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.