Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Name: Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups); 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy); 12 ounces pasta of your choice (like penne or fusilli); 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 5 ounces fresh spinach; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

December 6, 2025 by Daniel Carter

Plate of butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach garnished with herbs.

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Cozy Up with Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Setting the Scene

As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and red, and evenings draw in with a cozy chill, there’s nothing quite like a hearty meal to wrap your family in warmth. Imagine serving a comforting Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach on a crisp fall evening, the rich aroma of roasting veggies and savory sausage wafting through your kitchen. This dish, bursting with flavor and colorful ingredients, is not just a meal; it’s a warm embrace, perfect for weeknight dinners or festive gatherings alike.

Picture this: you gather around the table with the ones you love, each bite enveloping you in its creamy, savory essence. The mellow sweetness of roasted butternut squash meets the robust flavor of Italian sausage, all tossed in perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant spinach. It’s a delightful fusion that sings autumn’s praises. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe will surely find a cherished place at your dinner table.

What You’ll Need

For this delicious dish, you’ll want to gather both vibrant ingredients and trusty cooking tools to streamline your culinary journey.

Ingredients

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 4 cups)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
12 ounces pasta of your choice (like penne or fusilli)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
5 ounces fresh spinach
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Tools

To make this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach, you’ll need a few essential tools to make the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. Gather the following:

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Large bowl
Large skillet
Pot for boiling pasta
Wooden spoon or spatula
Chef’s knife and cutting board

How to Make It

Creating this wholesome dish is as delightful as savoring it. Each step unfolds like a symphony of colors and aromas that will fill your kitchen with irresistible scents.

Prep the Base

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). The moment you turn on the heat, the anticipation of a warm meal begins to set in. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—a simple step that makes for easy cleanup later. In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with one tablespoon of olive oil, generously sprinkling salt and pepper to awaken the flavors. As your hands mix the glistening, vibrant orange cubes, imagine their sweet and nutty taste when roasted. Spread the squash evenly on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring it has room to breathe—this allows for caramelization, heightening the dish’s natural sweetness.

Roast the squash in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. The kitchen will soon be filled with the delectable scent of earthy squash caramelizing, turning golden and tender as the minutes tick by. Make sure to stir it halfway through cooking—a simple yet satisfying task as you watch the once-raw cubes transform into tender morsels of heaven.

Build the Flavor

While the butternut squash is enjoying its time in the oven, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. As the oil glistens, add the Italian sausage, removing it from its casings. Allow it to sizzle and break apart with your wooden spoon, filling the air with that irresistible aroma of savory meat cooking. Cook until the sausage is beautifully browned and cooked through; this might take about 7 to 10 minutes. Set the deliciously fragrant sausage aside—it will rejoin the party shortly.

Next, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until it reaches an al dente perfection. The bubbling water will create a comforting sound as you let the pasta dance until it softens slightly. Remember to reserve one cup of that precious pasta water before draining—the starch will add creaminess to your final sauce!

Combine and Whisk

In the same skillet where you cooked the sausage, carefully add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you’re feeling adventurous with spice). Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden—this is where the magic begins. You’ll experience a burst of savory goodness, as rich as a sun-drenched Italian summer.

Now, it’s time to add that glorious roasted butternut squash and the fresh spinach. Stir everything together—it’s as if those vibrant green leaves are sunbathing against the luscious squash. Keep stirring until the spinach wilts into the mix. Pour in the heavy cream, followed by the grated Parmesan, which will melt into the sauce, making it velvety and luxurious. Stir everything gently, coaxing the flavors together, finally adding the cooked sausage back into the skillet.

Toss and Serve

Now, it’s time to unite all your efforts. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss everything with abandon, swirling the pasta in that rich sauce as it clings to every nook and cranny. If it looks a little too thick, don’t hesitate to drizzle in some reserved pasta water until you achieve that perfect, luscious consistency. Give it a taste! A sprinkle more of salt and pepper might be needed for balance.

Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. As you dish out your Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach into bowls, take a moment to bask in the vibrant colors. The creamy orange and green hues invite you to dig in, creating a comforting dish that warms both the belly and the soul.

Creative Twists

While the traditional recipe is sensational, feel free to explore various creative twists:

Seasonal Variations: Swap in roasted Brussels sprouts or kale during winter for a delightful change, or incorporate fresh tomatoes and basil in the summer for a burst of freshness.
Herb Upgrades: Add a teaspoon of sage or thyme as you sauté the sausage for a fragrant, earthy note. A sprinkle of nutmeg can enhance the creaminess of the sauce.
Protein Swaps: For a lighter version, substitute turkey or chicken sausage or even try plant-based sausage for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Grain Alternatives: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a healthier option, or try adding farro or quinoa for a nutty flavor and unique texture.

Final Inspiration

As you savor this splendid Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach, let each bite take you away to cozy dinners past, where laughter lived and bowls were shared. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience to be enjoyed, one that flavors the heart and nourishes the soul.

Gather your loved ones, share stories, and make memories over this delectable dish that’s bound to become a beloved staple in your fall repertoire. Try this recipe, and let the warmth of home-cooked goodness fill your cozy kitchen tonight. Happy cooking!