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If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting pasta dish that sneaks a delicious dose of autumn’s favorite vegetable into every bite, you’ve got to try this Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe. It’s creamy, cheesy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, making it an instant crowd-pleaser that’s both hearty and wholesome. Trust me, this dish turns simple ingredients into a soul-warming meal that feels just like a big, comforting hug.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe lies in how straightforward yet carefully chosen ingredients come together—each adding a layer of warmth, creaminess, or flavor that makes the dish unforgettable. The freshness of herbs, the richness of cheeses, and the natural sweetness of squash all combine perfectly.
- Butternut squash: Roasting the squash intensifies its sweet, nutty flavor and creates a velvety base for the sauce.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky richness and helps roast the squash to perfection.
- Salt & pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Garlic: Provides a punch of savory depth and aromatic warmth.
- Dried thyme and sage: Earthy herbs that complement the squash’s sweetness beautifully.
- Vegetable broth: Keeps the sauce light yet flavorful without overpowering the squash.
- Milk or plant-based alternative: Adds creaminess and balances the sauce’s texture.
- Ziti pasta: The perfect tubular pasta to hold onto the sauce in every bite.
- Ricotta cheese: Introduces a lush, creamy texture that melts into the pasta.
- Mozzarella cheese: Provides gooey, melty goodness that gives the dish its classic baked appeal.
- Parmesan cheese: Offers a sharp, nutty finish and a golden crust when baked.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh contrast and a pop of color when garnished.
How to Make Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roasting at this temperature for 25 minutes caramelizes the squash just right, softening it into a tender, flavorful base that’s ready to blend into a luscious sauce.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
Once the squash is roasted and tender, blend it with minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, vegetable broth, and milk until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. This mixture showcases the natural sweetness of the squash while layering in herbal and savory notes that shine through.
Step 3: Cook the Ziti Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti until just al dente. The slight firmness will help the pasta hold up to baking without turning mushy. Drain well and return it to the pot for the next step.
Step 4: Combine Pasta with Sauce and Ricotta
Mix the warm pasta with the squash sauce and creamy ricotta cheese until every piece is well coated. This step ensures the ziti is loaded with luscious flavor and a creamy texture that makes each forkful rich and satisfying.
Step 5: Assemble the Baking Dish
Transfer your pasta mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan evenly on top, because nothing says baked ziti like a generous, bubbly cheese crust waiting to brown.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the ziti at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until everything is hot and bubbling. Then pop it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve that irresistible golden-brown top, which adds texture and a lovely toasted flavor.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Let the baked ziti cool for a few minutes so it can settle. Then sprinkle with fresh parsley for a bright, fresh note and a splash of color. Serve warm and prepare for lots of happy sighs and second helpings.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few torn basil leaves add a lovely green contrast and a burst of herbaceous freshness, which balances the richness of the dish perfectly. For a little extra flair, consider adding a drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to give it a subtle kick.
Side Dishes
This baked ziti works wonderfully alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm crusty bread also make perfect companions, soaking up any extra sauce and completing the meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style feast, serve the Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe straight from the baking dish at the center of the table; it’s a comforting, inviting way to dine. If you’re hosting, consider individual ramekins for an elegant touch or a bubbly finish sprinkled with extra Parmesan just before serving to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butternut Squash Baked Ziti keeps beautifully in an airtight container refrigerated for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze this baked ziti either before or after baking. Just make sure it’s cooled completely and stored in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warm throughout, about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Adding a little sprinkle of mozzarella before reheating keeps the top nice and gooey.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta instead of ziti?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even shells work wonderfully as they all hold the sauce well. Just adjust cooking times to keep it al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use a plant-based milk and vegan cheeses or cashew-based ricotta alternatives. The squash sauce is naturally creamy, so it’s a great base for vegan comfort food.
What if I don’t have vegetable broth?
You can substitute with water, but using broth adds extra flavor depth. If you only have chicken broth and aren’t vegetarian, that works well too.
Can I prepare the squash sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! Make the roasted squash sauce a day in advance and refrigerate. It makes assembling the dish on baking day quick and easy.
How can I make the dish less creamy or rich?
Try reducing the amount of ricotta and use a lighter milk like skim or unsweetened almond milk to adjust the creaminess to your liking.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and special about this Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe that makes it one of my absolute favorites to make when I want easy but impressive food. It balances cozy warmth, vibrant flavor, and a subtle veggie boost all in one delicious meal. I promise once you try it, you’ll be making it again and again—perfect for feeding family, friends, or just treating yourself to something wonderfully delicious.
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Butternut Squash Baked Ziti Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting and creamy baked ziti recipe featuring a smooth butternut squash sauce blended with herbs and garlic, layered with ricotta and mozzarella cheeses, then baked to golden perfection. This hearty vegetarian pasta dish is perfect for fall and wholesome family dinners.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash & Sauce
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp dried sage
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup milk (or plant-based alternative)
Pasta & Cheese
- 12 oz ziti pasta
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Roast Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized.
- Make Squash Sauce: Transfer the roasted squash to a blender and add minced garlic, dried thyme, dried sage, vegetable broth, and milk. Blend until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the ziti pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir the butternut squash sauce and ricotta cheese into the cooked pasta, mixing well to ensure everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then transfer the pasta mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake and Brown: Bake the assembled ziti at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes until bubbly. Then switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese topping is golden and slightly crisp. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven, let the dish cool slightly for easier serving, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your creamy butternut squash baked ziti.
Notes
- You can substitute plant-based milk and cheese alternatives to make this recipe vegan.
- Roasting the squash ahead of time can save prep time on the day of cooking.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more vegetable broth or milk while blending.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat thoroughly before serving.
- Fresh herbs like basil or oregano can be added for additional flavor variation.
