Description
This comforting and vibrant pasta dish balances the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with a savory, umami-rich plant-based sausage. By using a blend of cashews and almond milk for the sauce, the dish achieves a velvet-smooth texture that is dairy-free and indulgent. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe brings together wholesome, plant-forward ingredients that are both nutritious and satisfying, ensuring a delicious dining experience for the whole family without the heavy feeling of traditional cream sauces.
Ingredients
1/2 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 shallots, halved
1 handful fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup raw cashews, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes
1/2 cup vegetable stock
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk
12 oz linguine pasta
8 oz plant-based sausage crumbles
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss butternut squash, shallots, and half the sage with olive oil on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the linguine according to package directions.
In a blender, combine the roasted squash, shallots, sage, soaked cashews, vegetable stock, and almond milk; blend until completely smooth.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the plant-based sausage crumbles until crispy.
Pour the squash sauce into the skillet with the sausage, warm through, and toss with the cooked pasta.
Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes before serving.
Notes
Soaking cashews in boiling water for at least 30 minutes is essential for a truly creamy, lump-free sauce. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra splash of vegetable stock or pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 62g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 0mg