Follow Me !
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
why make this recipe
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a delightful dish that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures. It combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and the fresh taste of spinach, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings, and it’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal produce!
how to make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients:
- 8 oz pasta (your choice)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions.
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is heated through.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, mix well, and serve hot.
how to serve Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Serve this creamy pasta dish warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like basil or parsley. It pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. You may need to add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
- Choose pasta shapes like penne or fusilli that hold onto the sauce well.
- To save time, you can roast the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you are ready to prepare the dish.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less cream according to your preference.
variation
You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables such as kale, mushrooms, or bell peppers. If you prefer a vegetarian version, skip the sausage and use cooked lentils for protein.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Just make sure to thaw it and pat it dry before roasting.
2. What if I don’t like sausage?
You can substitute the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken, or omit it entirely for a vegetarian option.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Store the roasted squash and sauce separately, and combine them with the cooked pasta right before serving.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
A delightful combination of roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach enveloped in a creamy sauce, perfect for cozy evenings or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (your choice) Pasta shapes like penne or fusilli hold onto the sauce well.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced Roast until tender.
- 1 tbsp olive oil For roasting the squash.
- to taste Salt and pepper For seasoning.
- 1 lb Italian sausage, removed from casing Cook until browned.
- 2 cups fresh spinach Add to the sauce until wilted.
- 1 cup heavy cream Adjust thickness of the sauce as needed.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor and creaminess.
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions.
Cooking
- In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add the roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and nutmeg to the skillet. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the sauce is heated through.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce, mix well, and serve hot.
Notes
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat with a splash of cream or water if necessary. Roasting the butternut squash ahead of time can save preparation time. Customize by adding other vegetables or making a vegetarian version using lentils.
