This creamy butternut squash pasta is a warm hug in a bowl! With sweet squash, hearty sausage, and fresh spinach, this dish is both tasty and comforting.
When I make this, the whole house smells amazing! It’s a perfect meal for cozy nights. Plus, you can whip it up quickly—who doesn’t love a delicious dinner with little fuss?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash: This is the star of the dish! Its natural sweetness adds a lovely flavor. If butternut squash isn’t available, you can substitute it with pumpkin or sweet potatoes.
Italian Sausage: I love using sweet Italian sausage for this recipe. If you prefer a lighter option, turkey sausage works great too. For a vegetarian version, try crumbled plant-based sausage or cook up some mushrooms for that hearty texture.
Fresh Spinach: Spinach wilts so nicely in this dish, adding color and nutrition. If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard could be used. Just make sure to chop them finely so they cook down well.
Pasta: Farfalle gives a nice shape and texture, but any pasta you have on hand will work. Penne or fusilli are excellent alternatives if you need a swap.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, you can use half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Coconut cream can also provide a dairy-free option while keeping it creamy.
How Can I Get Roasted Butternut Squash Just Right?
Roasting butternut squash enhances its flavor beautifully. Here’s how to achieve that perfect finish:
- Cut the squash into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; space them out for proper caramelization.
- Keep an eye on the time—twenty to twenty-five minutes is usually perfect, and turning halfway helps achieve that golden-brown color.
Letting it caramelize brings out the sweetness, so don’t rush this step—trust me, it makes all the difference!
What’s the Best Way to Make a Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce for this pasta is simple! Here’s my go-to method:
- Once your sausage is cooked, add minced garlic to infuse the flavor without burning it.
- Lower the heat before adding heavy cream; this prevents it from curdling.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese gradually—this will melt smoothly into the sauce.
- If the sauce gets too thick, don’t hesitate to add that reserved pasta water, stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
These steps will ensure your sauce is velvety and rich, coating every piece of pasta perfectly!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz farfalle (bowtie) pasta
For the Butternut Squash:
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Sausage and Sauce:
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casing removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp butter
For the Pasta Cooking Water:
- 1/2 cup (reserved)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy butternut squash pasta recipe takes about 40 minutes in total. You’ll spend around 15 minutes prepping the ingredients and another 25 minutes cooking everything to perfection. It’s a quick and delicious comfort dish!
Detailed Instructions:
1. Roast the Butternut Squash:
First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Take your cubed butternut squash and toss it in a bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash onto a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, turning it halfway to get a nice golden-brown color and tenderness.
2. Cook the Pasta:
While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it reaches al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water—it’ll help thicken your sauce later!
3. Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage (with the casing removed). Use a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Sauté until it’s browned and fully cooked, which should take about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, you can drain some off if desired.
4. Add Garlic:
Once the sausage is nicely browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for another 1 minute, stirring often, until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
5. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked pasta, and fresh spinach to the skillet. Gently toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to loosen the sauce and ensure it’s creamy and well-coated.
7. Finish with Butter and Season:
For that extra touch of creaminess, stir in the butter. Season to taste with crushed red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Cook everything for just a couple more minutes until the spinach has wilted and everything is heated through. Once done, serve the pasta warm, topped with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked black pepper if you like.
Enjoy this comforting, colorful dish that combines sweet roasted squash, savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a luscious creamy sauce!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While farfalle works beautifully here, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just adjust cooking times according to the package instructions!
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Yes, this dish can easily be made vegetarian! Simply omit the sausage and instead add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage for that savory flavor. You may also want to enhance the seasoning for extra depth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to revive the sauce’s creaminess.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch for thickness. Coconut cream is also a great dairy-free option that will maintain creaminess!
