This creamy butternut squash pasta is a cozy dish that mixes sweet squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach. It’s a delightful hug in a bowl that’s packed with flavor!
I love how the squash adds a rich taste while keeping it light and healthy. It’s perfect for dinner when you’re looking for something comforting and quick to whip up after a busy day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This lovely squash brings a natural sweetness. If it’s hard to find, you can use sweet potatoes or pumpkin as a substitute. They will provide a similar flavor and creamy texture when cooked.
Pasta: Farfalle, or bow-tie pasta, has a fun shape that holds the sauce well. If you prefer, you can swap it for other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
Italian Sausage: I like using Italian sausage for its flavor. You can choose between mild or spicy. If you’re looking for a healthier choice, turkey sausage or a vegetarian sausage works great too!
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. You can switch it for kale or even Swiss chard, which will also wilt nicely into the sauce.
Heavy Cream: To keep it lighter, you can substitute half and half or plain Greek yogurt. If you prefer a dairy-free version, coconut cream works well and adds a subtle sweetness.
How Do I Get the Butternut Squash Perfectly Roasted?
Roasting butternut squash is key to bringing out its sweetness and making it tender. Follow these tips for success:
- Make sure to cut the squash into even, bite-sized pieces. This helps them cook uniformly.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. Give them space so they caramelize rather than steam.
- Flip the squash halfway through roasting for even browning.
Perfectly roasted, your squash will be tender on the inside with lovely caramelized edges that add depth to your pasta dish!
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 3 cups) butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 8 oz farfalle pasta (bow-tie pasta)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casing removed)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes approximately 40 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend about 15 minutes roasting the squash and cooking the pasta, with another 20 minutes for sautéing the sausage and making the creamy sauce. It’s a quick and comforting meal perfect for any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roasting the Butternut Squash:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized, flipping the pieces halfway through for an even roast.
2. Cooking 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 instructions until al dente. Once done, drain it and set aside, remembering to reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later.
3. Cooking the Sausage and Vegetables:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Cook for about 6-8 minutes, or until browned and cooked through. Remove any excess grease, if necessary. Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until it’s fragrant.
4. Creating the Creamy Sauce:
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream into the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. If you love a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this time.
5. Combining it All:
Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked pasta, and fresh spinach into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, allowing the spinach to wilt. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
6. Final Touches:
Before serving, taste your pasta and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Enjoy your warm and comforting creamy butternut squash pasta with the savory flavors of sausage and spinach—it’s the perfect meal for a cozy evening!
FAQ – Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach
Can I Use Fresh Butternut Squash Instead of Frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh butternut squash is perfect for this recipe. Just make sure to peel, seed, and dice it before roasting for the best texture and flavor.
What If I Don’t Have Italian Sausage?
No problem! You can substitute Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausage if you’re looking for a healthier or vegetarian option. Just adjust the seasoning to enhance the flavor.
How Long Will Leftovers Last?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you can add a splash of milk or more chicken broth to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, you can use coconut cream or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese for added flavor without the dairy.
