Butternut Squash Walnut Spaghetti

Last Updated on February 22, 2023 by Ellen Christian

Butternut Squash Spaghetti without tomato sauce is a delicious fall entree that’s simple to prepare. Try this butternut squash pasta recipe.

There are many delicious garden vegetables I enjoy in the fall but one of my favorites is the butternut squash.  So, if you need a butternut squash recipe, I hope you’ll enjoy this one.

Butternut Squash Recipe

The butternut squash is a winter squash whose taste slightly resembles a pumpkin.  But, butternut squash is a little bit less sweet than a pumpkin but just as delicious.  

The butternut squash also stores wonderfully in a root cellar or a colder area of your home.  Historically, winter squashes provided valuable nutrition throughout the colder months after the garden had stopped producing. So, this butternut squash recipe is perfect for wintertime.

How do you cook butternut squash?

One of the easiest ways to cook butternut squash is in the oven. Just preheat the oven to 400F. Peel and chop the butternut squash into smaller pieces.

Then, toss it with olive oil and garlic in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper and bake until lightly browned. That should take about 25 to 30 minutes but depends on the size of the pieces.

Can you eat the skin of butternut squash?

Technically, you can eat the skin of butternut squash. But, it is rather thick and waxy so you probably don’t want to. It is a good source of fiber and potassium if you’d like to try.

Is butternut squash keto?

Butternut squash can be eaten in very limited amounts on a keto diet since it does have carbs. If you want to try this butternut squash recipe on a keto diet, I would recommend that you use zoodles instead of the spaghetti.

The heavy cream and the parmesan can both be eaten on the keto diet. So, as long as you enjoy this on a day when your carbs from other meals are very low, an occasional treat should be fine.

Is butternut squash healthy?

Yes! Most vegetables are healthy because they are low in calories and high in nutrients. This is a relatively low carb recipe if you use zoodles instead of traditional spaghetti. It’s also a great source of fiber, Vitamin E, potassium, and calcium.

Tip for cutting 

So, I will be completely honest with you and say that cutting butternut squash can be a challenge. I generally have my husband cut it since my arthritis just does not like it.

But, if you want a tip, look for butternut squash with a longer neck and smaller body. The necks are easier to cut than the body is.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can peel and cube the butternut squash the day before and store it in a tightly covered container in the refrigerator. You can also roast them the day before if you like.

Then, just heat them very slightly in the microwave before you start the rest of the recipe. If you attempt to freeze the butternut squash after it’s been cooked, it will become much softer and won’t work well in this recipe.

To store leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for three days. Be sure that they are tightly covered. Then, reheat it in the microwave for a few minutes until warm through.

The exact heating time required will depend on your microwave.

Butternut squash recipe variations

• If you have a nut allergy, omit the walnuts and toss in roasted pumpkin seeds.

• To make this primal or keto, use zoodles instead of spaghetti.

• If you cannot have gluten, use gluten-free spaghetti or zoodles.

• If you eat meat, sprinkle on crispy bacon before you serve.

• For even more fiber, toss in a few chickpeas.

• Swap out the kale for the spinach.

• Use pine nuts for walnuts for a different taste.

Other butternut squash recipes

• Paleo butternut squash with maple syrup is one of our favorite Thanksgiving recipes.

• If you want a savory butternut squash recipe, try these garlic butternut squash steaks. Get the recipe here.

• Mashed butternut squash recipes are always a favorite. Try this roasted butternut squash mash here.

• If you are trying to find healthy butternut squash recipes, try this butternut squash curry. Find out how here.

• These stuffed butternut squash recipes would be delicious on a cold winter day. Look at the list here.

• Vegan roasted butternut squash recipes are ideal for entertaining. This recipe looks amazing.

• Pumpkin and butternut squash soup

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