Alfredo Butternut Squash Pasta Bake (Print)

Comforting pasta bake with creamy Alfredo, roasted butternut squash, and bubbling cheese. Ideal for cozy nights.

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta

01 - 10 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium butternut squash (about 1.75 lbs), peeled and cut into ½ inch cubes
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
05 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Alfredo Sauce

06 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
07 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
08 - 1 ⅔ cups whole milk
09 - ½ cup heavy cream
10 - ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
11 - ½ tsp salt
12 - ¼ tsp ground black pepper
13 - Pinch ground nutmeg

→ Topping

14 - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
15 - ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
02 - Combine butternut squash cubes, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, stirring halfway, until tender and lightly golden.
03 - In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta for 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain and set aside.
04 - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Sauté onion for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
05 - Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, continuing to stir until sauce is thickened, approximately 4-5 minutes.
06 - Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
07 - In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, and Alfredo sauce until thoroughly coated.
08 - Transfer mixture to the greased baking dish, top evenly with mozzarella and additional Parmesan cheese.
09 - Bake for 20 minutes or until the cheese is golden and bubbling. Allow dish to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Uses simple ingredients most of us keep on hand
  • No fancy kitchen gadgets required
  • Vegetarian and crowd-friendly
  • Easy to prep ahead or freeze
  • Straightforward steps make this beginner-friendly
02 -
  • Packed with fiber from squash and whole milk goodness
  • Freezes beautifully so it is ready for busy nights
  • Great for meal prep and reheats perfectly
03 -
  • Use fresh nutmeg for best flavor in Alfredo sauce. Always cook your pasta a bit under since it continues cooking in the oven.
  • Roasting the squash separately adds a depth and caramelized flavor you will not get if you simmer it in sauce. If you have leftover sauce drizzle it over reheated portions for an extra creamy bite.

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