Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
