This 8-ingredient creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta will be your new favorite fall meal. Packed with good for you ingredients, simple to make, delicious, and oh so comforting! Kids love this dish, too!

The creaminess that is this Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta....holy moly butternut guacamole.
I could live off cashews. I blend them into anything and everything because they legitimately make everything taste way better!
Cashews are the star of my Creamy Cajun Pasta, Cream of Mushroom and Wild Rice Soup, Spaghetti Squash with Tomato Basil Cream Sauce, and Enchiladas with Cashew Sour Cream.
It's time for another episode of pasta-is-the-perfect-blank-canvas. Protein, fiber, oodles of vitamins and minerals...100% whole grain pasta has it all, my friends.
I'd be lying if I said I didn't douse this epically creamy pasta in Frank's hot sauce. They should hire me as their spokesperson.
Sage is kind of weird but I kind of adore it. Mostly because it's so fuzzy. Like can I pet you before I stuff you into a casserole and eat you? Fall would be nothing without sage. Admittedly, last time I made this I didn't have any fresh on hand so I added a bit of dried to the sauce instead. I prefer fresh, but dried will work in a pinch!
Recipe tips and substitutions
This is a really stellar weeknight meal with whole grains, healthy fats, and veggies all rolled into one. It. boasts over 15 grams of plant-powered protein and 11 grams of filing fiber per serving!
- Pasta: Whole wheat penne is my favorite here. I've also made it with brown rice noodles which is great for gluten free. Trader Joe's brown rice penne is what's pictured here!
- Butternut squash: You can peel, slice, and deseed a whole one or you can buy frozen pre-cut squash to cut down on prep time.
- Vegetable broth: Go full sodium here, since we've got plenty of squash and pasta to season. If you're not vegan, chicken broth would also be great!
- Raw cashews: Key for creaminess and velvety mouth feel. If you don't have raw, roasted will work in a pinch but the dish may have a more roasted flavor. We're soaking the cashews while the pasta and squash cook to make them blend easier.
- Maple syrup: For a touch of sweetness. Honey or agave are great, too.
- Sage: I love fresh sage, but you could also do dried if you don't have any fresh.
- Peas: I love adding thawed from frozen peas for a pop of color and texture. Sautéed spinach would also be a great addition!
Can you use frozen squash?
Yes! You can find cubed butternut squash in the freezer section at most grocery stores, which cuts down on prep time and clean up. I always keep a bag in the freezer! See the recipe instructions for roasting frozen squash.
Fun add-in ideas
- Veggies. Peas are my favorite here, but you could also do sautéed greens, finely chopped broccoli, or mushrooms!
- Toppings. If you decide to bake this dish, I love topping it with a handful of panko bread crumbs tossed in some butter for a nice crispy topping. A sprinkle of parm would also be delish if you're not vegan!
- Protein. This dish already boasts 15 grams of protein per serving, but if you want something extra, you could stir in baked tofu, tempeh, or some chickpeas.
Storage tips
The noodles will continue to soak up the sauce as it sits so leftovers may be a bit softer. Store any leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. I wouldn't recommend freezing this dish as is, but you could definitely freeze just the sauce.
If you want to prep this ahead of time, simply cook the noodles, make the butternut squash sauce, then store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine just before serving.
More tasty pasta dinner ideas:
I hope you’re as in love with this Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta as I am! If you make it, please leave a comment and star rating letting me know how it turned out. I’m so grateful for your feedback!
Print8-Ingredient Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Meal
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This 8-ingredient creamy Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta will be your new favorite fall meal. Healthy, delicious, and oh so comforting!
Ingredients
- ¾ cup raw cashews, soaked
- 24 oz cubed butternut squash (I used frozen)
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 16 oz whole-grain penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 ½ cups vegetable broth
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- 1 tsp fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh shopped sage (plus more for garnish, can sub 1 tsp dried sage)
- 1 cup peas, optional
Instructions
- Place cashews in a bowl. Cover with hot water and set aside. Preheat oven to 400F.
