Smothered Cajun Spiced Squash

Dive into bold Southern flavors with this Smothered Cajun Spiced Squash, a hearty recipe that brings a smoky, creamy twist to your dinner table. Tender roasted butternut squash cubes are coated in a rich, velvety sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and a hint of thyme, making every bite irresistibly robust. The dish is elevated with sautéed onions, garlic, and a luscious blend of heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and broth, creating a smooth, flavorful sauce that perfectly hugs the caramelized squash. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this versatile recipe works as a vibrant side dish or a satisfying vegetarian main course. Ready in just 50 minutes, it’s an easy yet decadent way to enjoy the comforting taste of roasted squash with a Southern kick! Perfect for fall dinners or holiday tables.

Nutriscore Rating: 80/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:35 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 medium butternut squash
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

Step 2

Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into 1-inch cubes.

Step 3

Place the squash cubes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning and 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika. Toss to coat evenly.

Step 4

Roast the squash in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through cooking.

Step 5

While the squash is roasting, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.

Step 6

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 5 minutes, or until translucent and softened.

Step 7

Add the minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, 0.5 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute or until fragrant.

Step 8

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 9

Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and continue to simmer for 3-4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 10

Add the roasted squash to the skillet and toss gently to coat it in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 11

Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired.

Step 12

Serve warm as a side dish or a standalone vegetarian main.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(3444.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2769.6

Total Fat 160.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.7g
Cholesterol 345.8mg	0%
Sodium 3962.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 316.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 94.9g	0%
Total Sugars 62.3g
Protein 45.1g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 1672.0mg	0%
Iron 18.9mg	0%
Potassium 8319.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 50.0%

Protein: 6.2%

Carbs: 43.8%