This 4-ingredient butternut squash sauce is quick and easy to make. Perfectly paired with gnocchi, it also works well with pasta. Tasty and comforting.
This post may contain affiliate links, where we earn from qualifying purchases. See more details in the policy page.
I mentioned when I shared the potato and spinach gnocchi recipe, that my favorite way to enjoy them was with a butternut squash sauce, and so I didn't want to wait too long in sharing it with you. This recipe came about a little by accident, as often happens.
I had been thinking about sauces before, but was spurred on after a conversation with friends. One friend had said she had liked the sound of my acorn squash gnocchi, but then had been a little intimidated by the fact they were gnocchi made from scratch - she had thought it was a sauce at first.
I decided I wanted to make some good sauces that would be good with homemade gnocchi if you have the time, but that would also be good with store-bought if you don't. Then, shortly after I was making my potato and spinach gnocchi again and didn't have enough potato, I substituted some squash.
I still had a bit of squash left so had a little lightbulb moment. Make a butternut squash sauce. So here it is, a delicious and easy butternut squash sauce.
How to make butternut squash sauce
This is really one of the simplest recipes as it only consists of pureed butternut squash, cream, parmesan and a little nutmeg. But they go together to make a deliciously smooth, flavorful sauce that works perfectly with gnocchi.
It turns something that is already a comfort food into something even more comforting. We had it with gnocchi here, but it would also be good with pasta as well.
Thankfully, even with an increasingly fussy toddler, this passed the taste-test. Which is good, as we were keen to have it again soon. It's just too tasty, smooth, creamy and with a great flavor to have just once in a while.
This butternut squash sauce is so easy to make, especially if you have leftover cooked squash. It makes a delicious change from your more usual sauces for gnocchi and pasta and works so well. Give it a try and you'll see what I mean.
Try these other tasty ways to serve gnocchi and pasta:
- Gnocchi with pork and fennel
- Creamy bacon sauce with spinach (for pasta/gnocchi)
- Pesto alla Trapanese (a Sicilian pesto made with almonds and raw tomato)
- Hidden vegetable pasta sauce
- Plus get more sides recipes in the archives.
Butternut squash sauce
Ingredients
- 5 oz butternut squash 140g, ½ cup pureed
- ½ cup heavy cream 120ml double cream
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ cup parmesan 20g, finely grated
Instructions
- Peel and cook the butternut squash, if not using leftovers, as you prefer - steam, boil or roast. Puree to form a smooth paste.
- Warm the cream and nutmeg over a low to medium heat in a small pan. Don't let it boil.
- Once warm, whisk in the squash then the parmesan and stir/whisk so that it is combined and cheese melted.
- Serve over gnocchi or pasta.
Notes
Nutrition
See some of my favorite cooking tools and ingredients in the Caroline's Cooking Amazon store.
Remember to pin for later!
LDann
Just made this for lunch. It tastes fab with spinach gnocchi!
Caroline's Cooking
So glad you enjoyed it! I agree, a tasty combination.
Terri-lynn Picard
I just made the Gnocchi for the very first time ever. I have always wanted to try these. I found them to be pretty bland, not sure if that is the way they are supposed to be or not. I will try the Butternut sauce to see if that helps. They are very light and fluffy. I'm undecided if i like them or not. Do you have any recommendations on what to serve them with?
Caroline's Cooking
I can understand that you might find gnocchi bland, they are a relatively delicate flavor. Light and fluffy is really more what they are about than packing a flavor punch. If you prefer things more flavorful, then maybe have them with pesto or else these are two flavorful ways: http://www.carolinescooking.com/creamy-bacon-sauce-with-spinach/ and http://www.carolinescooking.com/gnocchi-with-fennel-and-pork/
Choclette
What a fantabulous idea. I adore squash, but would never have thought to pair it with cream as a pasta sauce.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, it really us delicious!
Heather
This sounds so delicious! I love butternut squash soup, but I never thought of making it in to a pasta sauce! I can't wait to try this one! Thanks for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Heather, I hope you enjoy!
Ginger
The nutmeg is such a great idea! I'll have to give that a try soon!
Selma | Selma's Table
Hi Caroline, I am one of the co-hosts for Angie's Fiesta Friday and would like to say thank you so much for sharing such a delicious sounding yet simple pasta sauce with us. I love butternut and will definitely add this to my list to try out! I read somewhere that it takes quite a few presentations (without a fuss) of the same food for the child to finally accept it so just keep plugging away - before you know it, you will be sitting round the table with teenagers, all eating the same delicious food! Happy Fiesta Friday!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks Selma! Actually he has a great palette for his age, he did eat almost anything when he was younger but that changes a little as they get to the 2/3yr age. He will grow out of it, hopefully before he is a teenager! And at least he loves some pretty healthy things just now!
Chelsey
This sounds amazing! It would make a lovely substitute for regular pasta sauce one night. Pinning and stumbling. Thanks for sharing!
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Chelsey, it is really tasty, hope you enjoy!
Michelle @ Giraffes Can Bake
Ooh this sauce this look delicious, I love butternut squash so I bet it makes an amazing sauce! Will have to try this one!
Hilda
This is a great idea when I am not up to making gnocchi but want that squash pasta combination. Thanks for sharing and happy FF.
Caroline's Cooking
Thanks, Hilda. Yes it's nice and easy and a great way to perk up bought gnocchi.