You know, every time I make this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach, it takes me right back to my first chilly autumn in our little kitchen. I remember the warm, toasty scent of the butternut squash roasting in the oven, that golden caramelization slowly filling the air while the sausage sizzled on the stove, mingling with the fresh earthy aroma of spinach wilted just so. That moment—when I combined everything into a cozy, creamy butternut squash sauce and tossed it all with perfectly al dente pasta—felt like pure magic. It wasn’t just dinner; it was comfort in a bowl, and my family instantly made it a favorite.
This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach quickly became a lifesaver on those hectic weeknights when you want something mouthwatering but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. I admit, for a long time, I struggled with getting the butternut squash just right—sometimes too mushy, sometimes not soft enough—and let’s not even talk about trying to balance the sausage’s spice with the sweetness of the squash. Oh, the kitchen mishaps! But each mistake taught me a little more about the flavors and textures, and eventually, this bit of fall pasta dishes magic came together flawlessly.
It fits so perfectly into my busy family’s life because it’s hearty and wholesome but also quick and fuss-free. Plus, I love how adaptable it is—whether I’m making it as a weeknight quick-fix or for a cozy weekend dinner, it always hits the spot. And if you’re anything like me, juggling a million things in the kitchen, you’ll appreciate the shortcuts I’ve picked up along the way when preparing this roasted squash and sausage pasta. You might even find inspiration for other comforting recipes, like my fall-ready Butternut Squash Soup which shares the same cozy vibe.
My philosophy has always been about making cooking approachable but also a little joyful—taking ingredients that seem humble and turning them into something that brings everyone to the table smiling. If you want to cozy up your dinner routine, this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is such a beautiful way to welcome those early autumn nights. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become a favorite in your home too. Ready to dig in? Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need for This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
When it comes to ingredients for this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach, I always lean toward fresh and simple. Here’s my go-to list that never fails to impress my family and guests alike:
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled and diced
- 1 pound Italian sausage (spicy or sweet, depending on your mood)
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or whatever you love)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage or thyme (optional but recommended!)

I always use fresh butternut squash for that authentic flavor, but I won’t lie—on busy days, pre-peeled and cut squash from the grocery store (usually found in the produce section or near the pre-cut vegetables) can save a ton of prep time. Just make sure the cubes aren’t too big so they roast evenly. For sausage and spinach pasta like this, the quality of your sausage really shines through, so I prefer a locally sourced Italian sausage if I can find it. It’s one of those ingredients that sets the tone for the entire dish.
One little kitchen trick I love when making this roasted butternut squash pasta recipe is to roast the squash with a pinch of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil, and toss it halfway through roasting. It deepens the flavor in such a simple way. If you want to save more time, some readers find that using a frozen cubed squash still makes a delicious roasted squash and sausage pasta, though fresh is unbeatable.
Got leftovers? The sauce and roasted squash keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can easily reheat for a quick lunch or dinner. And if you want to keep your sausage and spinach pasta vibrant, plan to add fresh spinach right before serving—it wilts beautifully in the heat without getting mushy.
If you want a little inspiration on the flavors that work well in this kind of creamy butternut squash sauce, you might enjoy this Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach that beautifully highlights the balance of savory and sweet.
Let’s Make This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Together
Alright, friend, grab your apron, and let’s dive into making this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach. Don’t sweat it if you’re multitasking or mid-chaos in your kitchen—I’m right there with you. Here’s how we make this comforting fall pasta dish come to life step by step:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for about 25-30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and caramelized. Your kitchen will start smelling like fall heaven.
- While the squash is roasting, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water. Don’t forget this little trick—it helps adjust your creamy butternut squash sauce later if it’s too thick.
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up gently with a wooden spoon as it browns. I’ve learned the hard way that cooking the sausage slowly keeps it juicy and flavorful—not dry! Once browned, transfer it to a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the onion and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent. The kitchen smells incredible here—don’t rush this step because the aromatics will layer beautiful depth into your roasted squash and sausage pasta.
- Add the roasted butternut squash into the skillet. Use a spoon or potato masher to mash about half of the squash, creating a thicker base for that creamy butternut squash sauce. This texture blend is what makes it feel so indulgent without heaviness.
- Pour in the cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring gently. Add salt and pepper to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water until it reaches your perfect creamy consistency.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet, toss in the fresh spinach, and stir to combine. The spinach will wilt nicely in just a minute or two.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, gently tossing everything together. I like to finish with a sprinkle of fresh sage leaves for a subtle earthy note, but it’s totally optional.
In my kitchen, this whole Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach usually takes about an hour from start to finish, but every minute is worth the warm, satisfying result. If you want pro tips on roasting squash perfectly or balancing the sauce’s creaminess, there’s a great guide on Tipps in the Kitch that I find super helpful.
