Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Welcome to a delicious journey of flavors with this creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach! This dish brings together the rich, earthy sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the smoky goodness of sausage, and the vibrant freshness of spinach, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe is bound to impress anyone at your table. With a delightful balance of textures and flavors, it’s not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that you and your loved ones will cherish.

The beauty of this creamy butternut squash pasta recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility. Whether you’re cooking for a family gathering or looking for a quick weeknight dinner idea, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s comforting yet sophisticated, making it suitable for any occasion. Plus, it is loaded with nutrients thanks to the butternut squash and spinach, ensuring that your meal is not only tasty but also nourishing. If you’re a fan of pasta, you’re in for a treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Flavorful and Satisfying: The combination of smoky sausage, sweet butternut squash, and fresh spinach creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps and easily accessible ingredients, preparing this dish is a breeze, making it perfect for both novice and experienced cooks.
• Healthy Ingredients: Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, while spinach adds iron and other essential nutrients to your meal.
• Comfort Food: The creamy sauce envelops the pasta beautifully, making it a comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this recipe by adding other vegetables, switching the sausage for a vegetarian option, or using different types of pasta to suit your preference.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking for a way to elevate your pasta game, this creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is the answer! Here are some compelling reasons to give it a try:

• Effortless Cooking: This recipe allows you to prepare a hearty meal in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy texture and rich flavors, ensuring that everyone at the table is satisfied.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish reheats beautifully, making it an excellent option for meal prepping for the week ahead.
• Seasonal Delight: Butternut squash is in season during the fall and winter, making this dish a perfect choice for cozy gatherings during the colder months.
• Impress Your Guests: The vibrant colors and rich flavors make this dish an impressive centerpiece for dinner parties or festive occasions.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To whip up this creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach, gather the following ingredients:

• 8 oz pasta (your choice, such as penne or fettuccine)
• 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 1 lb smoked sausage, sliced
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

In addition to the ingredients, you’ll need the following utensils to make this recipe a success:

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Cutting board and knife for chopping ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons for accuracy
• Serving bowl for plating

Gather all your ingredients and utensils before starting for a smooth cooking experience!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have everything ready, let’s dive into the detailed steps for making your creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add Butternut Squash: Stir in the diced butternut squash, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
5. Blend the Sauce: Once the squash is cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer it to a regular blender.
6. Combine with Cream: Return the blended mixture to the skillet, and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Add Spinach and Sausage: Stir in the fresh spinach and cooked sausage, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sausage to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

This creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is ready to be enjoyed! Each bite is a delightful mixture of textures and flavors that will leave you wanting more.

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a delightful dish that combines flavors and nutrition effortlessly. With its creamy texture and vibrant ingredients, it’s perfect for any occasion. We invite you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Don’t forget to comment below with your thoughts or share this article with fellow food lovers. Happy cooking!

For more delicious recipes, check out our recipe section or find inspiration on our Pinterest page.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

A comforting and creamy pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash, savory smoked sausage, and fresh spinach, perfect for a cozy dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 540 kcal

Equipment

• Large Pot
• Large skillet
• Immersion Blender
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
• 1 lb Butternut Squash peeled and diced
• 1 lb Smoked Sausage sliced
• 2 cups Fresh Spinach
• 1 small Onion diced
• 3 cloves Garlic minced
• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Vegetable Broth
• 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1/2 tsp Salt to taste
• 1/4 tsp Black Pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp Olive Oil
• to taste Grated Parmesan Cheese for serving
• to taste Fresh Parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions

 

Instructions

• In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
• In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the diced butternut squash, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the butternut squash is tender.
• Once the squash is cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer it to a regular blender (be careful with the hot mixture).
• Return the blended mixture to the skillet, and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the fresh spinach and cooked sausage, allowing the spinach to wilt and the sausage to heat through, about 2-3 minutes.
• Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine everything evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative or omit it entirely.

Keyword butternut squash, delicious, easy, pasta, quick