Health Information Library

Linguine with roasted butternut squash sauce

July 27, 2024
Recipe

Butternut squash is high in vitamin A, which is important for vision and immune system health.

Serves 6

Pureed butternut squash makes for a creamy sauce that is low in calories. Plus butternut squash is an excellent source of vitamin A.


Preheat oven to 400 F.

Put squash on a backing sheet. Brush the cut sides of the squash with 1 tablespoon oil and season well with pepper. Roast about 60 minutes or until soft. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook using package instructions.

Scoop roasted butternut squash from the skin and place in large food processor or blender. Puree until smooth. Slowly add the broth and puree until the sauce reaches the desired thickness. Add a little water if needed.

In a small skillet, heat the rest of the olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly. Add the sage and cook until bright green, about 30 seconds. Add the onion, red pepper and garlic. Saute until soft, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the pureed butternut squash.

Season with vinegar, nutmeg and more black pepper.

Add the pasta and stir until pasta is well coated.

Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.


  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), split and seeded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 12 ounces whole-wheat linguine or other pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups reduced-sodium vegetable broth
  • 8 sage leaves, cut into thin strips
  • 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Parmesan cheese (optional and not included in analysis)

DASH Eating Plan Servings

Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) 1 Fats and oils Fruits 2 Grains and grain products Meats, poultry and fish Nuts, seeds and dry beans Sweets 2 Vegetables

Diabetes Meal Plan Choices

Fats Dairy foods (low-fat or fat-free) Fruits Meat and meat substitutes Milk and milk products Nonstarchy vegetables Starches Sweets, desserts and other carbohydrates

Mayo Clinic Healthy Weight Pyramid Servings

3 Carbohydrates 1 Fats Fruits Protein and dairy Sweets Vegetables

Nutritional analysis per serving

Calcium 280 Calories 47 g Total carbohydrate 33 mg Cholesterol 8 g Dietary fiber 3.5 g Monounsaturated fat Potassium 11 g Protein 1.5 g Saturated fat 1 1/2 cups Serving size 204 mg Sodium 7 g Total fat