While cooking, I often sip a little wine or chat with my family—it makes the experience joyful and relaxed, not just another rushed meal prep. And if you want even more inspiration for sausage + greens combos, check out my beloved Tortellini Soup with Sausage; it shares that cozy spin I adore.
How I Love to Serve This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
When this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach hits our table, it’s always greeted with hungry smiles. My family loves it best just as it is—a hearty, cozy dish bursting with fall flavors that feel like a hug on a plate. I usually serve it alongside a crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette or a crusty bread that’s perfect for mopping up that creamy butternut squash sauce.

For special occasions or dinner with friends, I present the pasta in warm bowls, topped with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh sage leaves. It looks rustic but elegant—all the right vibes for a homey but impressive meal. I’ve even tried serving this dish as part of a fall-inspired dinner party featuring other seasonal favorites like my Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili, which rounds out the meal beautifully.
If you have leftovers—and there usually are!—I’ve found this roasted squash and sausage pasta reheats wonderfully. I add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to keep it nice and saucy. Sometimes, we even turn it into a baked pasta dish the next day: layering leftovers with a bit more cheese and popping it under the broiler until bubbly. Delicious!
Friends and family often rave about this recipe when I bring it to potlucks or casual gatherings. They always ask for the recipe, curious how I get that creamy butternut squash sauce just right without it being heavy or bland. If you want to peek at a few variations and extra tips, this fan-favorite post on Gina’s Skinnytaste is a great place to start.
Your Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Questions Answered
Q1: Can I use pre-cooked sausage in this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach?
Absolutely! I sometimes use pre-cooked sausage to save time. Just brown it lightly in the skillet to build flavor before adding it to the creamy sauce. It won’t take away from the overall taste but speeds things up.
Q2: What’s the best pasta shape for sausage and spinach pasta dishes?
I recommend penne or rigatoni because their tube shapes hold onto the creamy butternut squash sauce perfectly, but honestly, any pasta you love works. Tried it with farfalle once, and it was just as comforting!
Q3: Can I make the creamy butternut squash sauce dairy-free?
Yes! Swap out heavy cream for coconut milk or a cashew-based cream to keep it luscious without dairy. My family has enjoyed this version too, and it blends well with the sausage and spinach flavors.
Q4: How do I store leftover roasted butternut squash pasta recipe if I want to save some?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a little broth or cream to loosen the sauce, so it stays silky instead of drying out.
Q5: Will the spinach get mushy if I add it too early?
Yes, it’s best to add spinach near the end of cooking the roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach. It wilts quickly—adding it too early can make it lose its lovely texture and vibrant color.
Q6: Can I prep any parts of this dish in advance?
Definitely! Roasting the squash a day ahead or browning the sausage earlier in the day can save lots of time when you’re ready to cook the pasta and assemble the sauce.
Q7: Are there any seasoning variations you recommend for this sausage and spinach pasta?
I’ve found fresh sage or thyme adds a nice earthy note, but a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a gentle heat kick. One blog reader even mentioned adding a splash of white wine before the cream for a little zing.
If you ever want more sausage and spinach pasta inspiration, I encourage you to try my Tortellini Soup with Sausage — it’s another cozy hit from this delicious family of recipes.
My Final Thoughts on This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
This Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach holds a special place in my heart because it’s a dish that brings everyone together around the table, reminding me to slow down and savor the simple things. The blend of sweet roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy butternut squash sauce feels like comfort food at its best—nourishing, easy, and utterly delicious.
My Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Pro Tips:
– Don’t skip roasting the squash—it adds flavor depth you just can’t get by boiling or microwaving.
– Use reserved pasta water to tweak your sauce consistency—it makes all the difference.
– Adding fresh herbs like sage right before serving lifts the flavors beautifully.
Over the years, we’ve tried some fun variations at my house—like swapping sausage for turkey sausage for a lighter twist, or tossing in a bit of roasted garlic to intensify the savory notes. My husband loves the spicy sausage version, while my kids prefer the sweeter one with extra cheese melted on top. No matter the version, it’s always a hit.
I hope you embrace this Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach recipe as a cozy addition to your family table. It’s one of those recipes I’m proud to share, knowing it will bring warmth, smiles, and a touch of seasonal magic into your kitchen.
If you want more comforting butternut squash inspiration, don’t miss my hearty Butternut Squash and Turkey Chili perfect for chilly nights, too. Happy cooking, and remember—the best meals come from a joyful heart and a splash of patience. Can’t wait to hear how your family falls in love with this one!
Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
This hearty roasted butternut squash pasta combines savory sausage and fresh spinach for a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 cups fresh spinach
- 12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup pasta water reserved
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the squash on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach. Cook until spinach wilts.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Serve warm.
Notes
For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.

