Description
Experience the comforting warmth of creamy butternut squash pasta, enhanced with fresh spinach and savory sausage, making every bite a delightful journey of flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb butternut squash, cubed
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
- 3 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Olive oil (for roasting and sautéing)
Instructions
- 1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes until tender.
- 2. Cook the Pasta: While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining.
- 3. Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil if needed and crumble in the Italian sausage. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
- 4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Once the sausage is cooked through, add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for one minute until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and half of the reserved pasta water; let it simmer for a few minutes.
- 5. Combine Everything: Add roasted butternut squash, cooked pasta, fresh spinach, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir gently until well combined, adjusting seasoning as necessary.
- 6. Serve It Up: Plate generous portions topped with any remaining sauce and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 300g)
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Swap Italian sausage for turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter dish. Add crushed red pepper for heat or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.