- Place squash in an even layer on a large baking sheet lined with parchment paper. (If using frozen squash, you can use this post as a guide to roasting.) Drizzle with olive oil and season liberally with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast for 30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Drain and rinse cashews. Once squash has cooled a bit, add to the bowl of a large food processor along with cashews, broth, maple syrup, salt, and pepper. If using dried sage, you can add that now too. Process until sauce is smooth and creamy. Stir in fresh sage. Taste and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Return noodles to pot they were cooked in. Add sauce and toss to combine. Stir in optional peas. You can serve as is (you may need to reheat) or place in an 8x8in baking dish sprayed with cooking spray at bake at 350F (topping with bread crumbs is also nice!) for about 10 minutes, or until hot. Serve with plenty of Frank's hot sauce!
Notes
TO MAKE GLUTEN FREE: Use your favorite gluten free pasta.
El says
Made this and it was so delicious!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!
El says
Made this and it was so delicious!
★★★★★
Alexis says
Thank you! I’m so glad you liked it!
Linda says
Looks delicious! . Can’t wait to try these!
https://coolkitchenutensils.com
★★★★★
Linda says
Looks delicious! . Can’t wait to try these!
https://coolkitchenutensils.com
★★★★★
Anna says
Ugh... looks so good but is there anyway you could make a vegan recipe like this without cashews? Nuts are always a common substitute but I am allergic ):
Alexis says
You could try macadamia nuts or maybe a seed? Sorry friend!
Anna says
Ugh... looks so good but is there anyway you could make a vegan recipe like this without cashews? Nuts are always a common substitute but I am allergic ):
Alexis says
You could try macadamia nuts or maybe a seed? Sorry friend!
Athina says
Ohh myyy heavens! This is delish! I made it last night.. and accidentally chose the largest butternut squash that Trader Joe's ever did see! I had to double the recipe! Good thing I have a hungry boyfriend at home who can eat a box of pasta in one sitting! Anywho - I did run out of veggie broth, and had to add extra salt to get it just right, but when I did.. yum! Adding cashews is clutch! What a creamy goodness! Thank you for another yummy, healthy meal! Also, I am from Boston and am so glad you enjoyed your visit! And more glad that you visited the life alive gods! What did you get?!
★★★★★
Athina says
Ohh myyy heavens! This is delish! I made it last night.. and accidentally chose the largest butternut squash that Trader Joe's ever did see! I had to double the recipe! Good thing I have a hungry boyfriend at home who can eat a box of pasta in one sitting! Anywho - I did run out of veggie broth, and had to add extra salt to get it just right, but when I did.. yum! Adding cashews is clutch! What a creamy goodness! Thank you for another yummy, healthy meal! Also, I am from Boston and am so glad you enjoyed your visit! And more glad that you visited the life alive gods! What did you get?!
★★★★★
ルイヴィトンコピー 偽物激安ヴィトンコピー 販売階のほらを輸入する資格があって、全国の第一項のナイロンのふろしき包みは傲慢なシリーズの女性を配合して包んで、高級で派手で、私 says
[url=https://www.ooobrand.com/intqual/index.html]ルイヴィトンコピー 偽物激安ヴィトンコピー 販売階のほらを輸入する資格があって、全国の第一項のナイロンのふろしき包みは傲慢なシリーズの女性を配合して包んで、高級で派手で、私達はただふろしき包みの中のハイエンドのブランドだけをしま。ハイエンドのファスナー、私達の採用の高級なファスナーは大工場のOEMからで、ファスナーが順調で滑るのは丈夫で、高品質と高享受。[/url]
ルイヴィトンコピー 偽物激安ヴィトンコピー 販売階のほらを輸入する資格があって、全国の第一項のナイロンのふろしき包みは傲慢なシリーズの女性を配合して包んで、高級で派手で、私 says
[url=https://www.ooobrand.com/intqual/index.html]ルイヴィトンコピー 偽物激安ヴィトンコピー 販売階のほらを輸入する資格があって、全国の第一項のナイロンのふろしき包みは傲慢なシリーズの女性を配合して包んで、高級で派手で、私達はただふろしき包みの中のハイエンドのブランドだけをしま。ハイエンドのファスナー、私達の採用の高級なファスナーは大工場のOEMからで、ファスナーが順調で滑るのは丈夫で、高品質と高享受。[/url]
今の限定版の時計を配置したオメガ同軸逃げシステム装置、スムース、象牙色文字盤が優雅な復古息、その上の時間スケール、針と早期オメガマークやアルファベットは18金の材質、気高く says
[url=https://www.wtobrand.com/prada-bag1.html]今の限定版の時計を配置したオメガ同軸逃げシステム装置、スムース、象牙色文字盤が優雅な復古息、その上の時間スケール、針と早期オメガマークやアルファベットは18金の材質、気高くて優雅。文字盤の上のローマ数字の「XXIX」(29)寓意が北京で行われた第29回オリンピック大会。18金ケース径37 mmを経て、スムースに磨きをかけて、18金付きとボタンの黒い折り畳みワニ皮バンドを完璧に溶けて。スーパーコピー時計アーチ防摩耗サファイアクリスタル表鏡を経て、防ミラー処理、深さ100メートル防水。表を刻んで北京オリンピックマーク印刷、唯一無二の限定版番号や腕時計の発売日とともに、黒つや消し専属セット荷重。[/url]
今の限定版の時計を配置したオメガ同軸逃げシステム装置、スムース、象牙色文字盤が優雅な復古息、その上の時間スケール、針と早期オメガマークやアルファベットは18金の材質、気高く says
[url=https://www.wtobrand.com/prada-bag1.html]今の限定版の時計を配置したオメガ同軸逃げシステム装置、スムース、象牙色文字盤が優雅な復古息、その上の時間スケール、針と早期オメガマークやアルファベットは18金の材質、気高くて優雅。文字盤の上のローマ数字の「XXIX」(29)寓意が北京で行われた第29回オリンピック大会。18金ケース径37 mmを経て、スムースに磨きをかけて、18金付きとボタンの黒い折り畳みワニ皮バンドを完璧に溶けて。スーパーコピー時計アーチ防摩耗サファイアクリスタル表鏡を経て、防ミラー処理、深さ100メートル防水。表を刻んで北京オリンピックマーク印刷、唯一無二の限定版番号や腕時計の発売日とともに、黒つや消し専属セット荷重。[/url]
Rolex(ロレックス)中国の歴史は実際にはすでに百年を超えるが、一番印象的なのは1967年から、隷属ハンス・ヴェルス多夫基金(fondationハンス!Wilsdorf)のRolex(ロレックス)会社は香港で says
[url=https://www.newkakaku.com/cxb1.htm]Rolex(ロレックス)中国の歴史は実際にはすでに百年を超えるが、一番印象的なのは1967年から、隷属ハンス・ヴェルス多夫基金(fondationハンス!Wilsdorf)のRolex(ロレックス)会社は香港で支社を設立して。その後、それは2002年に承認され、中国で作成された家はその完全ホールディングスの支社は他の中国と同行協力)となり、実現の時計ブランド初の試み。チュードル時計コピーRolex(ロレックス)に入るたびにひとつの市場には、アフターサービスシステムを構築する。中国でも例外ではない。今、北京、上海、広州の合計の3つのアフターサービスセンターを設立しました。加えて260以上の販売時(を含む十数軒の専売店)、Rolex(ロレックス)中国の従業員の数は300人を超え。[/url]
Rolex(ロレックス)中国の歴史は実際にはすでに百年を超えるが、一番印象的なのは1967年から、隷属ハンス・ヴェルス多夫基金(fondationハンス!Wilsdorf)のRolex(ロレックス)会社は香港で says
[url=https://www.newkakaku.com/cxb1.htm]Rolex(ロレックス)中国の歴史は実際にはすでに百年を超えるが、一番印象的なのは1967年から、隷属ハンス・ヴェルス多夫基金(fondationハンス!Wilsdorf)のRolex(ロレックス)会社は香港で支社を設立して。その後、それは2002年に承認され、中国で作成された家はその完全ホールディングスの支社は他の中国と同行協力)となり、実現の時計ブランド初の試み。チュードル時計コピーRolex(ロレックス)に入るたびにひとつの市場には、アフターサービスシステムを構築する。中国でも例外ではない。今、北京、上海、広州の合計の3つのアフターサービスセンターを設立しました。加えて260以上の販売時(を含む十数軒の専売店)、Rolex(ロレックス)中国の従業員の数は300人を超え。[/url]
