You don’t need to use cream to get a creamy pasta sauce, use butternut squash instead. You get that creamy comforting flavour, but with added vitamins too and not a cauliflower in sight.
There are a lot of healthier creamy pasta sauces out there, but a lot of them use cauliflower (not that I am complaining), so I thought I would give an alternative for those of you out there that aren’t loving cauliflower. Butternut squash has a naturally creamy texture when blended, so we have put that to good use. If you don’t usually like butternut squash, give this a try as it might just change your mind.
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What’s also great about this sauce is that it freezes really well too, so make an extra batch and portion it out and put it in your freezer for a really quick and convenient dinner. Speaking of convenience, we try to cook everything from scratch as much as possible, but we aren’t perfect due to busy lives, so we do buy some convenient ready made food like ravioli. However, when we do we go for the best quality possible so we know it is full of the best ingredients and it’s going to taste great, which is why we choose Giovanni Rana.
Loved by Italians everywhere, Giovanni Rana, is Italy’s favourite fresh pasta and it’s easy to see why when you can get it filled with delicious sundried tomatoes, olives and mozzarella, which is what I used in this dish. Their fresh filled pastas are made with the very best ingredients in Verona (where they have been made for over 50 years), in order to create a unique product of the highest quality that is authentically Italian.
As I have spoken about many times before, for me Italian food is all about simplicity and not overcomplicating recipes with too many ingredients, which is why I have kept this sauce really simple and why it goes so well with the ravioli. Keep your meals simple and you can #liveitalian!
I also think that people have a tendency to over cook pasta, and you don’t want to make the mistake with this filled pasta. You just need to cook it for 4 minutes (how quick and easy is that!) and then take it out of the pan with a slotted spoon, because it’s really delicate.
You also don’t need to drown pasta in sauce, just add a little bit as less is more when it comes to Italian cooking.
I really am on an Italian kick at the moment, maybe it is a sign that I am desperate to go back to Italy, so expect to see lots more delicious Italian recipes on the blog soon. I know you lot are not going to complain about that!
Ingredients – Serves 4:
– 1 small butternut squash peeled and cut in to chunks (the chunks should weight about 300g)
– 1 small onion, diced
– 2 garlic cloves, crushed
– 6 basil leaves, torn
– A pinch of black pepper
– 500ml/2 cups of vegetable stock
1) Heat a little oil in a large pan and add the butternut squash, garlic and onion. Gently cook for 5 minutes until softened.
2) Add the stock and black pepper and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the basil about 4 minutes from the end.
3) Transfer to a blender and blend until smooth and serve with Giovanni Rana pasta.
Nutritional Information – Per Person for the sauce:
Calories: 55
Carbs: 13
Fat: 0
Protein: 1
Fiber: 2
Weight Watchers SmartPoints: 0
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**This recipe was commissioned by Giovanni Rana, however all opinions are my own. **
Appreciate the essence of real Italy with Giovanni Rana. #LiveItalian. www.liveitalian.co.uk
Caroline says
Made this tonight as I was looking for a tomato free sauce for pasta…DELICIOUS!
Only tweak I made was using fresh sage instead of basil (I didn’t have the latter), worked really well as BNS & sage are a great pairing.
Phi @ The Sweetphi Blog says
I absolutely love using veggies in sauces or to ‘replace’ something. Using butternut squash in place of cream sounds amazing, a must try for sure.
Dannii says
It get the sauce nice and creamy.
Anna @AnnaTheApple says
LOVE this! Huge butternut squash fan and I love the idea of it being used a sauce. I used to use pumpkin a lot and mix it with cream cheese as a sauce but this sounds a bit easier as pumpkin is always tricky to find.
Dannii says
I am going to try the pumpkin version this autumn too though!
Nayna Kanabar says
Such a lovely idea very innovative use of the squash nad its low fat too compatring to cheesy sauces.
Dannii says
You still get all of the creaminess, without all the fat.
Laura H says
Love the look of this dish! The orange colour is so distinctive and I’m sure it tastes even better than it looks 🙂
Dannii says
It’s a great way to use butternut squash!
Alison says
I never knew you could make sauce with butternut squash. Will have to try this. It looks lovely
Dannii says
It blends up really well in to a sauce.
