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
Scale
- 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.