One Pot Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, linguine, or cavatappi)
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced small
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth
• 1 to 1½ cups freshly shredded Parmesan, fontina, or mozzarella (for the silky sauce)
  • Optional shortcut: ¾ cup heavy cream if you want ultra-fast creaminess (cheese = elegant, cream = the backup plan 😄)
• ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional but lovely)
• Fresh parsley or basil for topping

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat
• Add onion and cook 2 to 3 minutes until soft and fragrant (Caramelize the onions first if you want extra depth and richness!)
• Stir in garlic and butternut squash and cook another minute
• Pour in broth and bring to a gentle boil
• Add pasta directly to the pot, stirring to keep it submerged
• Lower heat and simmer 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and squash is very soft
• Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese a handful at a time until melted and silky
• Add splashes of broth as needed to create a glossy creamy sauce
• (Optional shortcut: stir in heavy cream here instead of cheese for faster creaminess)
• Season with salt, pepper, and paprika
• Toss on some fresh herbs and extra cheese for extra fanciness 😉
• Finish with a sprinkle of buttered bread crumbs for extra richness, flavor, and the perfect crispy texture!

Variations

• Add cooked chicken or sausage for protein
• Stir in spinach at the end for a veggie boost
• Use coconut milk for a dairy-free creamy sauce
• Roast the squash first if you want extra caramelized flavor
• A pinch of red pepper flakes = chef’s kiss! 😉

If you love easy one-pot meals, don’t miss the One-Pot French Onion Pasta, made with caramelized onions, savory broth, and melty cheese for a rich, cozy flavor, and the One-Pot Lasagna, layered with creamy ricotta and hearty marinara for a quick, comforting dinner that goes from stove to table in under 30 minutes! And if you’re looking for a fresh, zippy one pot meal this One Pot Creamy Feta, Lemon, Chicken & Rice will do just the trick! If you’re craving something fresh and veggie-packed yet still cozy, this One Pot Pasta Primavera is loaded with colorful veggies and creamy comfort in just one pot! And if you’re craving bold, savory comfort in one pot, this One Pot Chicken Stir Fry Pasta brings saucy noodles and tender chicken together super fast with no dishes drama!

If you love dinners that are easy, cozy, and not a dish explosion, you’ll LOVE these one pot meals: Best One Pot Meals (Easy Dinners for Busy Nights)!

And…want to know why one pot meals taste better than they should?! Here is the scoop;)