Creamy Butternut Squash Marinara
Transform your family’s dinner with this irresistible Creamy Butternut Squash Marinara! Originally crafted by a clever friend looking to sneak healthy ingredients into her meals, this sauce combines the subtle sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the rich flavors of traditional marinara. It's a delightful surprise for both kids and adults alike, blending health and taste seamlessly. The sauce offers a heart-warming golden hue and a slightly thicker consistency, reminiscent of classic spaghetti sauce while still being packed with nutrients. A generous amount of garlic adds depth, but feel free to adjust the amount to suit your palate. Serve this luscious sauce over whole wheat pasta paired with a crunchy green salad and some rustic bread for a wholesome meal that even veggie-skeptics will adore!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
butternut squash
1 (baked or steamed)
stewed tomatoes
2 (15 ounce) cans (canned, undrained)
tomato sauce
2 (8 ounce) cans (canned)
garlic cloves
4-6 (minced)
tomato paste
4 tablespoons (canned)
dried basil
1 teaspoon (dried)
dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you're baking the butternut squash, cut it in half, remove the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Bake for about 35-40 minutes, or until tender.
2
While the squash is baking, prepare the other ingredients. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted squash with the stewed tomatoes, and blend until smooth. Depending on the size of your blender, you may need to do this in batches.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, pour in the pureed mixture. Stir in the tomato sauce, minced garlic, tomato paste, dried basil, and oregano. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference by adding more stewed tomatoes, sauce, or paste as needed.
4
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5
Serve the sauce hot over your choice of pasta and garnish with fresh herbs, if desired. Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Butternut Squash Marinara?
It is a nutrient-packed pasta sauce that blends roasted butternut squash with traditional marinara ingredients for a rich, golden, and slightly sweet flavor.
How do I prepare the butternut squash?
Cut the squash in half, remove the seeds, and bake it cut-side down at 400°F for 35-40 minutes until tender, or you can steam it.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
The oven should be preheated to 400°F (200°C).
How long does the sauce need to simmer?
The sauce should simmer gently for 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, all the ingredients listed are plant-based, making this recipe suitable for vegans.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian recipe.
How much garlic is used in this sauce?
The recipe calls for 4-6 minced garlic cloves, but you can adjust the amount to suit your preference.
What types of canned tomatoes are required?
You will need two 15-ounce cans of stewed tomatoes and two 8-ounce cans of tomato sauce.
Do I need to drain the stewed tomatoes?
No, the stewed tomatoes should be used undrained to maintain the proper consistency.
How do I make the sauce smooth?
Use a blender or food processor to combine the cooked squash and stewed tomatoes until the mixture is completely smooth.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The sauce is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of dried basil and 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano.
Does the recipe use tomato paste?
Yes, the recipe uses 4 tablespoons of tomato paste to add depth and thickness.
What is the best way to serve this sauce?
It is best served hot over whole wheat pasta with a side of crunchy green salad and rustic bread.
Is this sauce kid-friendly?
Yes, it is designed as a kid-friendly meal that hides healthy vegetables in a familiar pasta sauce.
What is the consistency of the sauce?
The sauce has a heart-warming golden hue and a slightly thicker consistency than traditional marinara.
Can I adjust the flavor of the sauce?
Yes, you can adjust the seasoning by adding more stewed tomatoes, sauce, or paste based on your taste preference.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: butternut squash, stewed tomatoes, tomato sauce, garlic, tomato paste, dried basil, and dried oregano.
How long does it take to bake the squash?
The squash typically takes 35 to 40 minutes to bake until tender.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it simmers?
Yes, stir the sauce occasionally during the 15-20 minute simmer to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Can I use a blender for this recipe?
Yes, a blender or food processor is necessary to puree the squash and tomatoes.
Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried?
The recipe calls for dried herbs, but you can certainly garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs if desired.
Why add butternut squash to marinara?
It adds subtle sweetness, creates a creamy texture without dairy, and increases the nutritional value of the meal.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, it is a healthy version of classic comfort food.
Can I steam the squash instead of baking?
Yes, the recipe notes that the squash can be either baked or steamed.
What should I do if my blender is small?
If you have a small blender, you may need to process the squash and tomatoes in batches.
Is the garlic flavor very strong?
The recipe uses 4-6 cloves for depth, but since it is simmered, the flavor mellows into the sauce.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
While intended for pasta, its thick consistency makes it a great healthy alternative for any dish calling for marinara.
What color will the final sauce be?
The final sauce has a distinctive and warm golden-orange hue.
How do I prepare the garlic for the sauce?
The garlic cloves should be finely minced before being added to the sauce.
Is the sauce sweet?
It has a subtle sweetness from the roasted butternut squash that complements the acidity of the tomatoes.