Imagine twirling strands of pasta, enveloped in a creamy butternut squash sauce, with bits of savory sausage and vibrant spinach mingling throughout. The aroma wafts through the kitchen, making your mouth water in anticipation. perfect side with pasta This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is not just a meal; it’s an experience that beckons you to dive in and savor every bite.
Let me tell you, this dish has a special place in my heart. One chilly autumn evening, I whipped it up for friends who were skeptical about squash being the star of the show. By the end of the night, they were raving about how deliciously comforting and full of flavor it was. hearty pumpkin chili alternative Trust me when I say this dish is perfect for cozy dinners or impressing dinner guests—just wait until they get a taste!
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. The delightful blend of flavors makes each bite memorable. It brings vibrant colors to your plate, ensuring visual appeal. Plus, it’s versatile enough for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. [/info_box]
I once made this dish for a potluck, and let’s just say my friends now have an unspoken pact to invite me back just for the pasta!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Butternut Squash: Choose a firm squash with smooth skin; it should feel heavy for its size.
Pasta: Any variety works well; I prefer fettuccine for its ability to hold onto sauces.
Sausage: Use Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for rich flavor; casing removed for easy cooking.
Fresh Spinach: Opt for baby spinach to add freshness without overpowering other flavors.
Onion: A yellow onion caramelizes beautifully, adding sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are essential; they infuse the dish with aromatic goodness.
Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control saltiness while enhancing flavor depth.
Cream or Milk: Adds creaminess; choose whole milk or heavy cream based on your preference.
Olive Oil: A good quality oil enhances flavor during sautéing and adds richness.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh parmesan brings umami flavor and completes the dish beautifully. For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Cooking this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is as enjoyable as eating it! Let’s break it down into simple steps. For more inspiration, check out this Cozy One Pot Ravioli Soup recipe.
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and dicing the butternut squash into small cubes. Chop onion and garlic finely; set aside your sausage ready to roll.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes.
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, crumble in the sausage and cook until browned—about 5-7 minutes—stirring occasionally.
Add Vegetables to Sauté : Toss in diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet with sausage. Cook until onions become translucent and fragrant—roughly 3-4 minutes.
Add Butternut Squash and Broth : Stir in cubed butternut squash along with vegetable broth. Cover and simmer on low heat until squash softens—about 10-15 minutes.
Create Creamy Sauce : Once squash softens, use a potato masher or fork to mash slightly. Stir in cream or milk until combined fully; season with salt and pepper.
Toss Everything Together : Drain pasta (saving some cooking water). Add pasta directly into your skillet with sauce mixture along with fresh spinach—toss gently until everything is coated evenly.
Now serve up generous bowls of this delightful Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach! Enjoy!
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] Butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a delightful dish that combines sweetness, spice, and nutrition. Its vibrant colors and aromas will brighten your kitchen while creating a comforting meal. This recipe is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the sausage until golden brown, then sauté onions and garlic. Next, add cubed butternut squash and broth to simmer while you cook the pasta separately. Finish by tossing everything together with fresh spinach for a deliciously cohesive dish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out sausage for chicken or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also experiment with different herbs like sage or thyme to enhance flavors. delicious chicken pairing Adding a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top can create an extra layer of deliciousness. flavorful casserole option.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For reheating, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist and flavorful.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always taste as you go; this ensures balanced flavors throughout your dish. Use fresh spinach at the end of cooking for best texture and color. A splash of lemon juice can elevate your butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach tremendously! [/info_box]
I remember making this dish for my family one chilly evening. The house filled with wonderful aromas, and everyone raved about it—kids even asked for seconds!
FAQ
Can I use frozen butternut squash instead?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well; just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I make this dish dairy-free?
Simply omit cheese or use nutritional yeast as a cheesy substitute for flavor.
What can I serve with butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach?
A simple green salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully, enhancing the meal’s comfort factor.
Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach. This creamy dish features tender pasta enveloped in a rich butternut squash sauce, complemented by savory sausage and fresh spinach. Perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests, this recipe brings warmth and vibrancy to your table.
Ingredients
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep the ingredients: Peel and dice the butternut squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Set aside the sausage.
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook fettuccine until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Sauté sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Crumble in sausage and cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add onions and garlic: Stir in chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).
- Incorporate squash: Add diced butternut squash and vegetable broth to the skillet; cover and simmer on low until squash softens (10-15 minutes).
- Create sauce: Mash softened squash slightly, then stir in heavy cream. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine everything: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet with fresh spinach; mix gently until well coated.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 350g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
