Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

Sheela Prakash
Sheela PrakashSenior Contributing Food Editor
Sheela is the Senior Contributing Food Editor at Kitchn and the author of Mediterranean Every Day: Simple, Inspired Recipes for Feel-Good Food. She received her master's degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Italy and is also a Registered Dietitian.
updated Aug 3, 2023
Butternut squash fettuccini Alfredo, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh chopped parsley, on a bowl with fork on the side
Credit: Joe Lingeman
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Credit: Joe Lingeman

This time of year, it feels like it’s our duty to squeeze winter squash into every corner of our diet, whether it’s on pizza or salad, or even in dessert. Here’s the best way to get your fill of squash with your pasta: Turn it into a decadent sauce, rich with cream and kissed with nutmeg.

May I introduce you to butternut squash Alfredo?

A Seasonal Twist on Fettuccine Alfredo

Rich and creamy fettuccine Alfredo is a fan favorite for good reason, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t play with the classic a bit. Here roasted butternut squash is puréed with cream and Parmesan cheese to create a velvety Alfredo sauce that coats every inch of the al dente pasta.

The squash, along with the garlic that’s roasted alongside it, lends a nutty, earthy quality to the sauce that gives it the depth that’s often lacking in the classic. It’s finished with a sprinkle of chopped parsley before serving, which adds just a touch of freshness to the bowl of comfort. This is one pasta you’ll most definitely find yourself craving all season long.

Credit: Joe Lingeman

Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

Prep time 10 minutes to 15 minutes

Cook time 45 minutes to 50 minutes

Serves 6

Nutritional Info

Ingredients

  • 3 cups

    (1-inch) cubed butternut squash (about 1 1/4 pounds)

  • 3 cloves

    garlic, smashed

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons

    olive oil

  • 1 teaspoon

    kosher salt, divided

  • 1/4 teaspoon

    freshly ground black pepper

  • 3/4 cup

    heavy cream

  • 1/2 cup

    low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

  • 1/2 cup

    grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

  • Pinch ground nutmeg

  • 1 pound

    dry fettuccine

  • 2 tablespoons

    finely chopped fresh parsley leaves

Instructions

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  1. Arrange a rack in the middle of the oven and heat to 425°F.

  2. Toss the cubed squash with the garlic and olive oil in a large bowl and season with ½ teaspoon of the salt and pepper. Transfer the mixture to a rimmed baking sheet and spread into a single layer. Roast until tender and caramelized, about 30 minutes, stirring once halfway through.

  3. Remove the squash from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer the squash and garlic to a blender or food processor. Add the remaining salt, cream, broth, cheese, and nutmeg, and process continuously until smooth, about 1 minute.

  4. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes or according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta. Return the pasta to the pot.

  5. Add the Alfredo sauce and toss with the pasta over low heat. If needed, add some of the reserved pasta water, tablespoon by tablespoon, to loosen the pasta and evenly coat it with the sauce. Sprinkle with the parsley and more Parmesan and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.