Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta Delight

October 23, 2025October 25, 2024 by Ava

Get ready for a flavor-packed meal with my Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta Delight! This dish combines the creamy sweetness of roasted butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach. It’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. In this post, I’ll guide you through each step, share tips for perfecting flavors, and offer tasty variations. Let’s dive in and whip up this comforting pasta dish!

Why I Love This Recipe

Comforting and Hearty: This dish combines the flavors of sweet Italian sausage and roasted butternut squash, creating a warm and satisfying meal perfect for any night.
Nutritious Ingredients: With fresh spinach and butternut squash, this pasta is packed with vitamins and minerals, making it a healthy choice for the whole family.
Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this delicious meal in under an hour, making it great for busy weeknights.
Customizable: This recipe is versatile; you can easily swap out the sausage for a vegetarian option or adjust the spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced

– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

– 2 cups fresh spinach

Pantry Staples

– 8 oz penne pasta

– Olive oil for cooking

– 1/2 cup vegetable broth

Seasonings and Optional Ingredients

– 3 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 teaspoon dried thyme

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)

– Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish)

Butternut squash brings a sweet, nutty flavor to the dish. The sweet Italian sausage adds a savory touch that contrasts well with the squash. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a healthy boost.

For pantry staples, penne pasta is perfect for holding the sauce. Olive oil is essential for cooking and adds richness. Vegetable broth enhances the flavor without overpowering it.

The garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika round out the dish with warmth and depth. Heavy cream or coconut cream offers a creamy finish. Grated Parmesan cheese can be a delightful garnish, adding a salty bite.

Each ingredient plays a key role in making the pasta both tasty and comforting.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This keeps the pasta from sticking together.

Roasting the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take 1 medium butternut squash, peel it, and dice it into small cubes. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes tender and golden. This roasting gives it a sweet flavor.

Preparing the Sausage and Veggies

In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown and is fully cooked. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for one more minute until it smells good. Then, toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts.

Combining the Ingredients

Now, stir in the roasted butternut squash, 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together nicely.

Mixing with Pasta

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and veggies. Toss everything together well. This coats the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

To serve, remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the pasta in bowls. For a tasty finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if you wish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal!

Tips & Tricks

Cooking Tips

– Ensuring pasta is al dente: Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water. Follow the package instructions closely. Test it a minute early. The pasta should be tender but firm when bitten.

– Roasting squash for optimal flavor: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden color and a soft texture. This brings out the sweetness.

Flavor Enhancements

– Suggested spices or herbs: Add dried thyme and smoked paprika for depth. These spices elevate the dish. You can also try fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh taste.

– Alternative cream options: If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Heavy cream gives a rich taste but both options work well.

Time-Saving Techniques

– Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop the butternut squash and garlic ahead of time. This way, you save time when cooking. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready.

– Using pre-cooked sausage: Pre-cooked sausage cuts down cooking time. Just heat it in the skillet until warmed through. This step makes the dish quicker to prepare, perfect for busy nights.

Pro Tips

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sausage will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Customize Your Cream: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use a plant-based alternative.
Season Carefully: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference.
Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain a good texture when mixed with the sauce.

Variations

Vegetarian Option

You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the sausage for plant-based options. Look for brands that mimic the taste and texture of sausage. Options like lentils or mushrooms work well too. They add heartiness and flavor without meat. You can use a mix of vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant, to round out the dish.

Gluten-Free Option

If you need a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options, like rice or chickpea pasta. They cook well and still taste great. Just be sure to check the package for cooking times. This way, you keep the meal healthy without gluten.

Additional Ingredients

Feel free to get creative with more veggies. Bell peppers or mushrooms add color and texture. You can also try protein additions like chicken or shrimp. They enhance the meal while keeping it filling. This lets you customize the dish to fit your taste and what you have on hand.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

Store your leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion the pasta for easy meals later. Remove as much air as you can from bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot.

Shelf Life

In the fridge, your Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better the taste!

FAQs

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It adds a rich flavor. Other options include half-and-half or whole milk, but these will change the texture.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the pasta, sausage, and squash separately. Combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh.

For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to prevent sticking. Stir until heated through.

How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of sweet sausage. This will give the dish a nice kick!

This recipe combines butternut squash, sausage, and spinach for a tasty dish. We covered how to cook pasta, roast squash, and sauté vegetables step-by-step. You can even customize it for dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegetarian options.

Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy this comforting meal later. Cooking should be fun and simple. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and try it out! This dish is sure to impress your taste bud

$- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced - 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed - 2 cups fresh spinach - 8 oz penne pasta - Olive oil for cooking - 1/2 cup vegetable broth - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option) - Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for garnish) Butternut squash brings a sweet, nutty flavor to the dish. The sweet Italian sausage adds a savory touch that contrasts well with the squash. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant color and a healthy boost. For pantry staples, penne pasta is perfect for holding the sauce. Olive oil is essential for cooking and adds richness. Vegetable broth enhances the flavor without overpowering it. The garlic, dried thyme, and smoked paprika round out the dish with warmth and depth. Heavy cream or coconut cream offers a creamy finish. Grated Parmesan cheese can be a delightful garnish, adding a salty bite. Each ingredient plays a key role in making the pasta both tasty and comforting. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside. This keeps the pasta from sticking together. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take 1 medium butternut squash, peel it, and dice it into small cubes. Toss the squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread it out evenly. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until it becomes tender and golden. This roasting gives it a sweet flavor. In a large skillet, drizzle some olive oil and heat it over medium heat. Add 1 lb of sweet Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown and is fully cooked. Next, add 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for one more minute until it smells good. Then, toss in 2 cups of fresh spinach and cook until it wilts. Now, stir in the roasted butternut squash, 1/2 cup of vegetable broth, 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/4 cup of heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes. This helps all the flavors come together nicely. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sausage and veggies. Toss everything together well. This coats the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust to your liking. To serve, remove the skillet from the heat. Plate the pasta in bowls. For a tasty finish, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top if you wish. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious meal! - Ensuring pasta is al dente: Cook the penne pasta in boiling salted water. Follow the package instructions closely. Test it a minute early. The pasta should be tender but firm when bitten. - Roasting squash for optimal flavor: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-25 minutes. Look for a golden color and a soft texture. This brings out the sweetness. - Suggested spices or herbs: Add dried thyme and smoked paprika for depth. These spices elevate the dish. You can also try fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh taste. - Alternative cream options: If you want a dairy-free version, use coconut cream. It adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness. Heavy cream gives a rich taste but both options work well. - Prepping ingredients in advance: Chop the butternut squash and garlic ahead of time. This way, you save time when cooking. Store them in the fridge until you're ready. - Using pre-cooked sausage: Pre-cooked sausage cuts down cooking time. Just heat it in the skillet until warmed through. This step makes the dish quicker to prepare, perfect for busy nights. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality sausage will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Customize Your Cream: For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or use a plant-based alternative. Season Carefully: Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to suit your preference. Perfect Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to maintain a good texture when mixed with the sauce. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the sausage for plant-based options. Look for brands that mimic the taste and texture of sausage. Options like lentils or mushrooms work well too. They add heartiness and flavor without meat. You can use a mix of vegetables, like zucchini or eggplant, to round out the dish. If you need a gluten-free version, choose gluten-free pasta. There are many options, like rice or chickpea pasta. They cook well and still taste great. Just be sure to check the package for cooking times. This way, you keep the meal healthy without gluten. Feel free to get creative with more veggies. Bell peppers or mushrooms add color and texture. You can also try protein additions like chicken or shrimp. They enhance the meal while keeping it filling. This lets you customize the dish to fit your taste and what you have on hand. Store your leftovers in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. To freeze, use freezer-safe bags or containers. Portion the pasta for easy meals later. Remove as much air as you can from bags. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave until hot. In the fridge, your Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta lasts about three days. In the freezer, it can last up to three months. Just remember, the sooner you eat it, the better the taste! You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. It adds a rich flavor. Other options include half-and-half or whole milk, but these will change the texture. Yes, you can prepare the dish in advance. Cook the pasta, sausage, and squash separately. Combine them just before serving to keep everything fresh. For reheating, use a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or cream to prevent sticking. Stir until heated through. To add heat, include red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. You can also use spicy Italian sausage in place of sweet sausage. This will give the dish a nice kick! This recipe combines butternut squash, sausage, and spinach for a tasty dish. We covered how to cook pasta, roast squash, and sauté vegetables step-by-step. You can even customize it for dietary needs, like gluten-free or vegetarian options. Remember to store leftovers properly and enjoy this comforting meal later. Cooking should be fun and simple. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and try it out! This dish is sure to impress your taste buds.$