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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Roasting Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C), positioning the rack in the center for uniform heat distribution.
- 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.
- Seasoning Process: Drizzle olive oil over squash, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, thoroughly massaging the spices to coat each cube evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Protein Preparation: In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium-high heat, breaking into crumbles and rendering its savory fat for additional flavor complexity.
- Sauce Creation: Blend roasted squash with cream, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that will envelop the pasta and complement the sausage’s robust profile.
- Final Assembly: Combine pasta, sausage, roasted squash sauce, and fresh spinach, tossing gently to wilt the greens and distribute ingredients uniformly.
- 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