Butternut Squash Bolognese Pasta Bake with Melted Brie

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pasta bake is the ultimate marriage of indulgence and nourishment. The butternut squash adds natural sweetness, while mushrooms, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and peppers build a hearty vegetable-forward bolognese. The sauce is simmered with tomatoes, herbs, and a touch of creaminess, then baked with pasta and topped with melty brie and mozzarella for a golden, bubbling finish. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, it’s a dish that feels both rustic and gourmet.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup mushrooms
1/2 cup carrots, diced
1 cup Brussels sprouts, shredded
1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
1 green pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup butternut squash, cubed
1 1/2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can diced fire roasted tomatoes
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1 bay leaf
1/3 cup chicken stock
1/3 cup whole milk
1/4 cup Parmesan
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded
1 cup Brie (skin removed)
1/2 pound penne pasta
Fresh basil, garnish
salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta until just al dente, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add mushrooms, carrots, Brussels sprouts, onion, and green pepper. Sauté until softened, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in garlic and butternut squash, cooking for 3–4 minutes.
5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, garlic powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, thyme, bay leaf, and chicken stock. Simmer for 15–20 minutes until squash is tender and sauce thickens slightly.
6. Stir in milk, Parmesan, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Remove bay leaf.
7. Combine sauce with cooked pasta and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with mozzarella and arrange brie pieces evenly over the top.
9. Bake for 20–25 minutes until cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden.
10. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6 people
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Variations

• Add ground turkey, chicken, or beef to the sauce for extra protein.
• Swap penne for rigatoni, fusilli, or ziti.
• Replace brie with fontina or Gruyère for a different cheesy richness.
• For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or add chopped jalapeño.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15–20 minutes or in the microwave in shorter intervals. This dish also freezes well store tightly wrapped for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this pasta bake ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

Do I need to remove the rind from the brie?

Yes, removing the rind ensures smooth, melty cheese in the bake.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, simply swap the chicken stock for vegetable stock.

What pasta shape works best?

Short, sturdy pasta like penne, rigatoni, or ziti holds the sauce well.

Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely ground turkey, chicken, sausage, or beef all work well.

How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Cook pasta just until al dente before baking, as it will continue to soften in the oven.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check that all other ingredients are gluten-free.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before adding to the skillet.

How do I keep the sauce from being too watery?

Simmer the sauce until it thickens before adding pasta and baking.

What can I serve this with?

It pairs beautifully with garlic bread and a crisp green salad.

Conclusion

Butternut Squash Bolognese Pasta Bake with Melted Brie is a comforting yet elevated dish that blends hearty vegetables, savory herbs, and indulgent cheese. With its golden bubbly top and flavorful sauce, it’s a dinner that feels special enough for guests but simple enough for family meals. This recipe is sure to become a favorite in your cold-weather rotation.

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