Cozy Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Recipe

Blending hearty roasted butternut squash pasta with savory sausage creates a comforting meal that surprises and delights.

Autumn’s golden vegetable brings rich, velvety textures to this delectable dish.

Crisp spinach adds a fresh, vibrant contrast against the creamy sauce.

Seasonal ingredients shine in this simple yet impressive recipe.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of robust flavors and smooth, luxurious notes.

Winter comfort arrives precisely when you crave something substantial and warming.

Grab your ingredients and let’s transform an ordinary evening into a memorable dining experience.

How To Cook Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

Step 1: Ignite the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C), preparing for a culinary adventure that’ll make your kitchen smell amazing.

Step 2: Transform Butternut Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Massage the seasonings into the squash, ensuring each cube is generously coated and ready to become flavor-packed.

Step 3: Roast to Perfection

Spread the seasoned squash cubes in a single layer, giving each piece breathing room. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let magic happen. Roast for 25-30 minutes, taking a moment halfway through to flip the cubes. You’re looking for tender, caramelized edges that whisper of deliciousness to come.

Step 4: Prepare Sausage

While the squash roasts, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble Italian sausage into the pan, letting it sizzle and brown. Break the meat into small, tantalizing bits that will blend perfectly with the pasta.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your favorite pasta shape – penne or rigatoni work wonderfully. Cook until al dente, then drain, reserving a cup of pasta water for later magic.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet used for sausage, add roasted squash and start mashing. Pour in some heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a splash of pasta water. Stir until silky smooth and dreamy.

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy squash sauce. Fold in crispy sausage and fresh spinach leaves. The residual heat will wilt the spinach perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Plate your masterpiece, garnishing with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh herbs. Each forkful promises a symphony of roasted squash, spicy sausage, and tender pasta.

Helpful Tips For Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Maximize Flavor Depth: Roast butternut squash until edges are golden brown and caramelized, which intensifies its natural sweetness and creates complex taste layers.
• Spice Selection Strategy: Experiment with different spice blends like Italian seasoning or za'atar to customize the roasted squash's flavor profile without overwhelming its delicate taste.
• Dietary Flexibility Hack: Swap pork sausage with plant-based alternatives or ground turkey for lighter versions, ensuring the dish remains protein-rich and satisfying.
• Meal Prep Magic: Roast extra butternut squash cubes and store in refrigerator for quick additions to salads, grain bowls, or future pasta dishes within 3-4 days.
• Texture Enhancement Trick: Let roasted squash cool slightly before blending to prevent steam buildup, creating smoother and more consistent sauce consistency.

Store Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach Easily

• Refrigerate: Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the flavors locked in and maintaining its delicious texture.
• Microwave Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying out and restore creamy consistency.
• Stovetop Refresh: Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a little extra olive oil or broth to help revive the sauce and prevent sticking.
• Freeze Option: Freeze the pasta without spinach for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh spinach just before serving.

Tasty Matches For Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Elevate with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: This zesty white wine cuts through the creamy pasta's richness, with bright citrus notes complementing the sweet roasted butternut squash and balancing the sausage's savory depth.
• Match with Rustic Italian Red: A medium-bodied Chianti or Sangiovese pairs beautifully, its earthy undertones and slight acidity enhancing the roasted squash and spicy sausage flavors.
• Serve with Herbed Garlic Bread: Crusty, toasted bread rubbed with garlic and fresh herbs provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta, helping to soak up the delicious sauce and adding textural excitement.
• Complement with Crisp Apple Salad: A light, tangy salad with fresh apple slices, arugula, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta, cutting through the dish's heaviness.

Why Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach Is Comforting

• Elevate Comfort Food: This pasta transforms ordinary ingredients into a luxurious, restaurant-worthy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Maximize Flavor Potential: Roasting butternut squash caramelizes its natural sweetness, while smoked paprika and garlic powder add depth and complexity to every bite.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: From prep to plate, this recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious, nutritious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Balanced Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from sausage, vitamins from spinach, and complex carbs from butternut squash, this pasta delivers a well-rounded meal that satisfies and nourishes.

What Goes Into Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet, nutty vegetable that provides a creamy base for the sauce. Choose a squash with smooth, unblemished skin and feels heavy for its size.

Pasta: The hearty foundation of the dish. Opt for a shape that holds sauce well, like rigatoni or penne.

Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the pasta. Select fresh, high-quality sausage for best results.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika: Essential for enhancing the butternut squash's natural flavors and creating a robust seasoning blend.

Additional Ingredients:

Spinach: Brings freshness, color, and nutritional value to the pasta dish. Fresh spinach works best for a vibrant green appearance.

Ways To Mix Up Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Vegetarian Veggie Fusion: Replace sausage with roasted chickpeas or crumbled plant-based protein for a hearty meatless version that keeps the creamy texture and bold spices.
• Mediterranean Herb Blend: Swap smoked paprika with dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary to create a Mediterranean-inspired pasta with a lighter, more herbaceous profile.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chiles, cayenne pepper, and swap spinach for kale to transform the dish into a zesty southwestern-inspired meal with extra kick.
• Vegan Cashew Cream Adaptation: Substitute dairy cream with blended cashew sauce, nutritional yeast, and use vegan sausage alternative for a completely plant-based creamy pasta experience.

FAQs About Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach

• Can I make this pasta dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or add roasted chickpeas for protein and texture.

• What if I can't find butternut squash?

You can substitute with sweet potatoes or pumpkin, which have similar creamy textures and sweet flavors that work well in this recipe.

• How spicy will this dish be?

The recipe is mild with just a hint of smoked paprika. If you want more heat, add red pepper flakes or use a spicy Italian sausage to kick up the flavor.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta keeps well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheats nicely, making it perfect for work lunches or quick weeknight dinners.

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage And Spinach Recipe

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4.8 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Roasted butternut squash pasta dazzles taste buds with its rich, hearty blend of Italian sausage and tender spinach. Smooth sauce and perfectly roasted squash create a comforting meal that invites you to savor each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables:

• 3 cups (400g) butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Protein and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (225g) Italian sausage, casing removed (spicy or mild)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Seasonings:

• 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating it to a high temperature of 400F (200C), ensuring an even cooking environment for the butternut squash.
2. Arrange the cubed butternut squash on a spacious baking sheet, creating a single layer to promote optimal roasting and caramelization.
3. Generously coat the squash with a blend of olive oil, aromatic seasonings including salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoky paprika, massaging the ingredients to ensure complete coverage.
4. Transfer the seasoned squash to the preheated oven, allowing it to transform into a tender, golden-brown delicacy over 25-30 minutes.
5. Midway through roasting, gently rotate the squash cubes to guarantee uniform browning and prevent any potential burning, creating a perfectly caramelized exterior.
6. Monitor the squash closely during the final stages of roasting, looking for a rich, amber color and soft texture that signals complete cooking and maximum flavor development.

Notes

• Roasting butternut squash at high heat creates a caramelized exterior that intensifies its natural sweetness and adds depth to the pasta sauce.
• For a lighter version, swap pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content while maintaining rich flavor.
• Enhance the creamy texture by reserving some pasta water before draining, which helps create a silky sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Maximize meal prep by roasting extra squash cubes for quick additions to salads, grain bowls, or future pasta dishes during the week.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 590
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg