Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe

Introduction

This creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. The rich sauce blends roasted squash and Parmesan, while Italian sausage adds a savory touch. It’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.

Ingredients

• 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the cooked butternut squash and heavy cream. Blend or mash until smooth to create the sauce.
4. Step 4: Stir the grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Toss the pasta, cooked sausage, and fresh spinach in the sauce over low heat. Cook until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
6. Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Roast the butternut squash in the oven for deeper flavor before blending into the sauce.
• Substitute turkey sausage for a lighter option.
• Add garlic or onion to the skillet when cooking sausage for extra aroma.
• Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before adding to avoid extra moisture diluting the sauce.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the sausage and consider adding sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative for added protein and flavor.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

This creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines roasted, blended butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach. The rich sauce made with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese coats tender penne or rigatoni pasta perfectly, making a hearty meal that’s simple to prepare and full of delicious autumn flavors.

• Author: Mia
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Butternut Squash Sauce

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper to taste

Protein and Greens

• 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 cups fresh spinach

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Brown the sausage: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Prepare the butternut squash sauce: If not already roasted, cook the peeled and cubed butternut squash until tender either by roasting or boiling. Add the cooked squash to the same skillet used for sausage along with the heavy cream. Use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to blend until smooth and creamy. Return the smooth sauce to the skillet, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Toss everything together: Add the cooked pasta, browned sausage, and fresh spinach to the butternut squash sauce in the skillet. Toss over medium heat until the spinach wilts and all ingredients are heated through, about 3-4 minutes.
5. Serve: Transfer to plates and garnish with extra Parmesan if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach.

Notes

• You can roast the butternut squash in advance by tossing cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper and baking at 400°F (204°C) for about 25-30 minutes until tender.
• For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk and reduce the amount of cheese slightly.
• To make it vegetarian, omit sausage and add mushrooms or plant-based sausage substitutes.
• If you prefer a spicier flavor, use spicy Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the sausage.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Keywords: butternut squash pasta, creamy pasta sauce, Italian sausage pasta, spinach pasta, fall pasta recipe, comfort food, easy dinner