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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

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This creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any time of the year. The roasted butternut squash adds a velvety sweetness, balanced beautifully by savory sausage and fresh spinach, all tossed in a creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta.

Why Youโ€™ll Love This Recipe

  • Combines sweet, savory, and creamy flavors for a perfect balance.
  • Uses simple ingredients to create a gourmet-style meal.
  • A great way to incorporate vegetables in a family-friendly dish.
  • Ideal for cozy dinners or meal prep for the week.
  • Easy to customize with your favorite pasta and add-ins.

Ingredients

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

  • Butternut squash
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic
  • Italian sausage
  • Fresh spinach
  • Pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
  • Heavy cream
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and pepper

Directions

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach this Recipe
  1. Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
  2. Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
  3. While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Remove excess grease if needed.
  5. Add minced garlic to the skillet and sautรฉ until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  6. Stir in the roasted butternut squash, followed by heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mash some of the squash for a creamier sauce, leaving a few chunks for texture.
  7. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat, using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
  8. Stir in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
  9. Serve warm with extra Parmesan on top.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4-6
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes

Variations

  • Vegetarian:ย Replace sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Gluten-Free:ย Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
  • Extra Vegetables:ย Add sautรฉed onions, bell peppers, or kale for added nutrients.
  • Cheese Substitute:ย Use pecorino Romano or a dairy-free cheese alternative for a twist.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage:ย Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Reheating:ย Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?

Yes, pre-cut butternut squash is a great time-saver for this recipe.

2. What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works best as it holds the sauce well.

3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the roasted squash and cook the sausage ahead of time, then assemble the dish when ready to serve.

4. Can I freeze this dish?

Freezing is not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate upon thawing.

5. What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk.

6. Can I omit the spinach?

Yes, but consider adding another vegetable like kale or arugula for color and nutrition.

7. How do I make the sauce thicker?

Mash more of the roasted squash or add extra Parmesan cheese to thicken the sauce.

8. Can I make this spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage for a kick.

9. Is there a substitute for Parmesan cheese?

Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast are great substitutes.

10. What protein can I use instead of sausage?

Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu are excellent alternatives.

Conclusion

Creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a delightful meal thatโ€™s rich in flavor and easy to prepare. Whether youโ€™re hosting a dinner or making a quick weeknight meal, this dish is sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors!

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Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

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  • Author: KimEasy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Roasting, Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
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Description

This comforting pasta dish combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory sausage and tender spinach. A creamy, velvety sauce ties everything together, making it a perfect meal for cozy nights. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni works best)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
  • 3 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

For Garnish:

  • Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash
    • Preheat oven to 400ยฐF (200ยฐC).
    • Toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
    • Roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Set aside.
  2. Cook the Pasta
    • Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
  3. Prepare the Sausage and Spinach
    • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
    • Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
    • Add the garlic and sautรฉ for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Make the Sauce
    • Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and blend until smooth. (Add some reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.)
    • Pour the sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine and warm through.
  5. Combine Everything
    • Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet. Toss to coat in the sauce. The spinach will wilt as you stir.
    • Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Serve
    • Divide the pasta into bowls. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Substitute kale for spinach if preferred.
  • For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or garlic bread.

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