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Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni

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This Cheesy Roasted Butternut Squash Rigatoni is a creamy, comforting pasta recipe made with roasted butternut squash, rich cheeses, and tender rigatoni. Perfect for cozy dinners, this easy fall pasta combines savory garlic, fresh herbs, and a velvety squash sauce for a delicious vegetarian meal everyone will love.

Ingredients

For the roasted butternut squash:

  • 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

For the pasta and sauce:

  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme or sage (chopped)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly and roast for 25–30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  • Cook rigatoni pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
  • Add roasted butternut squash, then pour in heavy cream and milk. Simmer gently for 3–5 minutes.
  • Lightly mash or partially blend the squash to create a creamy sauce with some texture.
  • Stir in cream cheese, parmesan, and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
  • Season with herbs, salt, and pepper. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  • Toss cooked rigatoni into the sauce until well coated.
  • Serve warm with extra parmesan and fresh herbs on top.

Notes

Roasting enhances the natural sweetness of butternut squash—don’t skip this step.For a smoother sauce, fully blend the squash mixture.Add pasta water gradually to control sauce consistency.Fresh herbs like sage or thyme elevate the flavor significantly.

Find it online: https://cookibly.com/cheesy-roasted-butternut-squash-rigatoni/