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Creamy Yellow Squash Pasta Recipe

Creamy Yellow Squash Pasta Recipe

Emily Carter
Are you looking for a fast weeknight dinner? This Creamy Yellow Squash Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food. It turns fresh summer squash into a rich, silky sauce. Everyone in your family will love this meal.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 380 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz pasta penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine work best
  • 2 medium yellow summer squashes sliced into rounds
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Boil the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your chosen pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve half a cup of warm pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sliced yellow squash. Cook for 7 to 8 minutes until squash becomes tender and soft. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute.

Blend the Squash Sauce

  • Transfer the cooked squash, onion, and garlic into a blender. Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water. Blend on high until completely smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce

  • Pour the creamy yellow squash sauce back into the hot skillet. Add the cooked pasta to the pan. Toss everything together over low heat until the pasta is coated. Add more pasta water if too thick.

Garnish and Serve

  • Remove the pan from the heating element. Divide the warm pasta into four serving bowls. Top each portion with extra grated parmesan cheese and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Save Pasta Water: Never skip saving the starch-rich pasta water. It helps bind the sauce smoothly to the noodles.
  • Add Extra Protein: Top this pasta with grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy bacon.
  • Make It Vegan: Swap the parmesan for nutritional yeast. Use olive oil instead of dairy butter.
  • Use Gluten-Free Pasta: Pick your favorite gluten-free chickpea or brown rice pasta.
  • Roast the Squash: Roast squash in the oven for deeper flavor before blending.
Keyword Creamy Yellow Squash Pasta Recipe