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This creamy tomato basil sausage sauce tastes rich and cheesy even without any dairy. Paired with tender butternut squash noodles, it creates a cozy and satisfying weeknight dinner that feels like a healthier take on classic pasta. As a nutritionist, I love how nourishing and flavorful this meal is while still giving you all the comfort food vibes. This one has been on repeat in my house for months!!
Sometimes you need a warm and creamy dinner that still supports your wellness goals. This recipe delivers every time. The smooth tomato basil sauce tastes so decadent that no one will guess how simple the ingredients are. My husband was completely shocked the first time he tried it. He could not believe it was dairy free and still so creamy and delicious!
If you want more dinner inspiration, check out my other pork recipes for flavorful meals the whole family will enjoy.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Comfort food made lighter
You get the taste and texture of a creamy tomato pasta sauce without dairy or heavy ingredients. Perfect for a cozy winter dinner. - A great way to enjoy vegetables
Butternut squash noodles soak up the sauce so well. They feel hearty, warm, and super satisfying. - Simple real food ingredients
Canned tomatoes, garlic, basil, sausage, coconut milk, and nutritional yeast come together for an easy sauce that tastes restaurant worthy. - Family-approved
This has been a favorite around here for months. Even picky eaters enjoy it!!
How to Make It
- Prepare the butternut squash noodles
Spiralize fresh butternut squash and roast until tender. The roasting step adds extra flavor and helps the noodles hold up under the sauce.
Cook the sausage
Brown your favorite sausage in a skillet with onion and garlic. This builds the savory base for your sauce. - Add tomatoes and basil
Stir in canned tomatoes and fresh basil for that classic tomato basil flavor. - Create the creamy texture
Mix in coconut milk and nutritional yeast. The nutritional yeast is essential. It masks any coconut flavor and creates a natural cheesy taste that makes this sauce so irresistible. - Combine and enjoy
Toss the warm sauce with the roasted butternut squash noodles and top with more fresh basil. So good!!
Tips To Make It Perfect
- Do not skip the nutritional yeast
It adds flavor depth and gives the sauce its rich cheesy taste. - Try different vegetables
Zucchini noodles work too, but butternut squash is my favorite for winter and fall. - Use a high quality sausage
A well seasoned sausage enhances the entire dish. - Add extra basil for freshness
It brightens the whole meal in the best way.
Butternut Squash Noodles with Tomato Basil Sausage Cream Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 butternut squash bulbs
- 3 tbsp avocado or olive oil, divided
- 1 lb mild Italian sausage
- 1 med yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 28 oz can of whole tomatoes
- 2 tsp dried basil
- 1/2 cup full fat canned coconut milk
- 1 tbsp nutritional yeast
- 1 tsp sea salt + more to taste
- 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease with a non-stick spray. Set aside
- Now prepare your butternut squash. Remove the bulbous end of the squash (you can’t spiralize this end because of the seeds). Now peel the skin off the narrow end that you are going to spiralize. It’s easier to cut this part in half. Spiralize the sized/shape noodles you like. Once noodles are made, drizzle with a tbsp of oil, add to the sheet pan. Salt and pepper the squash. Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make your sauce. Heat a large skillet to medium heat. Once hot, add remaining 2 tbsp oil. Saute onion for 2-3 minutes, then add sausage. Continue to cook until sausage is cooked through about 8 minutes.
- Now add garlic. Top with canned tomatoes, fresh basil, and let simmer over medium low heat for another 10 minutes stirring occasionally.
- Now add coconut milk and nutritional yeast to the sauce. Continue to simmer for another 5 minutes, stirring and combining the sauce so it’s nice and creamy.
- Remove the noodles from the oven. Plate butternut squash noodles, pour sauce on top, and serve with fresh basil.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was fabulous! I just stumbled on your website a couple weeks ago while in search of new Paleo recipes, and everything I’ve made from here has been superb. My other personal favs so far are the Buffalo Chicken Chowder and Pumpkin Chicken & Chorizo Chili – but I can’t wait to try more!
I love hearing that, Annie! So glad you found me and are loving the recipes. Try some of the sheet pan recipes, some of those are my favorites!
This is beyond delicious!!! I’m so glad that a friend of mine introduced me to your website. I’m having so much fun trying new recipes and so far they have all been delightful. The whole family is loving it!
That makes me so happy, Valerie!! So glad you’re loving the recipes! This one is one I make often ????