This yummy butternut squash pasta is a cozy dish that combines sweet squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach for a tasty meal. It’s colorful and oh-so-comforting!
Cooking this dish feels like a warm hug! I love how the squash adds a nice creaminess without any heavy sauces. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something easy yet special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This ingredient adds a lovely sweetness and creaminess to the dish. If you can’t find butternut squash, you can use pumpkin or sweet potatoes as a substitute.
Italian Sausage: I enjoy using mild Italian sausage for a balanced flavor, but spicy sausage can really amp up the heat. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try turkey sausage or even plant-based sausage.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach packs in nutrients and color. If spinach isn’t available, try kale or swiss chard; they’ll add their own unique flavor!
Pasta: Farfalle gives a fun shape to the dish. You can easily swap it for any pasta you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half or a plant-based cream. Just keep in mind it might alter the texture slightly.
How Do I Get That Perfectly Roasted Squash?
Roasting the butternut squash right is key for a sweet and tender texture. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Cut the squash into small, uniform cubes so that they roast evenly.
- Toss in olive oil and salt, then spread out on a baking sheet to avoid steaming.
- Roast for about 20 minutes, stirring halfway. This helps them caramelize for extra sweetness.
Trust me, the roasted bits will add incredible flavor to your pasta!
Easy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients:
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into small cubes
- 1 lb (450g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 12 oz (340g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
Time Needed:
This delicious pasta dish takes about 10 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes of cooking, plus around 20 minutes for roasting the squash. In total, set aside about 1 hour to create this comforting meal!
Instructions:
1. Roast 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 and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for about 20 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly browned, stirring halfway through to ensure even cooking.
2. Cook 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. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Prepare the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
In the same skillet where you cooked the sausage, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
5. Combine the Ingredients:
Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked sausage, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Stir together until the spinach wilts. Then, add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, tossing everything gently. If the mixture looks too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired sauce consistency.
6. Season and Serve:
Season with additional salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, if desired. Serve warm, garnished with extra grated Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious and comforting butternut squash pasta!
Enjoy this comforting and colorful pasta dish that balances sweet butternut squash with savory sausage and vibrant spinach!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle is fun and holds the sauce nicely, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you have on hand, such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options like rice or quinoa pasta.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and a little cornstarch to thicken it. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream or cashew cream.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Definitely! This dish is very versatile. Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
