Irresistible Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage & Spinach

There’s something magical about Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach that makes your taste buds dance like they just won the lottery. Imagine creamy, dreamy sauce hugging perfectly cooked pasta, while the sweet roasted butternut squash adds a touch of autumn’s warmth. The savory sausage and vibrant spinach bring everything together, creating a dish that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly evening.

I remember the first time I made this delightful concoction. It was a rainy Sunday, and I was determined to whip up something comforting. As the aroma wafted through my kitchen, even my grumpy cat perked up, begging for a taste. This dish is perfect for dinner parties or a family feast—everyone will rave about it!

I once served this dish at a potluck, and my friends were practically fighting over the last bite—talk about a hit!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Butternut Squash: Choose firm squash with no blemishes; it should feel heavy for its size.

• Pasta: I recommend using penne or fusilli for great sauce adherence.

• Sausage: Use Italian sausage for that perfect balance of spice and flavor.

• Fresh Spinach: Opt for organic spinach if possible; it adds freshness and nutrients.

• Garlic: Fresh cloves are key; they’ll infuse an aromatic depth that’s hard to resist.

• Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling and sautéing.

• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese enhances flavor; don’t skimp on this!

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste throughout cooking.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and cubing the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. Prepping everything before cooking makes the process smoother.

Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Add your pasta of choice and cook until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil then crumble in the sausage. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until fragrant.

Add Garlic and Spinach: Toss minced garlic into the skillet with sausage during the last minute of cooking. Once fragrant, stir in fresh spinach until just wilted.

Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cubed butternut squash along with cooked pasta into the skillet. Mix well while adding reserved pasta water as needed to create that luscious sauce.

Finish with Cheese and Seasonings: Remove from heat and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese along with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm with extra cheese sprinkled on top if desired!

Now you have a delicious plate of Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach ready to impress! Enjoy every flavorful bite as you bask in your culinary success.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the butternut squash until tender, while cooking the sausage in a separate pan. Then, combine everything before adding cooked pasta for a delightful blend of flavors.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out sausage for turkey or add extra greens like kale or arugula. You can also sprinkle some cheese on top for added creaminess and flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth to retain moisture and flavor.

Cooking this dish reminds me of cozy fall evenings spent with friends, where laughter filled the kitchen as we enjoyed bowls of butternut squash pasta together.

FAQ

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, frozen butternut squash can be used; just adjust cooking time accordingly.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Substitute sausage with plant-based alternatives and use nutritional yeast instead of cheese.