This creamy butternut squash pasta is a cozy dish that hugs your taste buds! With tasty sausage and fresh spinach, it’s a perfect fall meal that warms you right up.
Making this pasta always puts a smile on my face, especially when I see my family digging in. It’s like hugging a bowl of goodness, and who doesn’t love that? 🍝💛
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This is the star of the dish! If fresh squash is hard to find, use canned pumpkin instead for a similar flavor and texture.
Italian Sausage: You can opt for ground turkey or chicken sausage if you’re looking for a lighter version. For a meatless option, skip the sausage entirely or use plant-based sausage alternatives.
Spinach: Fresh spinach works well, but you could substitute it with kale or Swiss chard. If you’re using frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before adding.
Pasta: I love farfalle, but feel free to use any pasta shape you like—penne, fusilli, or even whole-grain pasta are great choices!
How Do You Get Your Butternut Squash Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting butternut squash enhances its sweet flavor, making it an excellent addition to this pasta. Here are a few steps to ensure it comes out perfectly:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature helps caramelize the squash nicely.
- Dice the squash into even 1/2-inch cubes for uniform cooking. This way, they’ll all be tender at the same time.
- Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure they’re well-coated for the best flavor.
- Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet to avoid steaming. If it’s crowded, roast in batches.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden color and fork-tender texture.
These tips will give you deliciously roasted butternut squash for your pasta!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 10 oz farfalle pasta (or your favorite shape)
For the Butternut Squash:
- 1 small butternut squash (about 1 to 1.5 lbs), peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Filling:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups fresh spinach
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or reserved pasta cooking water)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy butternut squash pasta takes about 45 minutes total to prepare and cook. You’ll need approximately 25 minutes for roasting the squash and about 20 minutes to cook the pasta and combine everything together. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until it’s nicely coated. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes. Remember to turn it halfway through so it cooks evenly—look for it to be tender and slightly caramelized.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package directions until it’s al dente. Be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the drained pasta aside for later.
3. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage. Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks, and let it brown for about 6-8 minutes until fully cooked. You can drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add Garlic and Spinach:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another minute until it’s fragrant. Next, stir in the roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach. Cook everything together until the spinach has wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth (or reserved pasta water) and stir everything together. Let it warm through for a minute.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything together until well combined. Finally, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and makes a lovely creamy sauce. Adjust the seasoning to your taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
7. Serve:
Transfer the creamy butternut squash pasta to plates or bowls and serve warm. You can top it off with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs for a beautiful finish!
Enjoy this comforting fall meal that balances creamy richness with savory sausage and nutritious greens!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works great, you can use any pasta shape you prefer or have on hand, such as penne, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, or use plant-based sausage alternatives for a delicious vegetarian version.
How Can I Thicken the Sauce?
If you find the sauce too thin, you can thicken it by simmering it longer to reduce it down, or by stirring in a little cornstarch mixed with water. Another option is to add more grated Parmesan cheese for added creaminess!
