This creamy butternut squash pasta is a tasty mix of sweet squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach. It’s comforting and makes your kitchen smell amazing.
I love how this dish brings out the cozy vibes, plus it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight! Just mix everything together, and you’re all set for a wonderful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This sweet and nutty vegetable is the star! If you’re short on time, you can use frozen butternut squash cubes, which roast just as well.
Italian Sausage: Use mild for a milder flavor or spicy for a kick! If you want a lighter meal, turkey sausage or plant-based sausage are great alternatives.
Pasta: Bow-tie pasta is fun, but feel free to swap it for penne or fusilli if you prefer! Gluten-free pasta works too; just adjust cooking times.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half or even coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative. This will slightly change the flavor but still be delicious!
Spinach: Fresh spinach is key, but you can use kale or even frozen chopped spinach if that’s what you have. Just squeeze out excess water from frozen spinach.
How Can I Roast Butternut Squash Perfectly?
Roasting butternut squash is simple but needs the right approach for the best flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Cut your squash into even, 1/2-inch cubes for consistent cooking.
- Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading on a baking sheet. Make sure they’re in a single layer to avoid steaming.
- Roast in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even browning.
Watch for a golden color and fork-tender texture; that’s your sign they’re done!
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta Dish:
- 12 oz (about 3 cups) butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz bow-tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly ground black pepper, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pasta dish takes about 40-45 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 25 minutes roasting the squash, cooking the sausage, and making the sauce, plus another 15 minutes for cooking the pasta and combining it all together. It’s a perfect weeknight meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash:
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, along with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Spread the mixture in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the squash is golden and tender.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow-tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and cook the Italian sausage until it’s browned and cooked through, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
4. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage and sauté it for around 1 minute until it’s fragrant. Then, mix in the fresh spinach, cooking just until it wilts, which should take about 2 minutes.
5. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and stir it well to combine with the sausage mixture. Allow this to simmer for 2-3 minutes so it can thicken slightly.
6. Combine Pasta and Squash:
Now, add the cooked pasta and the roasted butternut squash to the skillet with the creamy sausage mix. Toss everything gently to ensure the pasta and squash are coated with the sauce. If your sauce appears a bit thick, simply add a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen it up.
7. Add Cheese and Season:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and add the red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Taste your dish, and adjust the seasoning with more salt and freshly ground black pepper if needed.
8. Serve:
Serve your creamy butternut squash pasta warm, garnished with extra Parmesan and a little black pepper on top if you like. Enjoy every bite of this comforting and flavorful dish!
Your dinner just got a whole lot tastier!
FAQ for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Butternut Squash Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash cubes are a great time-saver. Just roast them according to the same instructions, but reduce the roasting time by a few minutes as they may cook faster than fresh cubes.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, try using coconut cream or unsweetened almond milk; just note it may slightly alter the flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creamy texture and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, like lentils or chickpeas. You can also add more vegetables, such as mushrooms or zucchini, for additional texture and flavor!
