Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Welcome to an indulgent culinary journey where comfort meets creativity! Our Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a delightful dish that brings together the earthiness of roasted butternut squash, the savory richness of smoked sausage, and the vibrant freshness of spinach. This recipe is perfect for cozy evenings or impressing guests at a dinner party. With its creamy texture and a balance of flavors, this pasta dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Butternut squash is not just a delicious ingredient; it’s also packed with nutrients, including vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants. Combined with hearty sausage and nutrient-dense spinach, this dish becomes a wholesome meal that satisfies both the palate and the body. Now, let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures, making it a standout dish for any occasion. Here are several reasons why this recipe will win your heart:

• Seasonal Ingredients: Butternut squash is at its peak during fall and winter months, making it a perfect choice for seasonal cooking. Using fresh, in-season ingredients not only enhances the flavor but also supports local farmers.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights. The steps are straightforward, allowing even novice cooks to create a stunning meal.
• Rich and Creamy Sauce: The blending of cooked butternut squash with heavy cream creates a luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. It’s a comforting alternative to traditional tomato-based sauces.
• Protein-Packed: The addition of smoked sausage not only adds flavor but also provides a substantial protein boost, making this dish satisfying and filling.
• Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the sausage with plant-based protein or mushrooms, allowing everyone to enjoy it.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This pasta dish holds up well in the refrigerator, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep. Enjoy it for lunch throughout the week!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’re looking to impress your family or guests, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a dish that delivers on both taste and presentation. Here are some compelling reasons to add this recipe to your rotation:

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of savory sausage, sweet butternut squash, and the slight bitterness of spinach creates a complex flavor profile that is simply irresistible.
• Aromatic Ingredients: The use of garlic and onion in this recipe not only enhances the overall flavor but also fills your kitchen with an inviting aroma.
• Customizable: Feel free to mix in other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or kale, depending on your preferences or what you have on hand. This adaptability makes it a versatile recipe.
• Kid-Friendly: The creamy sauce is often a hit with children, and the pasta can be shaped to their liking, making it an excellent way to introduce them to new vegetables.
• Elegant Presentation: With a garnish of fresh parsley and grated Parmesan, this dish looks as good as it tastes, making it suitable for special occasions.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

To prepare this delightful Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach, you’ll need the following ingredients and utensils:

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)

Recommended Utensils

• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing
• Immersion blender (or regular blender)
• Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board and knife for chopping ingredients

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the preparation of this delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach. Follow these detailed steps for a perfect outcome:

1. Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.
2. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned and crispy, 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 sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then add the minced garlic, cooking for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your sauce.
4. Add Butternut Squash: Stir in the diced butternut squash along with smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 15 minutes, or until the squash is tender. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
5. Blend the Sauce: Once the squash is cooked through, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Be cautious with the hot mixture to avoid burns.
6. Combine with Cream: Return the blended sauce to the skillet and stir in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer and let it cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This step gives the sauce its creamy texture.
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. This adds a vibrant color and nutritional boost to the dish.
8. Combine with Pasta: Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to combine evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
9. Serve: Serve the pasta warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish. Enjoy your creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach with a side salad or crusty bread!

FAQs

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is not only easy to make but also a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With its creamy sauce, savory sausage, and fresh spinach, it’s a meal that everyone will love. We encourage you to try this recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below. Don’t forget to share this article with friends and family who might enjoy this delicious pasta dish!

For more delicious recipes, check out Creamy Sausage Rigatoni or explore our other pasta recipes like Pasta alla Sorrentina for more culinary inspiration!

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

This creamy butternut squash pasta is a delightful combination of savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a rich sauce that makes for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

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

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 8 oz Pasta Penne or fettuccine recommended
• 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
• 0.5 tsp Salt To taste
• 0.25 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

Feel free to add more vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

Keyword butternut squash, delicious, easy, pasta, quick