Creating a delicious pasta sauce that is both healthy and full of flavor is a wonderful way to elevate your weeknight meals. This recipe for Healthy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a perfect blend of creamy and savory, providing a comforting and nutritious addition to your favorite pasta dishes.
**Healthy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup vegetable broth
– 1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk of choice)
– Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Squash:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and dice the butternut squash into small cubes. Place the squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
2. **Sauté the Aromatics:** In a large saucepan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 4-5 minutes.
3. **Combine the Flavors:** To the saucepan, add the roasted butternut squash, dried thyme, ground nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and let the ingredients cook together for another 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavors.
4. **Blend the Sauce:** Pour in the vegetable broth and almond milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the squash is very soft.
5. **Blend Until Smooth:** Using an immersion blender or transferring the sauce to a blender, carefully blend the mixture until smooth and creamy. Be cautious of the hot liquid when blending.
6. **Adjust Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more vegetable broth or almond milk.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once your butternut squash pasta sauce has reached your desired consistency and flavor, remove from heat. Serve over your favorite cooked pasta, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and enjoy a warm, comforting meal that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
Creating your own Healthy Butternut Squash Pasta Sauce is a fantastic way to add a nutritious twist to your pasta nights. This versatile sauce is not only delicious but also a great way to sneak in some extra veggies into your meals. Feel free to customize it by adding your favorite herbs and spices to make it truly yours. So, next time you’re looking to cozy up with a bowl of pasta, give this recipe a try and relish in the wholesome goodness of homemade goodness.
