Description
This cozy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate fall-inspired dinner. Sweet roasted squash pairs with spicy sausage and a creamy Parmesan spinach sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked farfalle. It’s hearty, satisfying, and layered with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
2 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sausage)
½ pound sausage, crumbled and casings removed (spicy or Italian preferred)
1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 ounces fresh spinach
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup shredded Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon salt, or to taste
8 ounces farfalle pasta
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes or until golden and tender. Set aside.
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In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 10 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Set aside once fully cooked.
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In another large skillet, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 to 7 minutes.
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Pour in heavy cream, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt as needed.
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Meanwhile, cook farfalle pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and add to the skillet with the sauce.
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Stir in the cooked sausage, then gently fold in or top with roasted butternut squash.
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Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
Use spicy Italian sausage for extra depth or sweet sausage if you prefer a milder flavor.
Fresh spinach is best, but thawed frozen spinach (well-drained) can be used in a pinch.
To make this dish vegetarian, skip the sausage or use a plant-based alternative.
You can roast the squash ahead of time for a faster dinner prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Baking and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American