Healthy Butternut Squash Alfredo Pasta



Nope, it's not mac and cheese....it's a healthy take on an alfredo sauce and just in time for the season!  According to my new Food Network magazine, butternut squash is at its peak, so now's the time to try this out!

Unlike traditional alfredo sauces that utilize heavy cream and butter, this recipe calls for butternut squash {and a small amount of butter} to create a thick and creamy consistency.  If I didn't know it wasn't mac and cheese, I probably wouldn't have guessed it!  It's that good!

Recipe from Spoonful

Ingredients:

1/2 pound uncooked pasta
1 TB butter
1 TB flour
1 cup milk {I used non-fat}
1 cup butternut squash puree {we made ours from scratch}
1/2 cup parmesan cheese 
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper

Method:

Cook uncooked pasta according to package directions.  Strain.

In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.  Whisk in flour until smooth, about 1 minute.  Slowly add milk while whisking and bring to a simmer.  Simmer while stirring occasionally until the milk has thickened, about 3-5 minutes.  Add butternut squash puree, cheese, salt, and pepper.  Stir and simmer until mixture is smooth and thick, about 3 more minutes.

In a bowl, pour the sauce over the cooked pasta and stir until pasta is covered with sauce.

We served alongside some roasted brussel sprouts.  SO good!

xo natasha

21 comments :

  1. Yum! Love the idea of adding butternut squash pureed in! I wonder if I could get Sterling to eat this?

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  2. Looks sooo good Natasha! I love butternut squash! I think this with Natalie's salad sounds like a perfect dinner :)

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  3. Awesome, I had butternut squash on my list for the store today, but still really hadn't decided what I was going to do with it! Definitely trying this out since regular alfredo is not my friend.

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  4. totally making this this weekend, that looks so delicious. my husband was hesitant about butternut squash, but i think this will do him in ;)

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  5. Looks amazing, I've actually never had butternut squash! I think you've just inspired me to try it! :)

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  6. Yum this looks so good. Butternut squash is one of my fall favorites!

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  7. Ahh I want this right now! Looks so much better than the lunch I brought to work. I have to make this soon!

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  8. This looks delicious. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. I love anything with butternut squash. I'll have to try!

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  10. This sounds so good. I love me some butternut squash and I love brussel sprouts even more!! YUM!

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  11. dang it i wish i saw this earlier i would have made it for dinner!

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  12. This looks delicious! I love healthy alternatives :) I will definitely be making this. I don't cook with butternut squash enough!
    http://myfroley.blogspot.com

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  13. You had me at "alfredo"! Will have to try!

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  14. Just came across your blog, and so funny I made this recipe last week! Loved it for fall!

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  15. i wanna go to your house for dinner! you always have the best meals!

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  16. hey roomie- i made this for the family tonight and everyone loved it! thank for sharing!

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  17. Oh, yum! I can't wait to try this one!!

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