Table of Contents
- Key Takeaways
- Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
- The Perfect Combination: Butternut Squash and Pasta
- How to Get the Creamiest Sauce
- Choosing the Best Pasta for This Dish
- Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
- Perfect Wine Pairings
- Storage and Reheating Tips
- Notes & Tips
Key Takeaways
This creamy butternut squash pasta is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. It combines roasted butternut squash with savory sausage and spinach, creating a rich and flavorful dish. Easy to prepare and perfect for meal prepping, this pasta easy recipes dish will quickly become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
If you’re a fan of creamy, flavorful pasta dishes, this recipe is for you! The natural sweetness of butternut squash blends beautifully with the bold flavors of sausage and Parmesan cheese. Not only is it packed with nutrients, but it also offers the perfect balance of comfort and health. Plus, it’s a great way to sneak in some extra veggies while enjoying a rich and satisfying meal.
The Perfect Combination: Butternut Squash and Pasta
Butternut squash pasta is an incredible combination of smooth, velvety sauce and hearty noodles. The roasted squash adds a depth of flavor that complements the pasta perfectly, making it a great choice for both casual weeknights and special occasions. When looking for pasta easy recipes, this dish stands out for its wholesome ingredients and gourmet taste.
How to Get the Creamiest Sauce
The key to achieving a silky, creamy sauce lies in blending the roasted butternut squash with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. To make it even smoother, you can add a splash of pasta water to reach the desired consistency. For those who love experimenting with flavors, adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can enhance the sweetness of the squash.
Choosing the Best Pasta for This Dish
When it comes to picking the right pasta, shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine work best. These shapes allow the creamy butternut squash sauce to cling to every bite, ensuring a flavorful experience. If you prefer a lighter option, whole wheat or gluten-free pasta can be excellent alternatives. Looking for easy dinner recipes for 2 meat lovers? Try using sausage-filled tortellini for a meaty twist!
Delicious Variations and Add-Ins
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. You can swap the sausage for crispy pancetta, grilled chicken, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Want to give it a spicy kick? A dash of red pepper flakes will do the trick! For those following a quick and easy low carb desserts approach, consider serving the sauce over spiralized zucchini instead of traditional pasta.
Perfect Wine Pairings
Pairing this dish with the right wine can take it to the next level. A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the rich, creamy sauce without overpowering the delicate sweetness of the butternut squash. It’s a fantastic choice for a cozy dinner at home.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, you’re in luck! This dish stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain its creamy texture. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating. For meal prep lovers, this pasta easy recipes dish can also be frozen and thawed when needed.
Notes & Tips
For an extra boost of flavor, roast the butternut squash with a sprinkle of cinnamon or smoked paprika. If you’re short on time, pre-cut squash or frozen butternut squash cubes can be a great time-saver. This dish is perfect for fall but is delicious year-round!
Looking for more inspiration? Visit Patricia Universe for more amazing pasta easy recipes and comforting dishes!
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage & Spinach
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta of choice
- 2 cups butternut squash, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz Italian sausage, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Roast for 25 minutes until tender.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the crumbled sausage until browned. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Blend the roasted butternut squash with heavy cream until smooth.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.
- Add the butternut squash sauce and Parmesan cheese to the skillet with sausage, stirring well.
- Toss in the cooked pasta and spinach, mixing until the spinach wilts. Add reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.
- Season with red pepper flakes if desired, serve warm, and enjoy!
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