およそ1年前、私は私のマーク・カーソンkaラ・スポーツ腕時計はどうなるのだろう、ダイヤルと手を設計したが、特定の思想は当時のストラップに与えられました。私は、バーゼル2015年か says
[url=https://www.eevance.com/tokei/zenith/index.html]およそ1年前、私は私のマーク・カーソンkaラ・スポーツ腕時計はどうなるのだろう、ダイヤルと手を設計したが、特定の思想は当時のストラップに与えられました。私は、バーゼル2015年から帰ったとき、私は座った一つのゴールの設計は、高セキュリティストラップシステムを利用することができたのは、曲がった金属片の「私のマーク・カーソンkaラの場合にnatoストラップのより多くの保安を提供するツールと特徴的なマッチョの観察を提供する。[/url]
およそ1年前、私は私のマーク・カーソンkaラ・スポーツ腕時計はどうなるのだろう、ダイヤルと手を設計したが、特定の思想は当時のストラップに与えられました。私は、バーゼル2015年か says
[url=https://www.eevance.com/tokei/zenith/index.html]およそ1年前、私は私のマーク・カーソンkaラ・スポーツ腕時計はどうなるのだろう、ダイヤルと手を設計したが、特定の思想は当時のストラップに与えられました。私は、バーゼル2015年から帰ったとき、私は座った一つのゴールの設計は、高セキュリティストラップシステムを利用することができたのは、曲がった金属片の「私のマーク・カーソンkaラの場合にnatoストラップのより多くの保安を提供するツールと特徴的なマッチョの観察を提供する。[/url]
Tish says
I'm new to vegan eating - only two weeks into it - and tried this for dinner tonight. It was a big hit with the (meat eating) family, so I'll be making it again, for sure. I may add some garlic next time, but it was quite good as it is. Thanks!
★★★★
Alexis says
Good for you!! I have another version coming up soon and I think it's even better than the original 🙂
Tish says
I'm new to vegan eating - only two weeks into it - and tried this for dinner tonight. It was a big hit with the (meat eating) family, so I'll be making it again, for sure. I may add some garlic next time, but it was quite good as it is. Thanks!
★★★★
Alexis says
Good for you!! I have another version coming up soon and I think it's even better than the original 🙂
Stephanie says
Hello there quick question for you! I have a pot luck in a few weeks really want to bring this! Do you have any suggestions for re heating at an office - only microwave handy. I was thinking of making then putting in crockpot on warm (It will need to sit for about 5 hr before we eat, or if I could make in the crockpot? Love to hear any suggestions.
Thank you!
Stephanie says
Hello there quick question for you! I have a pot luck in a few weeks really want to bring this! Do you have any suggestions for re heating at an office - only microwave handy. I was thinking of making then putting in crockpot on warm (It will need to sit for about 5 hr before we eat, or if I could make in the crockpot? Love to hear any suggestions.
Thank you!
