Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach! It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for cozy evenings or when you just need a little comfort food. The sweet, nutty flavor of the roasted squash pairs beautifully with the savory sausage and the vibrant pop of fresh spinach. I remember the first time I made this dish; my kitchen smelled heavenly, and I couldn’t wait to dig in. Each bite is a delightful balance of creamy goodness and hearty satisfaction. Trust me, once you try this pasta, it’ll become a go-to recipe for dinner parties and family meals alike. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up and how it impresses everyone at the table!
Ingredients for Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
To make this delicious creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients that blend together in the most delightful way. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (I love using penne or fettuccine!)
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed (you can use spicy or mild, depending on your preference)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (the vibrant green really brightens the dish)
- 1 cup heavy cream (for that luscious, creamy texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (to help roast that squash perfectly)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving (because what’s pasta without a sprinkle of cheese?)
That’s it! Simple, right? Make sure you have everything prepped and ready to go, and you’ll be on your way to a comforting dinner in no time!
How to Prepare Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Now, let’s get cooking! This creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach comes together in just a few simple steps, and trust me, the aroma is worth every minute.
- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for roasting that butternut squash to perfection!
- While the oven warms up, toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Make sure every piece is nicely coated. Spread the squash evenly on a baking sheet—don’t crowd them!
- Roast the squash for about 25-30 minutes until it’s tender and caramelized. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s golden and you can poke a fork through it easily. Yum!
- While that’s happening, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. I usually go for al dente, just to keep that lovely bite!
- In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spatula. The sizzling sound is music to my ears!
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir until it wilts down. This only takes a couple of minutes, so keep an eye on it.
- Now for the fun part! Transfer the roasted squash to a blender, add the heavy cream, and blend until smooth and creamy. You’ll have a gorgeous sauce that’s just begging to be devoured.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sausage, wilted spinach, and that luscious squash cream. Mix everything well, ensuring the pasta is coated in the creamy goodness.
- Serve hot, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy every comforting bite!
And there you have it! A satisfying dish that feels like a warm embrace on a plate.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a dish that truly has it all! Here’s why it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen:
- Comforting flavors: The sweet, roasted butternut squash paired with savory sausage creates a delightful harmony that warms the soul.
- Quick and easy: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up a delicious meal in under an hour!
- Nutritious ingredients: Packed with vitamins from the squash and fresh spinach, this dish is not only tasty but good for you!
- Customizable: You can easily adapt it to suit your preferences, whether you’re using different pasta shapes or swapping out the sausage.
- Impressive presentation: The vibrant colors and creamy texture make it a showstopper for dinner parties!
Trust me, once you delve into this creamy goodness, you’ll be hooked!
Tips for Success
To make sure your creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach turns out absolutely perfect, here are a few pro tips I swear by:
- Quality ingredients: Use the freshest spinach and high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
- Don’t rush the roasting: Give your butternut squash enough time to caramelize. The golden edges add so much depth to the dish!
- Adjust the creaminess: If you want a lighter sauce, feel free to add a splash of pasta water when mixing everything together. It helps thin out the sauce without losing any flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like sage or thyme to the sausage while it cooks. It elevates the dish to a whole new level!
- Meal prep friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! Just store the components separately and mix them together when you’re ready to enjoy.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to making a dish that’s not just good, but truly outstanding!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many ways to switch up this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach! Here are some ideas that I absolutely love:
- Switch the protein: Try using diced chicken fillet or turkey sausage for a lighter twist. For a vegetarian option, you can use chickpeas or lentils for that hearty bite!
- Add some spice: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the sausage adds a nice kick, or you could sprinkle in some smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- Herb it up: Fresh herbs like sage or rosemary work wonders when added to the sausage while cooking. They add a lovely aromatic touch!
- Mix in other veggies: Feel free to toss in some roasted bell peppers or zucchini for extra color and flavor. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies!
- Change the pasta: Swap out the pasta shape for something fun like farfalle or whole wheat penne for added texture and nutrition!
Mixing it up keeps things exciting, and you’ll discover new favorite combinations to enjoy!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Leftovers of this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before sealing it up—this helps keep everything fresh!
When you’re ready to enjoy those delicious leftovers, simply reheat them in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or a bit of pasta water to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy. Stir occasionally until heated through—this usually takes about 5–7 minutes. If you prefer, you can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed to your liking. Just be careful not to overheat, or you might end up with a dry pasta situation! Enjoy that comforting goodness all over again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional information for this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach, per serving:
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 30g
- Protein: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoying a hearty, nutritious meal never felt so good!
FAQ Section
Got questions about this creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach? I’ve got you covered! Here are some common inquiries I hear:
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or even chickpeas for a hearty option. You’ll still get that wonderful flavor!
What if I can’t find butternut squash?
No problem! You can use other winter squashes like acorn squash or even sweet potatoes. Just keep an eye on the roasting time, as it might vary a bit.
How can I make it spicier?
If you’re a heat lover, try adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the sausage while it cooks. It gives a nice kick that complements the creaminess perfectly!
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze this pasta! Just make sure it’s cooled completely before transferring to an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
What type of pasta works best?
You can use any pasta shape you love! I usually go for penne or fettuccine, but spaghetti or rotini would be fantastic too. It’s all about what you enjoy!
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta or Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese.
Print
Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with 5 Flavors
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A creamy and flavorful pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash, sausage, and spinach.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.
- Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, until tender.
- While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package instructions.
- In a skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
- In a blender, combine the roasted squash and heavy cream. Blend until smooth.
- Combine the cooked pasta, sausage, spinach, and squash cream in a large bowl. Mix well.
- Serve hot, topped with Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Feel free to substitute the sausage with turkey sausage for a lighter option.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based sausage and substitute cream with coconut milk.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Roasting and sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach
