Dreamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage & Spinach Recipe

Autumn’s golden butternut squash pasta promises a comforting culinary adventure that speaks directly to your soul.

Crisp evenings call for hearty meals bursting with rich, nuanced flavors.

Tender roasted squash melds seamlessly with spicy Italian sausage, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Vibrant spinach adds a fresh, emerald touch to this delightful dish.

Fragrant herbs and creamy sauce intertwine, elevating each forkful into a memorable experience.

Cozy kitchens buzz with warmth as this incredible recipe comes together effortlessly.

Come savor a plate that feels like a culinary hug from fall itself.

Variations on Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Vegan Butternut Squash Pasta: Replace sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted chickpeas. Swap heavy cream with cashew cream or coconut milk. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Option: Substitute farfalle pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Lighter Mediterranean Variation: Use turkey sausage instead of traditional pork sausage. Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt or light cream. Add fresh herbs like basil or oregano for extra flavor.

Pairing Suggestions for Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay, which complements the creamy sauce and provides a crisp contrast to the rich sausage.
• Choose an amber ale or wheat beer with subtle malt flavors that will harmonize with the roasted squash and enhance the pasta's robust profile.
• Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or pumpkin seeds on top to add a delightful crunch and nutty undertone that elevates the dish's texture and complexity.
• Garnish with fresh chopped sage or thyme, which will introduce an aromatic element that beautifully ties together the squash, sausage, and creamy sauce.

Storage Tips for Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Store leftovers in a sealed container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Separate pasta and sauce if possible to maintain better texture.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces directly, as they might separate upon thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water to prevent dryness. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli work great in this recipe. Choose a pasta shape that holds sauce well and complements the creamy texture.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a similar hearty flavor profile. You can also add extra spices to enhance the taste.

• How do I know if my butternut squash is properly roasted?

The squash is done when it turns golden brown at the edges and can be easily pierced with a fork. Look for slight caramelization and a soft, tender texture that indicates it’s perfectly roasted.

• Can I prepare any components of this recipe in advance?

Definitely! You can roast the butternut squash and cook the sausage ahead of time.

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach to Delight

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a warm, hearty dish that celebrates the rich flavors of butternut squash, perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something deeply satisfying.
• Master Hassle-Free Cooking: This one-pan wonder simplifies meal preparation, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality pasta with minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.
• Customize Your Culinary Adventure: Easily swap ingredients or adjust spices to match your taste preferences, making this recipe a versatile favorite for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Nutrition Packed with Delight: Blend the goodness of roasted butternut squash, protein-rich sausage, and nutrient-dense spinach into a single, wholesome meal that keeps you feeling nourished and energized.

Ingredients to Prepare Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Butternut Squash: A sweet, nutty vegetable that adds rich flavor and creamy texture to the pasta dish.
• Farfalle Pasta: A bow-tie shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and provides a delightful chewy base for the recipe.
• Italian Sausage: A savory protein that brings depth and richness to the overall dish.
• Spinach: A nutritious green that adds color, earthiness, and nutritional value to the pasta.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that binds all ingredients together.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty flavor that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Provide fundamental flavor enhancement and seasoning for the entire dish.
• Olive Oil: Helps with roasting, sautéing, and adding a subtle richness to the recipe.

How to Cook Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400°F. This high heat will help transform your butternut squash into caramelized golden goodness.

Step 2: Prepare Butternut Squash

Grab your butternut squash and cube it into bite-sized pieces. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Toss until every piece is gloriously coated.

Step 3: Roast the Squash

Spread the seasoned squash on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Make sure pieces aren’t crowding each other. Slide into the hot oven and roast until tender and slightly caramelized, about 30 minutes.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Crumble the sausage into the pan and cook until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked, stirring occasionally.

This should take around 10 minutes. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate.

Step 5: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, add another splash of olive oil. Toss in minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, about 1 minute.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach

Add spinach to the skillet and cook until it transforms into soft, emerald green wilted leaves, stirring occasionally. This takes about 5-7 minutes.

Step 7: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and bring to a quick boil. Reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until it melts completely.

Season with salt, tasting as you go.

Step 8: Cook the Pasta

Boil farfalle pasta in salted water until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, typically 7-11 minutes.

Drain when done.

Step 9: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the creamy spinach sauce.

Toss in the cooked sausage and mix everything together until well-coated.

Step 10: Add Roasted Squash

Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash.

You can mix it throughout or create a beautiful topping arrangement.

Step 11: Final Seasoning

Give the dish a final taste and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper as needed.

Serve hot and enjoy your delicious creation!

Tips for Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Roast butternut squash until edges caramelize for intense, sweet flavor that enhances the entire dish's depth.
• Select high-quality Italian sausage for robust, meaty taste that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Allow pasta to remain slightly al dente to prevent mushiness and maintain ideal texture when mixed with sauce.
• Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for added richness and a delightful salty kick that elevates the overall meal.
• Consider using gluten-free pasta or plant-based sausage to make this recipe adaptable for different dietary needs.

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rustic butternut squash pasta delights palates with hearty Italian-inspired flavors. Sausage and spinach elevate this comforting dish, inviting you to savor each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
• 1/2 lb sausage (crumbled, casings removed)
• 2 cups butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
• 6 oz spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1/4 tsp salt
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F, preparing for a robust roasting process of butternut squash.
2. Toss cubed squash with olive oil, generously seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.
3. Spread squash on parchment-lined baking sheet in single layer, allowing each piece maximum caramelization potential.
4. Roast for 30 minutes until edges turn golden and squash becomes tender, then remove and set aside.
5. In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage thoroughly, cooking approximately 10 minutes while breaking into small crumbles.
6. Transfer cooked sausage to a separate plate, maintaining skillet’s seasoned surface.
7. Sauté minced garlic in same skillet for 60 seconds until aromatic and fragrant.
8. Add spinach to skillet, wilting leaves for 5-7 minutes while stirring intermittently.
9. Pour heavy cream into spinach mixture, bringing to quick boil before reducing to simmer.
10. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and fully integrated.
11. Simultaneously cook farfalle pasta in boiling water until perfectly al dente, typically 7-11 minutes.
12. Drain pasta and combine with creamy spinach sauce and reserved sausage in skillet.
13. Gently fold roasted butternut squash into pasta, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
14. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, creating harmonious flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose butternut squash that feels heavy and has a matte, hard skin for the best flavor and texture.
• Spread squash pieces far apart on the baking sheet to ensure crispy, caramelized edges instead of steaming.
• Swap pork sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for lighter, dietary-friendly variations that maintain rich flavor profiles.
• Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like sage for an extra flavor boost that complements the creamy sauce and roasted squash.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 545 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 23 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg