Easy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Butternut Squash: This sweet and nutty squash gives a creamy texture. If you’re in a pinch, you can use canned pumpkin puree or sweet potato instead. They offer a similar sweetness, though the texture may vary slightly.

Italian Sausage: I like using spicy sausage for a kick, but you can easily use turkey sausage or even a plant-based sausage if you’re looking for lighter options. Seasoned ground beef is also a good alternative!

Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts nicely, but you can substitute with kale or swiss chard. Just chop them slightly smaller as they’ll take a bit longer to cook down.

Pasta: Farfalle is fun to eat, but any pasta shape works well. Try penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free pasta if needed.

How Do I Roast Butternut Squash Perfectly?

Roasting butternut squash enhances its sweetness and adds a lovely texture. Here’s how to get it just right:

• Preheat your oven adequately to 400°F (200°C) for even roasting.
• Cut the squash uniformly into 1/2-inch cubes to ensure they cook evenly. The smaller the pieces, the quicker they’ll roast!
• Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and make sure to spread them out on a baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than roasting.
• Flip the squash halfway through cooking; this helps to caramelize all sides and enhances flavor.

Taking these simple steps will give you deliciously caramelized squash, perfect for your pasta. Happy cooking!

Easy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Pasta:

• 12 oz farfalle (bow-tie) pasta

For The Main Ingredients:

• 1 small butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 3 cups)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), removed from casing and crumbled
• 3 cups fresh spinach leaves

For The Sauce:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For Cooking:

• 2 tbsp olive oil (for roasting)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional), for heat
• 1/4 cup pasta cooking water (reserved)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This delicious dish takes about 35-40 minutes total. You’ll spend around 10 minutes prepping the ingredients, 20-25 minutes cooking the butternut squash, pasta, and sausage, and about 5 minutes to bring it all together and serve. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare The Butternut Squash:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a mixing bowl, toss the diced butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Spread the squash out on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd it. Roast in the oven for about 20-25 minutes, stirring halfway through, until the squash is tender and has a nice caramel color.

2. Cook The Pasta:

While the squash is roasting, fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water and then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside.

3. Cook The Sausage:

In a large skillet, heat over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 6-8 minutes or until browned and cooked through. If there’s excess grease, feel free to remove some from the skillet.

4. Add The Garlic:

Next, add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for about 30 seconds, until the garlic becomes fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

5. Combine The Ingredients:

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the roasted butternut squash, fresh spinach leaves, heavy cream, and the reserved pasta water. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Add The Pasta:

Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together to combine well. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat.

7. Serve And Enjoy:

Serve the pasta warm. If desired, sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and a dash of freshly ground black pepper on top. Enjoy your wholesome and comforting Easy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach!

FAQ: Easy Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

Can I Use Different Types of Pasta?

Absolutely! While farfalle is fun to use, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, fusilli, or even gluten-free options. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as it may vary slightly by shape.

Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?

Yes, you can make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage and replacing it with a meat substitute, such as a plant-based sausage or lentils. Additionally, consider using vegetable broth instead of pasta water for extra flavor.

What Should I Do With Leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to help revive the sauce’s creaminess.

Can I Freeze This Pasta Dish?

Yes, you can freeze the pasta, but it’s best to do so before adding the cream. Just cook the pasta, mix in the butternut squash and sausage, and allow it to cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat on the stovetop, adding cream and fresh spinach beforehand.