Becca @ Amuse Your Bouche says
This looks like just my sort of dish! I love creamy sauces, and love Giovanni Rana pastas. This looks heavenly!
Dannii says
The pastas are amazing, aren’t they. So quick and handy.
Jessica says
New idea for me! Looks yummy and interesting. 🙂
Dannii says
It makes a nice change from just roasting butternut squash.
Sam Jeffery says
I can’t wait to try this recipe out at home, it looks so yummy!
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy it!
Zoe L says
This looks so tasty, love discovering new combinations.
Dannii says
I have lots more great pasta recipes coming!
Zoe IKIWN says
I absolutely love butternut squash, but I had no idea it could be cooked with like this. I’ll definitely have to give this a go, thank you! xx
Dannii says
It blends up really well as a sauce.
Diana says
I love pasta but never tried making it with a creamy butternut squash sauce, it sounds like a wonderful idea though. Pinning to try later!
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy it 😀
Leanne says
I’ve never tried butternut squash before, let alone made a sauce with it!!
Dannii says
This is a great place to start if you haven’t tried it before.
Alice says
I have only ever had it roasted, but I love creamy pasta sauces. Thanks for sharing xx
Dannii says
This makes a nice change if you haven’t tried it any other way.
Sue Linell says
What a lovely idea. I haven’t found a way to enjoy butternut squash before, but this looks delicious, and easy too.
Congratulations on your pregnancy again Dannii.
Dannii says
Thank you 🙂
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
I love how few ingredients this recipe has, it truly looks delicious!
Dannii says
I do try to keep my recipes to as few ingredients as possible.
Rhian Westbury says
I never thought about making a creamy pasta sauce with butternut squash x
Dannii says
It blends up really well as a sauce.
Mandi says
What a fabulous, idea, I use Butternut squash in a soup all the time, but never thought to use it as a pasta sauce, will definitely try this.
Dannii says
It’s so good in a spicy sauce too, isn’t it.
alissa says
Butternut squash and pasta look so delicious!
Dannii says
It’s such a nice healthy comfort meal.
Tanya says
Pasta is my favourite food so I love seeing different ways I can play around with it. I’d have never thought to make a Butternut Squash sauce
Dannii says
If you love pasta, take a look at all the recipes in my recipe section.
Kari @ bite-sized thoughts says
My husband dislikes squash and pumpkin and related products but I would love this 🙂
Dannii says
My husband usually does too, but he loved this.
Anosa says
I am not a big fan of cauliflower so this would save as a great alternative indeed.
Dannii says
It makes a nice change for a healthy pasta sauce.
Sarah, Things Sarah Loves says
This is a great idea! I would never have thought about using butternut squash like this but I’m definitely going to give it a go.
Dannii says
There is so much that you can do with butternut squash – it’s really versatile.
Jacqueline Meldrum says
What a great idea Dannii, it looks wonderful! I love butternut squash, so I know this would be a winner for me!
Dannii says
There is so much that you can do with it, isn’t there.
Sally - my custard pie says
I’m desperate to go back to Italy too. Simple but totally appealing recipe as always.
Dannii says
Thanks Sally 🙂
Miss Kitty Kaos says
Butternut squash is so nice so I am always looking for new ways to use it I would never have thought of this X
Dannii says
It makes a nice change to just roasting it.
Tandy | Lavender and Lime says
No matter which way I dish it up, Dave is not a fan of butternut
Dannii says
Have you tried blending it in a sauce? My Dave isn’t a huge fan of butternut squash, but he loved this.
Mary - A Mary Road says
This is perfect! I started my pescatarian diet 3 months ago, I can’t wait totry these as I love pumpkin!
Dannii says
You could make it with any kind of winter squash.
Gourmet Getaways says
Wow! What a fabulous looking sauce, I’m sure this would be so delicious! I actually have three pumpkins at home ATM!
Thanks so much for sharing
Julie
Gourmet Getaways
Dannii says
This would be a great way to use them.
Liz Mays says
This is an awesome idea. I’ve never used squash for homemade pasta sauce before. It certainly sounds good.
Dannii says
It blends really nicely in to a sauce.
Camilla says
Fab idea, I have never thought to make a pasta sauce with butternut squash and I haven’t seen that pasta either so shall look out for it:-)
Dannii says
They have some really delicious flavours and they are on offer in Asda at the moment too.
Charli Bruce says
I absolutely adore butternut squash, I have never even thought of making it into a pasta sauce so I am definitely going to try this xx
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Melanie Edjourian says
That is a really good idea, I might have to give that a try sometime.
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy 😀
Sarah Bailey says
Ohh this sounds really interesting, I have to admit I’ve not tried butternut squash in ages, so I would be up for giving it a try! x
Dannii says
If you haven’t eaten it much, this is a really simple way to use it.
Cassandra Mayers says
That looks and sounds great. Im a big pasta lover and eat it alot. So will have to keep this in mind.
Dannii says
If you love pasta, you should definitely try Giovanni Rana.
Mayuri Patel says
Yummy, I love butternut squash sauce as an alternate to the creamy sauces. I add ginger to add a different flavour to it.
Dannii says
Oooh, that sounds like a great addition.
Tara says
Butternut squash and pasta are two of my favourite things, this sounds great!
Dannii says
This sounds like the perfect meal for you then!
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
I wish I could find some butternut squash at this time of year! It’s my favourite!
Dannii says
I will eat some for you 😉
Brittany says
I adore butternut squash, such a versatile creamy vegetable.
Dannii says
There is SO much that you can do with it.
Poppy says
Looooooove the sound of this. Makes a really nice change from the usual tomato based pasta sauces you see.
Dannii says
I have some other exciting pasta sauce recipes coming soon!
Manila Spoon says
I love Butternut Squash! This is certainly a must-try!
Dannii says
There is so much that you can do with it!
Ami@NaiveCookCooks says
Dannii I am like you, I would rather prefer butternut squash instead of cauliflower! Love the kind of sweetness it gives to sauces! This looks delicious my friend 🙂
Dannii says
It adds a nice colour to dishes too.
Cailee says
YUM!! Looks delicious! I just love butternut squash! Happy Friday!!
xoxo Cailee!
Dannii says
Happy Friday to you too!
Victoria says
Post like these really make me wish I liked butternut squash! Will forward on to my mother in law however as she will love the slimming world part!
Dannii says
I hope she enjoys it 🙂
lacey@fairytalesandfitness.com says
I like butternut squash but never made it as a sauce. But Iove creamy sauces. And this one is definitely healthy than most.
Dannii says
Creamy pasta sauces are just so comforting, aren’t they.
Amy says
Mmmm this sounds delicious! I’m glutenfree and recently got sent lods of gf psta to try so this sauce would be great to make with it xxx
Dannii says
It sounds like a great way to use the sauce!
Jess says
This sounds gorgeous, I love butternut squash but would never have thought to make a sauce out of it!!
Dannii says
It works really well, and you can add lots of different flavours to it too.
Donna says
I really love butternut squash, so making a sauce from it sounds a great idea. Can’t wait to give this a go.
Dannii says
I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Alice @ Hip Foodie Mom says
fresh pasta and this creamy butternut squash pasta sauce, which I am so excited to try!, I love this! and looks delicious!
Dannii says
It went down really well with my husband too, who isn’t a huge butternut squash fan.
David @ Spiced says
You can use butternut squash to make pasta sauce? What an awesome idea! I love all things Italian, so this one is right up my alley. I love the way that sauce looks, too! I hope you and Dave have an awesome weekend over there! 🙂
Dannii says
Have a great weekend too David!
holly O'B says
Ooh yummy! I never know what to do with butternut squash, and I find it quote rich by itself. But I love the idea of having with with pasta!
Dannii says
It’s really good roasted with some herbs and spices too.
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
LOVE that idea! You are so clever. And this is a pasta sauce that you can use year round and spruce up with peas right now and more hearty veg in the fall.
Dannii says
Oooh peas! That’s a great addition.
Jemma @ Celery and Cupcakes says
Butternut squash has a brilliant natural creaminess to it, especially in soup. Love how you’ve used it to make a pasta sauce.
Dannii says
It has such a nice texture when blended in to a sauce too.