If you’re craving something comforting yet delightfully fresh and vibrant, this Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, slightly caramelized noodles made from butternut squash, perfectly seasoned with garlic and fresh herbs, bringing a cozy autumnal vibe to your plate without the heaviness of pasta. The natural sweetness of the squash beautifully balances the savory touch from olive oil and herby notes, creating a dish that’s both simple and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a healthy side or a gluten-free main, this recipe is a total game-changer that will leave you smiling after every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of straightforward, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to craft this delicious dish. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and aroma that make the Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe so irresistible.
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds): The star of the show providing sweet, tender “noodles” with a vibrant orange hue.
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps the noodles roast to golden perfection.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a subtle, aromatic punch without overpowering the squash.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavors and balances the sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity to the dish.
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like thyme or sage), chopped: Fresh herbs add a fragrant, earthy finish that brightens every bite.
How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for roasting. Then carefully slice the butternut squash lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. This step sets the foundation for your noodles and makes the squash ready to spiralize easily.
Step 2: Spiralize Into Noodles
Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, transform the flesh of the squash into long, delicate strands that resemble pasta noodles. This technique replaces heavy carbs with a lighter, veggie-packed alternative that still feels indulgent and fun to eat.
Step 3: Toss with Seasonings
In a large bowl, toss the noodles with extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure every strand is evenly coated — this seasoning mix will enhance the squash’s natural sweetness and help develop that irresistible roasted flavor.
Step 4: Roast to Perfection
Spread the coated squash noodles out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Roasting gently caramelizes the noodles, bringing out a golden color and tender texture that’s tender but not mushy.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Once the noodles are roasted, remove them from the oven and sprinkle generously with fresh herbs like thyme or sage. This last step adds an aromatic vibrancy and elevates the dish to an inviting level of freshness.
How to Serve Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra fresh herbs, a dusting of parmesan, or toasted pine nuts for added texture. A drizzle of balsamic glaze or a squeeze of lemon juice can brighten up the dish with a lovely tang, making every forkful a delightful experience.
Side Dishes
This Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or even a hearty lentil stew. It can also stand on its own with a crisp green salad, creating a well-rounded, nourishing meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the noodles in individual bowls garnished with edible flowers or microgreens for a restaurant-worthy look. You can also layer them under roasted vegetables or top with crispy chickpeas for added crunch and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled noodles in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They remain flavorful and firm enough to enjoy as an easy side or a quick healthy lunch on the go.
Freezing
The texture of roasted squash noodles is best preserved fresh, but you can freeze them by laying flat in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. Use within 1 month for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the noodles in a skillet over medium heat to restore their roasted crispness without making them soggy, or use a microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to evenly heat.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! While butternut squash offers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture, delicata or kabocha squash can also work well when spiralized and roasted.
Do I have to peel the squash before spiralizing?
It depends on your spiralizer. Some can handle the skin, but for the smoothest noodles, peeling might be easier and more pleasant to eat, since butternut squash skin can be tough.
Can I add other spices or seasonings?
Definitely! Feel free to customize with smoked paprika, cumin, or even a pinch of chili flakes for a spicy kick that complements the natural sweetness.
Is this dish gluten-free and vegan?
Yes, this Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, making it a great option for a wide range of dietary preferences.
How can I make the noodles less soggy?
Make sure to roast the noodles spread out in a single layer without overcrowding. This allows proper caramelization and prevents steaming, keeping the texture firm and delicious.
Final Thoughts
This Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe is a charming and flavorful twist on traditional noodles that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s a wonderful way to celebrate seasonal produce with ease and warmth, offering a meal that feels both special and nourishing. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite fall comfort food that you’ll want to enjoy all year round.
Print
Roasted Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delicious and healthy roasted butternut squash noodles, lightly seasoned and oven-roasted to tender, caramelized perfection. This easy recipe transforms fresh butternut squash into a low-carb, flavorful alternative to traditional pasta, enhanced with garlic and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (like thyme or sage), chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for roasting the squash noodles evenly.
- Prepare the Squash: Slice the butternut squash in half lengthwise and carefully scoop out the seeds and fibrous pulp from the center.
- Spiralize the Squash: Using a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler, create long noodle-like strands from the butternut squash flesh to imitate pasta noodles.
- Season the Noodles: In a large bowl, toss the butternut squash noodles with extra virgin olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the noodles are evenly coated with the seasoning mixture.
- Roast the Noodles: Spread the seasoned squash noodles in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast them in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking, until tender and caramelized.
- Add Fresh Herbs and Serve: Remove the roasted noodles from the oven and immediately sprinkle with freshly chopped herbs like thyme or sage before serving to add aromatic flavor.
Notes
- Make sure the noodles are spread out in a single layer on the baking sheet to ensure even roasting and prevent sogginess.
- You can substitute the fresh herbs with other favorites such as rosemary or parsley according to your taste.
- If you don’t have a spiralizer, a vegetable peeler works well to create wide, thin ribbons of squash instead of noodles.
- For extra flavor, consider tossing the noodles with a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese after roasting.
- Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying.
