There’s something incredibly cozy about a pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate. This Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe brings that comfort with a seasonal twist, blending silky squash goodness into a rich, cheesy sauce that’s surprisingly light yet indulgent.

A black cast iron skillet filled with creamy, bright orange-yellow pasta noodles layered evenly, topped with green sage leaves and small sprigs of thyme scattered on top, with fine white grated cheese sprinkled all over. The skillet sits on a round wooden board on a white marbled surface, surrounded by fresh green sage leaves, a block of cheese, and a small brown bowl of grated cheese nearby. 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 got hooked on this creamy butternut squash Alfredo pasta because it turns simple ingredients into something spectacular without any fuss. It’s cozy enough for weeknight dinners but also elegant enough when you want to impress without the stress.

Seasonal Sweetness: The natural sweetness of butternut squash adds a lovely depth that balances the creamy Parmesan beautifully.
Rich but Light: Using cream and stock together keeps the sauce luscious without it feeling too heavy on your stomach.
Customizable Comfort: You can add herbs, swap pasta shapes, or throw in vegetables—it’s flexible and friendly for your kitchen style.
Super Simple: No complicated techniques here—just good ingredients and straightforward steps to nail every time.

A white speckled bowl filled with creamy yellow pasta noodles swirled neatly in the center with a smooth, rich sauce coating each strand. On top, scattered thin shavings of pale off-white cheese are layered with fresh green sage leaves, adding a pop of color and texture. The bowl sits on a rustic wooden surface with a light gray cloth partially visible on the side, along with a small black bowl of shredded cheese and a small pumpkin in the blurred 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 part in creating that perfect balance of flavors and textures. Choosing the right pasta and using fresh Parmesan really lifts the dish to the next level.

Flat lay of fresh golden butternut squash cubes, three whole uncracked brown garlic cloves, a few bright green fresh sage leaves, a small mound of freshly grated pale Parmesan cheese, a small white ceramic bowl filled with rich heavy cream, a small white ceramic bowl holding clear golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of light amber vegetable stock, a neat nest of uncooked pale yellow fettuccine pasta, sprinkled coarse sea salt crystals, and whole black peppercorns scattered artfully, all arranged with perfect symmetry 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

Pasta (Fettuccine or Tagliatelle): These wider noodles hold onto the creamy sauce so well—don’t skip this part!
Butternut Squash: Choose a firm, bright orange squash for maximum flavor and sweetness.
Olive Oil: Adds subtle richness and helps soften the squash with a gentle golden tint.
Garlic: Essential for that savory kick; add it at the right moment to avoid burning.
Double Cream (Heavy Cream): Makes the sauce luscious and silky.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is key here for that sharp, nutty flavor.
Vegetable or Chicken Stock: Adds a gentle complexity and helps loosen the sauce without watering it down.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season carefully to bring every flavor forward.
Fresh Sage Leaves (Optional): When fried in butter, they add a fragrant, earthy finish that feels particularly autumnal.

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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 love tweaking this Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Sometimes I add a little crisp pancetta or swap sage for thyme. It’s so forgiving—it’s all about making it your own.

Variation: Adding spinach or kale at the end brightens it up and adds nutrients without changing the cozy feel.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a dairy-free twist that still feels creamy and unctuous.
Vegan Adaptation: Substitute Parmesan with a vegan alternative and use vegetable stock for a plant-based delight.
Seasonal Change: Swap butternut squash with pumpkin in fall for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

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

Step 1: Cook Pasta to Al Dente Perfection

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook your pasta according to package directions until just tender but still with a bite. I always reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining—it’s a magic ingredient that will help your sauce cling perfectly later on.

Step 2: Sauté The Butternut Squash Until Golden

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the cubed butternut squash and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges turn golden and the cubes soften beautifully. Add the minced garlic during the last minute or two—this way it gets aromatic without burning.

Step 3: Blend The Creamy Sauce

Transfer the cooked squash and garlic into a blender. Add double cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and your stock. Blend it all to a silky smooth sauce—this is where the magic happens! Then, season with salt and pepper. Taste and tweak as you go—it should be comforting, creamy, and just seasoned right.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Return the sauce to your pan over low heat. Toss in the drained pasta and stir gently to coat each strand. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency. This finishing trick makes the sauce cling like a dream.

Step 5: Serve with Savory Garnishes

Dish up immediately, topping with extra Parmesan and those crispy fried sage leaves if you’re using them. It’s a wonderful touch that takes the flavors up a notch and impresses guests every time.

Top Tip

From my kitchen to yours, I've learned a few tricks while making this Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe that really elevate it. It’s often the little things that make a big difference.

Don’t Skip Reserving Pasta Water: This starchy water is your secret for a silky, perfectly emulsified sauce every time.
Sauté Squash Until Slightly Caramelized: Those golden edges add a beautiful flavor depth; don’t rush this step.
Fresh Parmesan Is Non-Negotiable: Pre-grated just won’t melt the same or give that rich, nutty taste.
Watch Your Garlic: Add it near the end of cooking the squash to keep it aromatic without bitterness.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe

Butternut Squash Alfredo - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a huge fan of topping this pasta with freshly fried sage leaves—they crisp up beautifully in butter and add so much fragrant warmth. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top adds a nice bite. Sometimes I even add a few toasted pumpkin seeds for crunch!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil, or roasted Brussels sprouts for something heartier. Garlic bread that’s crusty on the outside and soft on the inside is always a crowd-pleaser alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I like serving the pasta in shallow bowls topped with a nest of fried sage leaves and a sprig of fresh thyme. You can also drizzle a little browned butter over the top before serving—it makes the whole dish feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I recommend reheating gently in a pan with a splash of stock or cream to bring back that luscious sauce texture—it prevents it from drying out or becoming grainy.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this sauce separate from the pasta with good results—just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat with some added cream or stock. I find pasta doesn’t freeze as well once mixed, so keeping them separate is best for texture.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently on the stovetop with a splash of liquid (stock or cream), stirring frequently until warm and saucy again. Avoid microwaving straight from the fridge as it risks uneven heating and dryness.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is butternut squash Alfredo pasta healthy?

This recipe balances indulgence and nutrition by using butternut squash, which is rich in vitamins and fiber, paired with moderate amounts of cream and cheese. It’s a satisfying comfort meal that can fit into a balanced diet.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Absolutely! Fettuccine or tagliatelle are traditional and great at holding sauce, but penne, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work fine depending on your preference and what you have on hand.

How do I make this recipe vegan?

Swap the cream for coconut or cashew cream, replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative, and use vegetable stock to keep everything plant-based while maintaining richness and flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat without drying out the sauce?

Gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop with a splash of vegetable or chicken stock or cream, stirring often. This helps loosen the sauce and restore its creamy texture without drying it out.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it hits that perfect note of comfort and freshness. It’s a little like autumn in a bowl, inviting and soul-warming. I can’t recommend you try it enough—once you do, it just might become a new favorite for your family too.