Recipe

How to Make Healthy Butternut Squash Fettuccine Alfredo

By Paige Marie Rodgers at American University

I’ll be honest, I was very sceptical. Healthy alfredo? The best part of alfredo is the greasy goodness. However, this creamy butternut squash alfredo sauce is everything you love and more.

Butternut Squash Alfredo

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Medium
Ingredients
  • 1 butternut squash
  • 2 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 pound linguine or fettuccine
  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/4 cup warmed low-fat milk
  • 3/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoon pasta water, as needed
  • 3 tablespoon milk or water, as needed

Photo by Paige Marie Rodgers

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut the squash in half. Remove the seeds, roast if desired. Place the squash, cut sides up, on a baking pan and drizzle each half with olive oil. Bake for about 60 minutes. Remove from oven and cool.

GIF by Paige Marie Rodgers

Step 2

Scoop out the flesh and puree until smooth. Add a few tablespoons of milk or water if needed. Set aside.

GIF by Paige Marie Rodgers

Step 3

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in flour and then slowly, pour in the warm milk. Whisk until the sauce starts to simmer rapidly and thicken a bit.

GIF by Paige Marie Rodgers

Step 4

Reduce to low heat and whisk in butternut squash puree. Mix in the grated Parmesan. Add salt and pepper. Add a few tablespoons of pasta water if the sauce is too thick. 

GIF by Paige Marie Rodgers

Step 5

Pour butternut squash sauce over hot pasta. Sprinkle with remaining Parmesan cheese and desired toppings (such as basil or roasted butternut squash seeds).

GIF by Paige Marie Rodgers

Want to get in on the action and make epic food videos? We’re recruiting for the Spoon University video contributor program. E-mail video@spoonuniversity.com for more info!

Want more healthy versions of favorite meals? Check out these recipes: