Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Savor the comforting flavors of creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach. This delightful dish features roasted butternut squash blended into a rich sauce, mixed with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy family dinners or casual gatherings, it’s easy to prepare and sure to impress your guests.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage for about 5 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in fresh spinach until wilted.
- Mix in the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired creaminess.
- Fold in cooked pasta gently until well coated. Serve immediately with additional Parmesan on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1.5 cups)
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 37g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - For a vegetarian version, swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or add more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms. - Spice it up with crushed red pepper flakes or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. - Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water.