This cozy pasta dish brings together yummy butternut squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach. It’s not only tasty but also colorful and comforting!
Plus, it’s super easy to make! Just cook the sausage, toss in the squash and spinach, and mix it all with pasta. Dinner feels fancy without any fuss! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This ingredient adds a lovely sweetness and creaminess. If you can’t find it, you can use pumpkin or sweet potatoes as alternatives. Both will give you a nice flavor.
Italian Sausage: I prefer using mild sausage to balance the sweetness of the squash, but feel free to use spicy sausage for a kick, or even ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Spinach: Fresh spinach is great, but you can substitute with kale or Swiss chard. Just remember that kale takes a bit longer to wilt, so adjust your cooking time.
Pasta: Farfalle is fun and holds sauce well, but any pasta shape like penne or fusilli would work just as nicely. Use whole-grain pasta for a healthier twist!
Heavy Cream: If you’d like to make this dish lighter, you can skip the cream. For a creamy sauce without the heaviness, use half-and-half or a little reserved pasta water instead.
How Do You Roast Butternut Squash Perfectly?
Roasting butternut squash brings out its natural sweetness and makes it deliciously tender. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) — this temperature helps caramelize the edges.
- Peel and dice the squash into even, small cubes for uniform cooking.
- Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl before spreading it out on a baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between the pieces to allow for browning.
- Roast for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through to promote even cooking and browning.
Keep an eye on it, as different ovens may vary slightly! The goal is tender and slightly caramelized cubes that add flavor to your pasta.
Easy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta Dish:
- 8 ounces farfalle (bow-tie) pasta
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
For Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional, for creamier sauce)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional), to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish will take about 15 minutes to prepare and around 30 minutes to cook, making it a perfect weeknight meal in about 45 minutes total!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roasting the Butternut Squash:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until well coated. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized. Make sure to stir halfway through to ensure even cooking!
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. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
3. Browning the Sausage:
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
4. Adding Garlic and Spinach:
Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, stir in the roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts, which will take about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combining Everything:
Now it’s time to bring it all together! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss everything to combine. If you’d like a creamier sauce, stir in the heavy cream at this point. If the mixture seems dry, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Finishing Touches:
Next, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and everything is nicely combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
7. Serving:
Serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your cozy and colorful meal that’s perfect for any day!
Dig in and enjoy this comforting dish that beautifully combines the flavors of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach!
FAQ for Easy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Can I Use Frozen Butternut Squash Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen butternut squash, you can skip the roasting step. Simply add it directly to the skillet when cooking the sausage and let it cook until tender. You may want to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes! You can easily make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage. Consider using plant-based sausage or sautéing extra vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers for added texture and flavor.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to This Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly so everything is cooked perfectly!
