Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
A delightful dish combining butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy sauce that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian (with substitutions)
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the cubed butternut squash and cook until tender, about 10 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the Italian sausage to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the fresh spinach and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Pour in the heavy cream, and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce.
- Dish out the creamy butternut squash pasta, serving warm. Top with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Use fresh spinach for best flavor and consider adding red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.