Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with a delightful dish that combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the aromatic allure of sage. This recipe transforms the humble squash into elegant noodles, offering a lighter alternative to traditional pasta. The sage butter adds a rich, nutty flavor that perfectly complements the tender squash, making it a perfect choice for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
While most ingredients in this recipe are pantry staples, fresh sage leaves might not be something you have on hand. When heading to the supermarket, look for fresh sage in the produce section, often near other fresh herbs. If you can't find it, dried sage can be a substitute, though it won't provide the same crispy texture. Additionally, ensure you have a spiralizer to create those perfect butternut squash noodles.
Ingredients For Butternut Squash Noodles With Sage Butter
Butternut squash: A versatile winter squash with a sweet, nutty flavor, perfect for spiralizing into noodles.
Butter: Adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish, enhancing the flavor of the sage.
Olive oil: Used to prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
Sage: Fresh leaves that are fried until crispy, providing a fragrant and earthy taste to the dish.
Technique Tip for Perfecting This Dish
When preparing butternut squash noodles, ensure the squash is firm and fresh for the best texture. Use a sharp spiralizer to create even, noodle-like strips, which will cook more uniformly. When heating the butter and olive oil, wait until the mixture is hot enough to sizzle the sage leaves immediately upon contact, ensuring they become perfectly crispy. This step infuses the oil with a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the squash. When sautéing the noodles, avoid overcrowding the pan to allow them to cook evenly, achieving a tender yet slightly al dente texture. Finish with a sprinkle of salt and pepper to taste, and consider adding freshly grated parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
butternut squash - Substitute with zucchini: Zucchini can be spiralized similarly to butternut squash and offers a mild flavor that pairs well with sage butter.
butternut squash - Substitute with sweet potato: Sweet potatoes can be spiralized and provide a similar sweetness and texture to butternut squash.
butter - Substitute with ghee: Ghee has a rich, buttery flavor and can be used in the same way as butter, making it a great alternative for sage butter.
butter - Substitute with coconut oil: Coconut oil can be used as a dairy-free alternative, providing a subtle sweetness that complements the dish.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar smoke point and neutral flavor, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil.
olive oil - Substitute with grapeseed oil: Grapeseed oil is a neutral oil that can be used in place of olive oil for cooking and sautéing.
fresh sage - Substitute with dried sage: Dried sage can be used in place of fresh sage, though use less as it is more concentrated in flavor.
fresh sage - Substitute with thyme: Thyme offers a different but complementary herbal note that can work well in the sage butter sauce.
Alternative Recipes Similar to This Dish
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the butternut squash noodles to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
Transfer the cooled noodles to an airtight container. If you have any leftover sage butter, store it separately in a small container.
For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The noodles will stay fresh for up to 3 days.
If you wish to freeze the noodles, lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and place them in the freezer for about 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together.
Once frozen, transfer the noodles to a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date to keep track of freshness.
When ready to enjoy, thaw the noodles in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a touch of olive oil if needed to prevent sticking.
For the best flavor, reheat the sage butter separately and drizzle it over the noodles just before serving.
If you have any leftover parmesan cheese, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and sprinkle it fresh over the reheated dish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently reheat the butternut squash noodles in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of olive oil or a small pat of butter to prevent sticking. Stir occasionally until warmed through, taking care not to overcook and lose that delightful tender texture.
Use the microwave for a quick fix. Place the noodles in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until they reach your desired warmth.
For a more indulgent approach, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the noodles evenly in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method helps maintain the integrity of the sage butter flavor.
If you have an air fryer, set it to 300°F (150°C) and place the noodles in the basket. Heat for about 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even reheating.
For a steamy option, use a double boiler or a steaming basket. Place the noodles in the basket over simmering water, cover, and steam for about 5 minutes. This gentle method helps retain moisture and flavor.
Essential Tools for Making This Recipe
Spiralizer: A handy tool used to transform the butternut squash into noodle-like strips, giving the dish its unique texture.
Peeler: Essential for removing the tough outer skin of the butternut squash before spiralizing.
Large pan: Used to heat the butter and olive oil, and to sauté the butternut squash noodles until tender.
Tongs: Useful for tossing the butternut squash noodles in the pan to ensure even cooking.
Knife: Needed for cutting the butternut squash into manageable pieces before spiralizing.
Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for peeling and cutting the butternut squash.
Measuring spoons: Helps in accurately measuring the butter and olive oil for the recipe.
Grater: If desired, this tool is used to grate parmesan cheese for serving.
Plate: Used to set aside the crispy sage leaves after cooking.
Spatula: Assists in stirring and sautéing the noodles in the pan.
How to Save Time on This Recipe
Pre-spiralize the squash: Buy pre-spiralized butternut squash from the store to skip the peeling and spiralizing step.
Use dried sage: Substitute fresh sage leaves with dried sage to save time on washing and prepping.
One-pan method: Cook the butter, olive oil, and butternut squash noodles in the same pan to reduce cleanup.
Batch cook: Make a larger batch and store leftovers for quick meals later in the week.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out the butter, olive oil, and seasonings in advance to streamline cooking.
Butternut Squash Noodles with Sage Butter
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole butternut squash peeled and spiralized
- 2 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 leaves fresh sage
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
- Peel the butternut squash and cut it into noodle-like strips using a spiralizer.
- In a large pan, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sage leaves and cook until crispy, about 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add the butternut squash noodles to the pan and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve with crispy sage leaves on top and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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