If you’re looking for a dish that wraps cozy autumn flavors into something truly indulgent, then this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe is exactly what you need. Picture tender roasted butternut squash transformed into a luscious, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to your favorite pasta. Add in savory Italian sausage and vibrant green spinach for a beautiful contrast of textures and flavors. Every bite is a comforting embrace of sweetness, richness, and a touch of earthiness, perfect for sharing on a chilly evening or anytime you want to brighten your weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and vibrant color in this dish. Each component plays a key role in making your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe sing on your plate.
- Butternut squash: Roasting it caramelizes the natural sugars, giving the sauce a sweet, nutty depth.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps the squash roast to golden perfection.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Elevates all the flavors precisely where they should be.
- Pasta of your choice: Holds the creamy sauce beautifully for a satisfying bite.
- Italian sausage: Brings savory, spiced bursts that complement the sweetness of the squash.
- Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and depth in every forkful.
- Heavy cream: Creates a silky, luscious texture for the butternut squash sauce.
- Parmesan cheese: Imparts a salty, nutty finish that binds all elements together.
- Fresh spinach: Introduces a fresh, vibrant green that wilts perfectly into the sauce.
- Dried sage (optional): Offers an earthy, herbaceous note enhancing the autumn vibe.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a subtle kick, balancing the creaminess with gentle heat.
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle warmth and complexity, especially lovely with squash.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): Provides a fresh, herbal brightness as garnish.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it evenly on a baking sheet. Roasting for 25-30 minutes softens the squash until tender and slightly caramelized, unlocking its natural sweetness, which is the foundation of your creamy sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While the squash roasts, boil your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy water is perfect for adjusting the sauce’s consistency later on, ensuring every strand of pasta is luxuriously coated.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon. Browning the sausage adds delicious caramelized flavor and a wonderful textural contrast to the softness of the squash sauce. Drain any excess fat if you find it too greasy, but keep those flavorful browned bits in the pan.
Step 4: Add Garlic for Aroma
Stir in minced garlic and cook for about one minute, just until the aroma pops through the air. Garlic brings a savory warmth that complements both the sausage and the squash perfectly.
Step 5: Puree the Butternut Squash Sauce
Once the squash is roasted, blend it with heavy cream and some reserved pasta water until you achieve a smooth, creamy sauce. This step transforms the roasted cubes into a luscious base that’s velvety but still packed with flavor. Add more pasta water if you want to thin it out a bit; the consistency is key to coating your pasta beautifully.
Step 6: Combine Sauce and Sausage
Pour the butternut squash sauce into the skillet with your sausage mixture. Stir in Parmesan cheese and gently warm the sauce over low heat until the cheese melts and everything comes together in a creamy, irresistible mixture.
Step 7: Add Spinach and Seasonings
Fold in fresh spinach leaves, allowing them to wilt softly into the sauce. Now’s the moment to add salt, pepper, dried sage if using, a pinch of red pepper flakes, and freshly grated nutmeg. These seasoning choices add depth and just a hint of brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
Step 8: Toss Pasta in the Sauce
Add your cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly so every piece is generously coated in the creamy butternut squash sauce dotted with savory sausage and buttery spinach.
Step 9: Serve Immediately
Dish out the pasta right away, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if you like. This final touch adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful presentation to your hearty plate of goodness.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing with chopped fresh parsley or a sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds color and a hint of brightness that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. A little cracked pepper on top also creates a final touch of spice that invites one more mouthwatering bite.
Side Dishes
Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some crusty garlic bread to soak up every bit of the luscious sauce. The freshness and crunch of these sides complement the creamy pasta perfectly without competing with its rich, savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming dinner party, serve this pasta in individual bowls with a small nest of fresh spinach to the side, or drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil and a grind of black pepper on top just before plating. You can also top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an unexpected crunch that pairs beautifully with the creamy texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to three days when stored in an airtight container. Give it a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce evenly.
Freezing
You can freeze this pasta, but keep in mind that fresh spinach may lose some texture upon thawing. For best results, freeze only the sauce and sausage mixture separately from the pasta and spinach. Thaw overnight in the fridge and combine once warmed.
Reheating
Reheat gently over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive that silky sauce texture. Avoid high heat which can cause separation; stirring frequently will help maintain creaminess and delicious flavor.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be great leaner alternatives that still add protein and texture. Just season it well with Italian herbs and spices to keep the flavor profile close to the original dish.
Is there a dairy-free way to make this recipe?
Yes, you can swap out heavy cream for coconut cream or cashew cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative or nutritional yeast. This keeps the sauce creamy and satisfying without compromising flavor.
What pasta shape works best for this recipe?
Hearty shapes like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle hold the sauce nicely, but honestly, you can use whatever you love! Just avoid very thin pastas that might get overwhelmed by the richness.
Can I use fresh sage instead of dried?
Fresh sage is wonderful here; just use about a tablespoon finely chopped instead of dried. It adds a bright, herbal note that complements the sweetness of the squash and the sausage deliciously.
How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add a gentle heat that awakens the creaminess without overpowering it. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your spice preferences or leave them out for a milder taste.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe is a spectacular way to bring warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your dinner table. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, combining fall’s best flavors into one unforgettable dish. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how it quickly becomes a favorite in your meal rotation!
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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender roasted butternut squash purée with savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe features a luscious, velvety sauce that beautifully coats your favorite pasta, enhanced by warming spices and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 medium-sized butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pasta and Sausage
- 1 pound pasta of your choice
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce and Garnish
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 cups fresh spinach
- 1 teaspoon dried sage (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Freshly grated nutmeg (optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Roast Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread it evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until the squash is tender and caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Cook Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spoon until browned. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Garlic: Add minced garlic to the browned sausage and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Prepare Butternut Squash Sauce: Transfer the roasted butternut squash to a blender or food processor. Add the heavy cream and some reserved pasta water, then puree until smooth. Adjust the sauce thickness by adding more pasta water as needed.
- Combine Sauce and Sausage: Pour the butternut squash sauce into the skillet with the sausage. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.
- Add Spinach and Seasonings: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and let it wilt into the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, dried sage, red pepper flakes, and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg, if using, stirring to combine.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy butternut squash sauce.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.
- For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes according to your taste.
- The sauce thickness can be adjusted by adding more or less reserved pasta water.
- Fresh sage can be substituted with thyme for a different but complementary flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead to the sauce stage and reheated gently before adding spinach and pasta.
