5 Delicious Butternut Squash Noodle and Mushroom Recipes

Butternut squash noodles, often referred to as zoodles when zucchini is used, offer a delightful alternative to traditional pasta, providing a low-carb, gluten-free option that's both nutritious and versatile. Combined with the rich, earthy flavors of mushrooms, these dishes not only taste amazing but also present a visual feast on the plate. In this blog post, we will explore five delicious recipes that incorporate butternut squash noodles with mushrooms in various ways, ensuring you can savor every bite while keeping your meals vibrant and healthy.

The Basics of Making Butternut Squash Noodles

Before we delve into the recipes, let's cover the basics:

• Selecting a Butternut Squash: Look for one that is firm, with a smooth skin and no blemishes or soft spots.
• Preparation: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and use a spiralizer or a vegetable peeler to create noodles.

Recipe 1: Garlic and Sage Butternut Squash Alfredo

This luxurious dish offers a creamy sauce without the heavy calories of traditional Alfredo.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash noodles, garlic, sage, mushrooms, parmesan cheese, heavy cream, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add sliced mushrooms and cook until golden.
  2. Add minced garlic and sage, cook for another minute.
  3. Pour in heavy cream, stir in grated Parmesan, and simmer until thickened.
  4. Toss in the butternut squash noodles, cook for 2-3 minutes until just tender.

⚠️ Note: Be cautious with the cooking time of the noodles to avoid them becoming too soft.

Recipe 2: Butternut Squash Noodles with Shiitake Mushrooms and Miso

This recipe introduces the umami depth of miso, complementing the sweet squash and meaty mushrooms.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash noodles, shiitake mushrooms, white miso paste, soy sauce, ginger, garlic, honey, vegetable broth, scallions.
• Instructions:
  1. Heat a pan with oil, sauté sliced shiitake mushrooms until browned.
  2. Mix miso paste, soy sauce, grated ginger, garlic, honey, and vegetable broth to create a sauce.
  3. Add the butternut squash noodles to the pan with mushrooms, pour the sauce over, and cook until noodles are just tender.

Recipe 3: Parmesan Butternut Squash Noodles with Roasted Portobello

The combination of roasted mushrooms and cheese brings out a symphony of flavors in this dish.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash noodles, portobello mushrooms, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, Parmesan, thyme, salt, pepper.
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Marinate portobello slices with balsamic vinegar, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  2. Roast mushrooms for 15-20 minutes.
  3. In a pan, sauté butternut squash noodles, add thyme, and cook until tender. Mix with roasted mushrooms and top with Parmesan.

Recipe 4: Spicy Butternut Squash Noodles with Oyster Mushrooms

A bold, spicy twist to keep your taste buds alert.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash noodles, oyster mushrooms, red chili flakes, ginger, garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, scallions.
• Instructions:
  1. Stir-fry sliced oyster mushrooms until crispy.
  2. Add ginger and garlic, then red chili flakes, and stir briefly to release flavors.
  3. Add butternut squash noodles, soy sauce, and sesame oil, cook until noodles are tender yet crisp.

Recipe 5: Vegan Creamy Mushroom and Butternut Squash Alfredo

A dairy-free, plant-based take on a classic creamy pasta dish.

• Ingredients: Butternut squash noodles, mixed mushrooms, cashew milk, nutritional yeast, garlic, lemon juice, spinach, herbs (thyme or parsley), salt.
• Instructions:
  1. Make a creamy sauce by blending soaked cashews with nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, and a bit of salt.
  2. In a pan, sauté mushrooms until browned, add spinach and cook until wilted.
  3. Add butternut squash noodles and cashew sauce, cook until heated through, and garnish with fresh herbs.

In conclusion, butternut squash noodles offer a fantastic base for exploring different flavors and textures, especially when paired with the versatile nature of mushrooms. Whether you're looking for a creamy, indulgent dish or something with a bit of a kick, these recipes demonstrate the wide array of culinary possibilities with just these two ingredients. Each dish is not only packed with flavors but also provides a healthy, satisfying meal that can cater to various dietary preferences, from vegan to gluten-free diets. Enjoy the journey of turning simple ingredients into gourmet experiences right in your kitchen.

How do I spiralize butternut squash?

+

Peel the butternut squash, cut off the bulbous part, scoop out the seeds, and use a spiralizer to create noodles from the straight section. You can also use a julienne peeler or a mandoline slicer for similar results.

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash for making noodles?

+

Yes, you can use pre-cut butternut squash if it’s in long, straight pieces, which can then be spiralized into noodles.

What are some other vegetables that can be used for noodles?

+

Besides butternut squash, zucchini, carrots, sweet potatoes, and beets are also popular for making vegetable noodles.