A cozy, versatile dish that celebrates the best of fall. Smooth roasted squash blends with sage, thyme, and garlic for a rich, velvety sauce — perfect over your favorite pasta.
Ingredients
½ small butternut squash, halved and seeded
(or use acorn, delicata, kabocha, seminole, or pumpkin)
2 shallots, coarsely chopped
3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
2 tbsp olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Sea salt & black pepper
¾ cup water
Vegan option: ½ cup raw cashews + 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
Non-vegan option: ½ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
10 fresh sage leaves
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
¾ tsp sea salt, plus more to taste
For serving: 12 oz spaghetti (or favorite pasta), reserved cooking water
Instructions
Roast: Preheat oven to 425°F. Drizzle squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast cut-side down on parchment for ~30 minutes, or until tender. Wrap shallots and garlic in foil with olive oil and roast alongside.
Blend: Scoop out 1 cup roasted squash. Peel garlic and add to blender with shallots, water, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, sage, thyme, salt, and pepper. Add cashews + nutritional yeast (vegan) or half-and-half (non-vegan). Blend until smooth.
Toss: Cook pasta, reserve 1 cup water, then combine with sauce. Add pasta water gradually until creamy and smooth. Adjust salt to taste.
Serve: Top with thyme, pepper, and optional sides — sautéed broccoli, roasted cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or a simple green salad.
Tips
Swap the squash: Each variety adds its own flavor twist.
Make ahead: Sauce keeps 3 days refrigerated or 3 months frozen.
Boost flavor: Try red pepper flakes or grated Parmesan (or vegan Parmesan).
Versatile: Delicious over gnocchi, roasted veggies, or grain bowls.
Preserving the Harvest
Want your local squash and pumpkins to last?
Check out “Preserving Pumpkins and Winter Squash” — our quick guide to storing, roasting, and freezing local squash for months of meals.
Shop Local. Eat Seasonal. Stay Cozy.
Support our farmers through the cooler months — shop seasonal produce, dairy, meats, and handmade goods at Piedmont Fresh.
Stay connected with your local food community all winter long.