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