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- 12 oz (340g) pasta: I recommend using penne or fettuccine for great texture. - 2 cups butternut squash: Peel and dice it for even cooking and sweet flavor. - 1 tablespoon olive oil: This adds richness and helps cook the squash. - 1 pound (450g) Italian chicken sausage: Remove casings to mix well with the other ingredients. - 3 cloves garlic: Mince it for a strong, aromatic base. - 4 cups fresh spinach: Roughly chop it to easily blend into the pasta. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This brings a nice earthy flavor. - ½ teaspoon nutmeg: It adds warmth and depth to the dish. - Salt and pepper: Season to taste; these enhance all flavors. - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Mix it in for creaminess, and save some for serving. - Red pepper flakes: Optional, but they add a little heat if you like spice. These ingredients come together to create a hearty, satisfying meal. Each component plays a role in making this dish special. You can find the Full Recipe at the end for easy reference. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add 12 oz of your favorite pasta, like penne or fettuccine. Cook it according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Don’t forget to reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining it. This water helps to make the sauce creamy later. While the pasta cooks, grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. When the oil is hot, add 2 cups of diced butternut squash. Stir it every few minutes for about 5-7 minutes. You want the squash to start softening but still hold its shape. To check for doneness, poke it with a fork. If it goes in easily but the squash is not mushy, it's ready. Now it’s time to add the sausage. Push the butternut squash to one side of the skillet and add 1 pound of Italian chicken sausage to the empty space. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the sausage. Cook it for about 5-6 minutes until it turns brown and is cooked all the way through. Mixing the sausage with the squash helps blend their flavors. Once the sausage is cooked, add 3 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it for about 1 minute until it smells good. Next, toss in 4 cups of roughly chopped spinach. Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts down. This adds great color and nutrition to your dish. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together. If the mixture looks too dry, add some of that reserved pasta water a little at a time. This helps to make the sauce smooth and creamy. For serving, plate the pasta in shallow bowls. Top each bowl with some grated Parmesan cheese. You can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat if you like. Drizzling a touch of olive oil on top makes the dish shine. For an extra pop, garnish with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprig of fresh basil. This makes your meal look and taste even better. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions provided earlier. Enjoy your Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta! To save time, use pre-diced butternut squash. You can find this in most grocery stores. This way, you skip peeling and cutting. For the sausage, opt for ground sausage instead of links. It cooks faster and mixes well. You can also prepare all your ingredients ahead of time. Chop the garlic and spinach in advance. This helps you stay organized. When you start cooking, everything will be ready to go. For the best flavor, always use medium heat. This allows the butternut squash to caramelize. It brings out its natural sweetness. A large skillet works best for this dish. It gives you enough space to mix everything easily. Using a wooden spoon helps break up the sausage. It keeps the texture nice and even. You can also use a spatula to stir the pasta and sauce together. Feel free to add your favorite spices. Try adding smoked paprika or thyme for a twist. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes to the mix. They add a nice kick! If you want a vegetarian option, swap the sausage for lentils or mushrooms. Both add great flavor and texture. You can also skip the cheese or use a plant-based alternative. {{image_2}} If you want to change things up, you can swap the sausage. Try turkey sausage or even a plant-based version. These options still give great flavor without the extra fat. You can also use ground beef or pork if you prefer. When it comes to veggies, feel free to mix in others. Carrots, zucchini, or bell peppers add nice texture and taste. You could even use kale instead of spinach for a different twist. To make the dish creamy, you can add cream or cheese. Start by stirring in heavy cream after cooking the sausage. This will give a rich base. You can also mix in cream cheese or ricotta for a smooth texture. Adjust your cooking method by lowering the heat. This helps the cream blend well without curdling. Stir gently to combine everything smoothly. This dish pairs well with simple sides. A fresh green salad with vinaigrette works nicely. Garlic bread is another great choice for soaking up sauce. For wine lovers, a light white wine is perfect. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio. These wines complement the flavors in the dish without overpowering them. You can find the Full Recipe for a detailed guide on how to make this wonderful meal! To keep your butternut squash sausage spinach pasta fresh, store it right. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss. You can use glass or plastic containers for this purpose. Glass containers are great for reheating since they can go in the oven or microwave. If you want to freeze the dish, follow these steps. Once it cools, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any air before sealing. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat, place it in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir until heated through. In the fridge, the pasta lasts about three to four days. If you freeze it, it will stay good for three months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating. If you see mold or smell something off, it's best to throw it away. Keeping track of the storage time is key to enjoying this delicious meal safely. I recommend using penne or fettuccine for this dish. Penne’s tubes catch the sauce well. Fettuccine offers a nice, flat surface for the sauce to cling to. Both options create a great balance with butternut squash and sausage. Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian. Swap out the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage. You can also use mushrooms or lentils for added texture. This keeps the dish hearty and delicious without meat. To make this dish gluten-free, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer rice, quinoa, or chickpea pasta. These options work well and maintain a good texture. Just cook them according to package instructions. You can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat them together. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. A simple side salad pairs well with this pasta. You can also serve garlic bread or roasted vegetables. These sides add freshness and balance to the meal. You can find the Full Recipe for butternut squash sausage spinach pasta [here](#). This link has all the cooking steps and tips you need. This blog post covered how to make a delicious butternut squash, sausage, and spinach pasta. We talked about the right ingredients, step-by-step cooking directions, and tips that make it easy. Remember, you can switch ingredients to suit your taste or needs. Whether you serve it fresh or store it for later, this dish is both satisfying and flexible. Enjoy creating your own versions and sharing them with family and friends!

Butternut Squash Sausage Spinach Pasta

Discover the perfect fall dish with this delicious butternut squash sausage spinach pasta recipe! This comforting meal combines creamy butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach tossed with your favorite pasta for a hearty dinner. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's an ideal choice for a cozy weeknight meal.
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Ingredients
  

12 oz (340g) pasta (e.g., penne or fettuccine)

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

½ teaspoon nutmeg

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving

Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Butternut Squash: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it starts to soften.

      Add the Sausage: Push the squash to one side of the skillet and add the Italian sausage to the empty space. Use a wooden spoon to break apart the sausage as it cooks, about 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.

        Incorporate the Garlic and Spinach: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Then add the chopped spinach and stir everything together. Cook until the spinach wilts, about 2-3 minutes.

          Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, nutmeg, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss everything together, adding some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.

            Finish with Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

              Serve: Plate the pasta and top with additional grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes if desired.

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

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzling with a touch of olive oil and garnishing with freshly cracked black pepper and a sprig of fresh basil for added color.