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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.2 from 21 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner. Roasted butternut squash is blended into a luscious sauce enhanced with garlic, shallots, and Parmesan cheese, then mixed with savory Italian sausage, tender pasta, and fresh spinach. The combination offers a perfect balance of creamy texture, savory taste, and a touch of earthiness from the squash and greens.

Ingredients

Vegetables

  • 1 medium butternut squash (about 2–3 cups cubed)
  • 4 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, drained)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped (or ½ onion)

Protein

  • 8 oz Italian sausage (spicy or mild)

Pasta and Dairy

  • 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli recommended)
  • ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half, or unsweetened almond/coconut milk)
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for sprinkling)

Liquids and Oils

  • 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasonings

  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Prepare butternut squash: Peel, seed, and cube the butternut squash into 1-inch pieces. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Alternatively, steam the cubes in a steamer basket over boiling water for 10-12 minutes until fork-tender.
  2. Cook pasta: While the squash cooks, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining; set pasta aside.
  3. Cook sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove casing from sausage if needed and crumble into the skillet. Cook for 8-10 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté aromatics: In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and chopped shallots, sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
  5. Make squash sauce: Transfer roasted butternut squash to a blender or food processor. Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and a pinch of nutmeg. Blend until smooth and creamy. For a chunkier sauce, mash by hand. Adjust seasoning as needed.
  6. Combine sauce and sausage: Pour the squash sauce back into the skillet with garlic and shallots. Stir to combine, then add the browned sausage and mix well.
  7. Add pasta and adjust sauce: Add drained pasta to the skillet. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Stir to coat pasta evenly.
  8. Add spinach and cheese: Fold in fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Serve: Serve the pasta hot in bowls, topped with extra Parmesan cheese. Optionally drizzle with olive oil or add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness. Serve alongside a green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage and use vegetable broth.
  • You can use half-and-half or unsweetened almond/coconut milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
  • If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain well before adding.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
  • Roasting the butternut squash adds a slightly caramelized flavor, but steaming is a quicker, gentler alternative.
  • Add red pepper flakes sparingly if you prefer mild heat.

Find it online: https://slsrecipes.com/creamy-butternut-squash-pasta-with-sausage-and-spinach-recipe/