Yellow squash pasta sauce is light, creamy, and subtly sweet, making it a delicious twist on traditional pasta sauces. And it's gluten-free!!
Vegetables are so versatile. Vegetables can be made into smoked "bacon", hearty casseroles, and cheesy veggie burgers, Both cauliflower and avocados are excellent options for gluten-free pasta sauces.
We eat a lot of vegetables around here, and unfortunately, with eating lots of veggies, we also buy a lot of veggies, thus leading us to sometimes waste veggies. The other day I was staring at a refrigerator with a few carrots and yellow squash leftover from a veggie casserole. Well, if cauliflower can be made into a sauce, why not a yellow squash pasta sauce?
Yellow squash is so underrated. But choosing yellow squash pasta sauce comes with several benefits that make it a delightful option for your meals:
Nutritional Benefits:
- Low in Calories: Yellow squash is low in calories but high in nutrients, making it a great option for those looking to maintain a healthy diet.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: It provides vitamins A and C, potassium, and magnesium, contributing to overall health and wellness.
Flavor:
- Mildly Sweet and Creamy: Yellow squash has a naturally mild, sweet flavor that lends itself well to a creamy sauce, enhancing the taste of your pasta without overpowering it.
Versatility:
- Great for Various Dishes: This sauce can be used with different types of pasta, as a base for casseroles, or even as a topping for vegetables or grains.
- Customizable: You can easily modify the sauce by adding herbs, spices, or other vegetables to suit your taste.
Seasonal and Accessible:
- In Season: Yellow squash is often available during summer months, making it a fresh and seasonal choice.
- Easy to Find: It is generally easy to find in grocery stores or local farmers' markets.
Quick and Simple:
- Easy to Prepare: This sauce can be made quickly, making it a convenient option for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pan Cooking: The recipe usually involves minimal cooking tools, making cleanup easier.
Healthier Alternative:
- Light Option: Compared to heavier cream-based sauces, yellow squash pasta sauce is a lighter alternative that can help reduce calorie intake while still being satisfying.
Diet-Friendly:
- Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: The sauce can easily fit into various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and gluten-free diets, especially if you use gluten-free pasta.
By choosing yellow squash pasta sauce, you not only enjoy a delicious meal but also contribute positively to your health and well-being!
Yellow Squash Pasta Sauce
Yellow squash pasta sauce is light, creamy, and subtly sweet, making it a delicious twist on traditional pasta sauces. And it's gluten-free!!
Ingredients
- 2 medium yellow squashes, diced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- ½ cup milk, heavy cream, or coconut milk for creaminess (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes, for a hint of spice (optional)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the diced yellow squash to the pan and season with a little salt and pepper. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until the squash starts to soften.
- Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes until the squash is tender.
- Use an immersion blender (or transfer the mixture to a blender) to blend until smooth and creamy. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more broth as needed. If using a blender, pour mixture back into pan.
- Stir in the milk, cream, or coconut milk, and add Parmesan cheese. Season with additional salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes, if desired.
- Toss with pasta, and garnish with fresh basil or parsley.