Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
A comforting dish that combines the delicious flavors of roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, and fresh spinach in a creamy pasta sauce, perfect for any time of the year.
Ingredients
Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced Choose a heavy squash with smooth, unblemished skin.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound sausage, casings removed Use your choice of sausage.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried sage
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (farfalle or penne work well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the diced butternut squash on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Roast the squash for about 25-30 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
Cooking
- While the squash roasts, cook the pasta according to package instructions in a large pot. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sausage. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart into smaller pieces as it cooks.
- Add the minced garlic, thyme, and sage to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Stir in the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream, and broth. Mix well and let simmer for about 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water to the skillet. Toss to combine.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
Serving
- Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley.
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Notes
Consider serving the pasta alongside a light green salad drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette and bread for soaking up the sauce. For variations, use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option or try different greens or pasta types.