Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta

$- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes - 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika for a hint of warmth - 1/2 cup vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred - 1/4 cup heavy cream (or substitute coconut cream for a vegan twist) - Olive oil for sautéing - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional) The right mix of ingredients makes this dish shine. Each component brings its own charm and taste. Penne pasta is the base, giving the dish a nice bite. Butternut squash adds a sweet touch and creamy texture. Sweet Italian sausage brings hearty flavor and richness. Fresh spinach adds a burst of green and nutrition. For seasonings, garlic provides a strong aroma. Dried thyme adds a nice earthiness, while smoked paprika gives warmth. Vegetable broth keeps everything moist without overpowering flavors. Heavy cream or coconut cream adds a rich creaminess that ties it all together. Feel free to use olive oil for sautéing. It adds flavor and helps cook the sausage. Salt and pepper are must-haves for taste. If you want cheese, grated Parmesan is perfect as a topping. These ingredients work together to create a wonderful dish. They make Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta one you will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Boiling Water: Fill a large pot with water. Add a generous amount of salt. Bring it to a rolling boil. - Cooking Time and Technique: Add the penne pasta once the water boils. Cook according to the package instructions for about 10-12 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should be firm to the bite. - Preventing Sticking: After cooking, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil. This keeps the pasta from sticking together. - Preheating the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps caramelize the squash. - Seasoning and Baking: Spread the diced butternut squash on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. - Desired Texture: Roast for 20-25 minutes. You want the squash tender and slightly golden. This adds a sweet, rich flavor. - Heating Oil: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. This helps the sausage cook evenly. - Cooking Sausage to Perfection: Add the sweet Italian sausage. Break it up with a spatula. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked. - Sautéing Garlic and Spinach: Once the sausage is ready, add the minced garlic. Stir it for about a minute until it smells amazing. Then, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Seasoning Suggestions To boost flavor, use salt and pepper. Smoked paprika adds warmth. Dried thyme brings earthiness. Taste as you go. Adjust seasoning to fit your preference. Ingredient Quality Use fresh ingredients for the best taste. The butternut squash should feel firm. Look for sweet Italian sausage with good fat content. Fresh spinach should be bright green and crisp. Ensuring Perfectly Cooked Pasta Cook the penne until al dente. Taste it a minute before the time is up. Al dente pasta stays firm and holds sauce well. Adjusting Creaminess For a creamier dish, add more heavy cream or coconut cream. If you want it lighter, cut back on cream and add more broth. This will keep the flavors rich and full. Customizing Spice Levels Want more heat? Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For less spice, skip the smoked paprika. Adjust to fit your taste. Prepping Ingredients Ahead Chop the butternut squash and garlic early. Store them in the fridge. This makes cooking faster when you're ready. Using Leftover Vegetables Got extra veggies? Toss them in! Zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots work well. This adds nutrition and variety to your meal. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: Using penne pasta is great for this dish, but feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape like fusilli or farfalle for a different texture. Perfectly Roasted Squash: Ensure the butternut squash is cut into even 1-inch cubes for uniform cooking and caramelization, enhancing the flavor and texture. Customize the Cream: For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. For a dairy-free option, coconut cream adds a rich texture without compromising flavor. Garnish Wisely: A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil can elevate the dish and add a pop of color. Parmesan cheese is optional but enhances the savory notes. {{image_4}} Vegan Options You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap the sweet Italian sausage for plant-based sausage. Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. This keeps it creamy without any dairy. Gluten-Free Alternatives If you need a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free penne pasta. Many brands offer great texture and taste. You can also use spiralized veggies like zucchini or carrots for a low-carb twist. Different Pasta Shapes While penne works well, you can try other shapes. Fusilli or farfalle are great alternatives. They hold onto the sauce beautifully and add fun to your dish. Sausage Variants Feel free to mix up the sausage. Spicy sausage adds a kick, while turkey sausage keeps it light. You can even use chicken sausage for a different flavor profile. Cheese Substitutions If you want to change the cheese, try feta or goat cheese. They give a tangy taste that pairs well. Nutritional yeast is a great vegan option for a cheesy flavor. Extra Veggies to Add Boost the nutrition and flavor by adding more veggies. Sun-dried tomatoes add sweetness, while bell peppers give crunch. You can also toss in kale or broccoli for extra nutrients. - Refrigeration Guidelines: Store leftover pasta in the fridge within two hours. Keep it in an airtight container. It stays fresh for 3-4 days. - Suitable Containers: Use glass or plastic containers with tight lids. These help keep the pasta moist. - Prepping for Freezing: Allow the pasta to cool first. Then, divide it into portions. Place each portion in freezer bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible. - Thawing Instructions: To thaw, move the pasta to the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on low. - Best Methods for Reheating: The microwave is quick and easy. Heat in short bursts, stirring often. You can also reheat on the stove with a splash of broth. - Maintaining Flavor and Texture: Add a little extra cream or broth while reheating. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out. You can check pasta doneness by tasting it. Al dente means it should be firm, but not hard. Look for a slight bite in the center. Overcooked pasta becomes soft and mushy. To avoid this, set a timer and check a minute before the package time ends. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook and mix all the ingredients, then cool them down. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge. For best flavor, eat it within two days. Reheat gently on the stove to keep the taste fresh. This pasta pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread can also provide a nice crunch. For a heartier meal, serve with roasted vegetables. Each side will enhance the dish's flavors. Absolutely! Portion the pasta into meal prep containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just make sure to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. This blog post covered a delicious recipe for Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta. We discussed key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and helpful tips. You learned how to enhance flavor and customize the dish to fit your needs. With options for storage and meal prep, you can enjoy it any time. Remember, cooking is fun and allows for creativity. Try different ingredients to make it your own. Happy cooking!$

Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring roasted butternut squash, sweet Italian sausage, and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes
1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 2 cup vegetable broth, low-sodium preferred
1 4 cup heavy cream
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
as needed olive oil for sautéing
as needed grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)

Instructions

In a generous pot, bring enough salted water to a full boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, tossing it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a large baking sheet, spread the diced butternut squash evenly. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until tender and golden.
In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sweet Italian sausage, crumbling it as it cooks. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
Add the minced garlic to the sausage and stir for another minute until aromatic. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, vegetable broth, dried thyme, and smoked paprika. Stir in the heavy cream and allow to simmer for 5 minutes.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet mixture. Toss gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Remove from heat. Dish out the pasta onto plates or bowls, finishing with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

For a vegan option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream.

Keyword butternut squash, pasta, sausage, spinach