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- Pasta: You can choose either penne or fettuccine. Both work well and hold sauce nicely. - Butternut Squash: Use about 2 cups of butternut squash. Make sure it is peeled and diced into small cubes. This helps it cook evenly. - Olive Oil: This adds richness and helps cook the squash evenly. It gives the dish a nice base flavor. - Garlic: I use three cloves of minced garlic. It adds a fresh, aromatic punch to the dish. - Spices: I add one teaspoon of dried oregano and half a teaspoon of nutmeg. These spices bring warmth and depth to the flavor profile. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. - Sausage: I recommend using one pound of Italian chicken sausage. You can also try turkey sausage for a lighter option. - Serving Suggestions: Top with half a cup of grated Parmesan cheese. For those who like heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. This adds flavor and enhances the overall dish experience. For the full recipe, check out the details above. Start by filling a large pot with salted water. The salt adds flavor. Bring it to a rolling boil. Then, add your choice of pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions. Aim for al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. This water helps adjust the sauce later. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced butternut squash. Sauté it for about 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid burning. You want the squash to become tender and slightly caramelized. It’s ready when it has a golden color and a soft texture. Now, move the cooked squash to one side of the skillet. Create space for the Italian sausage. Add the sausage to the other side. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart while it cooks. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, until browned and fully cooked. After the sausage is browned, add 3 cloves of minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Next, sprinkle in the chopped spinach. Stir everything together and cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Season with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, plus salt and pepper to taste. Gradually pour in some of the reserved pasta water. Mix until you reach your desired creaminess. This step is key to a well-balanced dish. Finally, stir in 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Allow it to melt and combine fully with the pasta. Taste the dish to see if it needs more seasoning. When serving, plate the pasta in shallow bowls. Top with extra grated Parmesan. For a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top. A drizzle of olive oil adds a nice touch too. To ensure your pasta has a great texture, you should cook it al dente. This means it should be firm when you bite it. Start with a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the pasta. Check the package for cooking time, usually around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, save a cup of that pasta water. This water helps make the sauce creamy later. Caramelizing butternut squash takes some care. Start by cutting it into small cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the squash and stir it often. Cook for about 5-7 minutes. It should be tender and golden brown. This brings out its natural sweetness. You can easily swap ingredients to fit your diet. For a lower-fat option, try turkey sausage or a plant-based sausage. If you prefer a vegetarian meal, just leave out the sausage. Use mushrooms or lentils for extra protein. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for added color and nutrients. If you want to make this dish vegan, skip the cheese and use nutritional yeast instead. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. For side dishes, a simple green salad pairs well. A light lemon vinaigrette adds brightness. You could also serve some garlic bread on the side for a tasty crunch. When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio complements this dish nicely. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a splash of lemon works too. For the full recipe, check out the recipe section above. {{image_4}} You can use many pasta types for this dish. Penne and fettuccine work well, but you can try others too. Each shape holds sauce differently. For example, rotini catches more sauce in its twists. Shells can add a fun bite. The key is to pick a pasta that you love. Cooking time may vary, so check your package for details. You can switch out the Italian sausage for other proteins. Turkey sausage is a great option if you want less fat. Plant-based sausage works well for those who prefer vegan meals. If you love seafood, shrimp is a tasty substitute. Just cook the shrimp until pink and tender. No matter your choice, the flavors will still shine. Using seasonal veggies can change the taste of your pasta. In the fall, add roasted Brussels sprouts or kale. In spring, peas or asparagus can lighten the dish. Summer brings fresh tomatoes or zucchini, adding bright flavors. These swaps let you enjoy the dish year-round and keep it exciting. You can find fresh, local produce to enhance your meals and support your community. To keep your Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta fresh, store leftovers properly. First, let the pasta cool down. Then, transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to avoid air exposure. Refrigerate it. This will keep it good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to save some for later, freezing is a great option. Divide the pasta into single portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Reheating your pasta is easy. For the best results, use the stovetop. Place your pasta in a pan over medium heat. Add a little water or olive oil to keep it moist. Stir often until it warms through. This helps maintain the texture of the ingredients. If you prefer using a microwave, that works too. Transfer your portion to a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it from drying out. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between, until hot. This method is quick but might not keep the texture as nice as the stovetop. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on how to make this delicious dish! You can use gluten-free pasta instead of regular pasta. Many brands offer good options. Just check the label to ensure it fits your needs. Cook it as you would regular pasta. Follow the same timing and steps from the Full Recipe. Yes, you can prepare this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and the sauce but leave out the cheese until you’re ready to serve. Store them in separate containers in the fridge. You can reheat them together when you're ready to eat. If you don’t have Parmesan cheese, try using Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast. Nutritional yeast gives a nice cheesy flavor without dairy. Grate it and add it the same way as Parmesan. You can also use a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. The sausage is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can cut into a piece to check. It should not be pink inside. The outside should look golden brown. Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just chop them small and sauté them with the squash. This adds more flavor and nutrition to your dish. This blog post covered how to make Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta. We explored the main ingredients like pasta, butternut squash, and spices. I shared step-by-step cooking tips and tricks to ensure your dish is flavorful and creamy. You can customize it with different proteins or pasta shapes. Remember, this dish is versatile and easy to adapt to your needs. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and making it your own. Happy cooking!

Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of butternut squash sausage spinach pasta, a comforting dish perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe combines tender pasta, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach for a delightful meal that's ready in just 30 minutes. With its creamy texture and warm spices, it's perfect for cozy nights. Click through to explore this delicious recipe and elevate your dinner tonight!
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (your choice of penne or fettuccine works well)

2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound (450g) Italian chicken sausage, casings removed

3 cloves garlic, minced

4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Butternut Squash: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the diced butternut squash. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the squash is tender and begins to caramelize.

      Add the Sausage: Move the cooked squash to one side of the skillet, creating space for the Italian sausage. Add the sausage to the other side, using a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Continue cooking for about 5-6 minutes or until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

        Incorporate the Garlic and Spinach: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for approximately 1 minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant. Next, sprinkle in the chopped spinach and stir all ingredients together. Continue cooking until the spinach has wilted down, about 2-3 minutes.

          Combine Everything: Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage and vegetables. Season with dried oregano, nutmeg, plus salt and pepper to taste. Gradually pour in some reserved pasta water, mixing until the desired creaminess is achieved.

            Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines fully with the dish. Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning if necessary.

              Serve: Dish out the pasta onto plates and top with extra grated Parmesan. If you enjoy a bit of spice, sprinkle some red pepper flakes on top.

                - Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling a little extra olive oil on top and garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper. For a touch of freshness, add a sprig of basil as a colorful finishing touch. Enjoy your beautifully presented dish!