Monique @ Burpees to Bubbly says
YUMMMM. Printed this and can't wait to try it! Might add in some broccoli 🙂
Monique @ Burpees to Bubbly says
YUMMMM. Printed this and can't wait to try it! Might add in some broccoli 🙂
Jana says
Just made this. It was really REALLY good! Even my carnivore daughter liked it, and says she's feeling like a "better human" for having done so ☺️
Jana says
Just made this. It was really REALLY good! Even my carnivore daughter liked it, and says she's feeling like a "better human" for having done so ☺️
Emily Eby says
I just made this tonight after wanting to do it since you posted it...it is AMAZING!!! I was shamelessly licking the blender i made the sauce in...you came up with a GREAT recipe, thanks for sharing! Would rather have this than mac n cheese!!!!
★★★★★
Emily Eby says
I just made this tonight after wanting to do it since you posted it...it is AMAZING!!! I was shamelessly licking the blender i made the sauce in...you came up with a GREAT recipe, thanks for sharing! Would rather have this than mac n cheese!!!!
★★★★★
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
i have been eating quinoa and brown rice pasta from TJ like its going out of style..i love the butternut squash sauce. and breaking the squash is a PAIN.
dixya | food, pleasure, and health says
i have been eating quinoa and brown rice pasta from TJ like its going out of style..i love the butternut squash sauce. and breaking the squash is a PAIN.
Liora says
This looks absolutely indulgent! (In a good way!) Butternut is hands-down my favorite food and I can't say I've ever eaten it with pasta. I can't wait to try 🙂
Liora says
This looks absolutely indulgent! (In a good way!) Butternut is hands-down my favorite food and I can't say I've ever eaten it with pasta. I can't wait to try 🙂
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I hear you on sage! It has officially become one of my favorite things right now!
Hannah @CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
I hear you on sage! It has officially become one of my favorite things right now!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
These pictures are gorgeous, lady! And apparently we were both on the squash pasta train this week. I like the way you think. 😉
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
These pictures are gorgeous, lady! And apparently we were both on the squash pasta train this week. I like the way you think. 😉
Hilary says
I am not really a pasta person, but this sounds so amazing! I always like the idea of making a sauce out of cashews but for some reason I fail to do so time and time again, but my goodness this just sounds so good!
Hilary says
I am not really a pasta person, but this sounds so amazing! I always like the idea of making a sauce out of cashews but for some reason I fail to do so time and time again, but my goodness this just sounds so good!
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Pre cut is always my go to for butternut 😉
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says
Pre cut is always my go to for butternut 😉
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
The last time I tried to cut a whole butternut squash at home, I found myself actually talking to the vegetable. like "c'mon. we can get through this. just let me cut you open".
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
The last time I tried to cut a whole butternut squash at home, I found myself actually talking to the vegetable. like "c'mon. we can get through this. just let me cut you open".
Megan @ Straight From The Jar says
This seriously looks like the perfect comfort food. And I am ALL OVER dousing this in Frank's. Seriously need to make this asap because it also looks bf approved. Pinned!
Megan @ Straight From The Jar says
This seriously looks like the perfect comfort food. And I am ALL OVER dousing this in Frank's. Seriously need to make this asap because it also looks bf approved. Pinned!
Rebecca Lwin says
Oh yum... thIs creamy combo of butternut squash, sage, and peas??! Yes and YES!! It looks absolutely divine... and yes I agree, sage is the most adorable of all fuzzy herbs... 🙂
Rebecca Lwin says
Oh yum... thIs creamy combo of butternut squash, sage, and peas??! Yes and YES!! It looks absolutely divine... and yes I agree, sage is the most adorable of all fuzzy herbs... 🙂
Sally says
I laughed SO hard at your sage commentary. You're hilarious! Also, this recipe looks delishhh - can't wait to make it this week 🙂
Sally says
I laughed SO hard at your sage commentary. You're hilarious! Also, this recipe looks delishhh - can't wait to make it this week 🙂
Heidi Kokborg says
Oh wow! This looks so good!
Heidi Kokborg says
Oh wow! This looks so good!
Amy @ UpearlywithAmy says
Hmmmm...the perfect comfort food for this endless east coast rain 🙂
Amy @ UpearlywithAmy says
Hmmmm...the perfect comfort food for this endless east coast rain 🙂