. A sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or crushed red pepper flakes can also add exciting texture or a little kick, depending on your mood.

Side Dishes

I often serve this pasta with a simple arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or a rustic crusty loaf is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate—trust me, you’ll want to!

Creative Ways to Present

One time I made this for a small dinner party, plating it in shallow bowls topped with edible flowers and microgreens for a stunning autumnal look. You could also swirl the pasta into nests on a large platter for a family-style feast—it looks elegant but is effortless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, but try to eat within 2 days to enjoy the sauce at its best. The pasta might absorb some sauce overnight, so a splash of stock or cream when reheating helps freshen it up beautifully.

Freezing

I’ve frozen portions of this pasta before, although I find the texture softens slightly after thawing. If you do freeze, store it in a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of vegetable stock or cream as needed to bring back the sauce’s silky texture. Microwaving works in a pinch, but be sure to cover the dish and stir every 30 seconds to heat evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of squash in this recipe?

Absolutely! While butternut squash is ideal for its sweetness and texture, kabocha or pumpkin can also make a delicious creamy sauce. Just make sure to adjust cooking times so the squash becomes soft and caramelized.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe is vegetarian-friendly as written, especially if you use vegetable stock. Just be sure to check that your Parmesan is vegetarian if that’s a concern, as some contain animal rennet.

How can I make this dish vegan?

To veganize the recipe, swap the double cream for a coconut-based cream or cashew cream, use nutritional yeast or a vegan Parmesan alternative, and choose vegetable stock. It still turns out decadently creamy!

What pasta types work best with this sauce?

Wider noodles like fettuccine, tagliatelle, or pappardelle are best since the sauce clings well to their surfaces, but you can use spaghetti or even penne. Just remember to reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe feels like a hug on a plate every time I make it. Not just because it tastes incredible, but because it’s a dish that feels both special and comfortably familiar. I hope you’ll give it a try soon and discover your own favorite twists—after all, cooking is about enjoying the process as much as the delicious results. So, grab some squash, invite a friend or two, and let this recipe become a new go-to comfort food in your kitchen.