Luscious Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe

Autumn’s culinary magic shines through this hearty butternut squash pasta that blends robust flavors and comforting textures.

Roasted butternut squash adds a velvety richness to this delectable dish, creating a symphony of seasonal ingredients.

Savory Italian sausage brings depth and warmth, perfectly complementing the sweet, caramelized squash.

Tender spinach weaves its vibrant green notes throughout the creamy sauce, adding nutritional balance and color.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey through rustic, wholesome flavors that celebrate fall’s bounty.

The harmony of ingredients transforms a simple pasta into an extraordinary meal that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Dive into this soul-warming recipe and let your taste buds dance with pure culinary delight.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 750 kcal

Servings: 3

All You Need For Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Butternut Squash: Delivers sweet, nutty foundation that caramelizes beautifully, selecting firm squash with smooth, unblemished skin ensures best flavor.
• Olive Oil: Creates golden, crispy exterior and helps seasonings adhere perfectly.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances natural squash sweetness and provides balanced seasoning.

• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth without overwhelming the squash's delicate flavor.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces subtle smoky complexity and gorgeous reddish-brown color.

• Baking Sheet: Allows even heat distribution and crisp caramelization.

Tools To Help Cook Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Large baking sheet: Essential for roasting butternut squash evenly and creating delicious caramelization.
• Sharp chef's knife: Perfect for cubing the butternut squash quickly and safely.
• Cutting board: Sturdy surface for prepping ingredients without damaging countertops.
• Mixing bowl: Great for tossing squash with seasonings before roasting.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps flip squash midway through roasting for even cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures precise seasoning amounts for maximum flavor.

Steps To Prepare Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Oven Warmup

Crank the oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect roasting environment for our squash adventure.

• Squash Transformation

Grab your butternut beauty and slice it into bite-sized cubes. Drizzle with golden olive oil and sprinkle with a flavor explosion of seasonings – think zesty garlic, smoky spices, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Roasting Magic

Spread those squash cubes on a baking sheet like precious jewels, ensuring they’re not crowded. Pop them into the heated oven and let the magic happen. After about 25 minutes, give them a gentle flip for even golden goodness. You’re looking for tender, caramelized edges that whisper sweet promises of deliciousness.

• Sausage Sizzle

While squash roasts, brown your sausage in a large skillet. Break it into tempting little pieces that will dance through your final dish.

• Pasta Paradise

Cook your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente, reserving a splash of that starchy cooking water for later magic.

• Creamy Fusion

In the same skillet with sausage, add roasted squash, twirl in some cream, and create a sauce that hugs every pasta curve. Toss in fresh spinach for a pop of green vitality.

• Final Flourish

Combine everything, letting flavors mingle. If needed, splash in some reserved pasta water to create a silky, dreamy sauce that’ll make taste buds dance.

Tips To Add Flavor To Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Roasting Perfection: Dice butternut squash into uniform, bite-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and caramelization, which enhances the natural sweetness and creates a gorgeous golden color.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Roast the butternut squash and cook the sausage a day in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. This technique saves time and allows flavors to develop more deeply when you're ready to assemble the dish.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap Italian sausage with plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version, or use ground turkey for a leaner protein option. Gluten-free pasta works perfectly for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Flavor Boost Tricks: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra heat, or stir in some toasted pine nuts for a nutty crunch. Fresh herbs like chopped sage or thyme can elevate the dish's aromatic profile and complement the roasted squash beautifully.
• Leftover Love: This pasta reheats wonderfully – simply add a splash of chicken broth or pasta water when warming to restore moisture and prevent dryness, creating a creamy texture that's just as delicious as the first serving.

Serve Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach Warm

• Rustic Family Feast: Gather loved ones around the table and serve this hearty pasta directly from a large, rustic ceramic dish, letting everyone help themselves to generous portions.
• Wine Pairing Paradise: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp Pinot Noir that balances the sausage's savory notes and squash's subtle sweetness.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil on top just before serving to add a bright, green pop of color and a burst of fresh herbaceous flavor that cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Side Salad Companion: Serve alongside a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing contrast to the pasta's rich and comforting profile.

Store Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach For Meal Prep

• Smart Meal Prep: Chop butternut squash and sausage in advance, storing separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to streamline your cooking process.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Cool the completed pasta dish completely, then portion into individual freezer-safe containers. These meals will stay delicious for 2-3 weeks, providing quick future dinners.
• Refrigeration Tips: Store leftover pasta in sealed containers, keeping spinach separate to prevent wilting. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Reheating Hack: Gently warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and maintain creamy consistency.

Hearty Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Hearty butternut squash pasta blends Italian-inspired flavors with seasonal comfort. Sausage and spinach complement the creamy sauce, delivering a satisfying meal you will savor until the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 8 oz (225g) Italian sausage, casing removed (spicy or mild)
• 3 cups (400g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Roasting Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), positioning the rack in the center for uniform heat distribution.
2. Squash Preparation: Spread cubed butternut squash across a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring each piece has ample space for caramelization and crisp edges.
3. Seasoning Process: Drizzle olive oil over squash, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, thoroughly massaging the spices to coat each cube evenly.
4. Roasting Technique: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven, roasting for 25-30 minutes and gently turning the cubes halfway through to achieve a golden-brown, tender texture.
5. Flavor Development: Watch for rich amber coloration and fork-tender consistency, indicating the squash has reached peak caramelization and is ready for the next culinary stage.
6. Pasta Integration: While squash roasts, simultaneously cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and reserve a portion of starchy cooking liquid.
7. Protein Preparation: In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles and rendering its savory fat for additional flavor complexity.
8. Sauce Creation: Blend roasted squash with cream, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that will envelop the pasta and complement the sausage’s robust profile.
9. Final Assembly: Combine pasta, sausage, roasted squash sauce, and fresh spinach, tossing gently to wilt the greens and distribute ingredients uniformly.
10. Serving Suggestion: Plate the pasta, garnishing with grated parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs to enhance the dish’s visual appeal and aromatic essence.

Notes

• Maximize Caramelization: Ensure squash cubes are spread in a single layer without overcrowding to achieve deep golden-brown edges and enhance natural sweetness.
• Customize Spice Profile: Experiment with alternative seasonings like smoked paprika, cumin, or herbs de Provence to personalize flavor intensity and match dietary preferences.
• Control Roasting Temperature: Use a high-quality baking sheet and avoid dark metal pans that might cause uneven burning, maintaining consistent 400F heat for optimal texture.
• Adapt for Dietary Needs: Substitute pork sausage with plant-based alternatives or turkey sausage for lower-fat options, and use gluten-free pasta for celiac-friendly modifications.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 900mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 70g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 110mg