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

Description

A delightful fusion of roasted butternut squash, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach, tossed with pasta in a creamy sauce, perfect for cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

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

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the baking sheet.
Roast squash for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.
In a large skillet, heat remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart while cooking until browned (7 to 10 minutes). Set aside.
Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
Add roasted squash and fresh spinach to the skillet, stirring until spinach wilts.
Pour in heavy cream and add grated Parmesan, stirring until combined. Mix in cooked sausage.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well combined. Add reserved pasta water as needed for creaminess.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Feel free to swap in seasonal vegetables or use whole wheat/gluten-free pasta for variations. Add herbs like sage or thyme for extra flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking and Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 60mg