Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – Quick and easy pasta dinner

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By Maria

Daily Culinary Pleasures

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – Quick and easy pasta dinner

Looking for a warm delicious, warm pasta dish that is delicious, creamy and easy to make? This creamy Butternut spaghetti Italian sausage Pasta can be the ideal recipe for cold winter evenings! It blends roasting butternut squash, delicious Italian sausage and healthy greens in a delicious dairy-free sauce that is made from coconut milk that is unsweetened.

What makes this recipe special It’s quick and easy to prepare in only 30-minutes! Delicious and without dairy – Coconut milk to create a creamy and smooth texture. Healthy and nourishing loaded with fiber, vitamins and protein. Flexible – It is easily adaptable for gluten-free, vegetarian keto, or gluten-free diets.

Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Italian Sausage Pasta

Here’s everything you need to prepare the yummy and rich pasta meal:

Main Ingredients:

1-medium butternut squash cut, peeled and cooked 12 8 oz Italian sausage spicy or mild with casings removed. 10 oz pasta, Penne, rigatoni and gluten-free. 2 cups fresh spinach provides nutrients and freshness 1 small onion minced 3 cloves of garlic – chopped for added flavor 1 cup of unsweetened coconut milk – to make the creation of a creamy dairy-free dish1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth that helps make smooth sauce 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional) to add some heat and black pepper – to taste1/4 cup chopped Parmesan cheese (optional) If you are dairy-free.

Optional Additions & Substitutions:

You can make it vegetarian by swapping the sausage for sauteed mushroom and chickpeas. Gluten-free? Choose zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta. Alternative that is dairy-free coconut cream can be substituted for coconut milk to add extra richness.

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta –  Quick and easy pasta dinner
Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – optimalrecipes.com

How to Make Butternut Squash Italian Sausage Pasta – Step by Step

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degF (200degC). 2. In a bowl, mix the squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil along with salt as well as pepper. 3 Spread the squash on an oven sheet and bake for 20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Tips: Bake extra squash to add to salads, soups, or later in the day!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1 Prepare a large saucepan of salted water the point of boiling.
2 Add the pasta and cook until al al dente (follow the directions on the package).
3 Take it off and set aside, leaving half cup pasta water.

Pro Tips: Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of olive oil to avoid sticking.

Step 3: Cook the Italian Sausage

1. Heat a large skillet at medium-high temperature.
2 Add the Italian sausage and break it up with the help of a spoon.
3 Cook until it is brown, around 5 to 7 mins.
4 Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Butternut Squash Sauce

1 In the same pan cook the garlic and onions until tender. 2 Add the roasted Butternut squash and coconut milk as well as broth. 3 Make use of your immersion blender (or a regular blender) to blend until smooth. 4 Let it simmer five minutes before and adjust the seasoning according to your needs.

Pro Tips: If the sauce is too thick, you can add some pasta water in small increments at one at a time.

Step 5: Combine Everything

1 Return the sausage that has been cooked back to the pan. 2 Mix in the spinach until it is wilted. 3 Pour in the rinsed pasta and mix thoroughly. Four sprinkle the dish with Parmesan cheese (if you are using).

Serve immediately and garnish with additional red pepper fresh basil or drizzles of olive oil!

Pro Tips for Making the Best Butternut Squash Pasta

Are you looking for a more rich sauce? Try adding the addition of creamy or heavy cream. To make it more spicy: Make use of spicy Italian sausage or chili flakes. To enhance the flavor, Include a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to add warmth. Reduce time by using the pre-cut butternut squash for speeding your preparation!

Best Ways to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta

This meal is delicious on its own, however it is delicious when paired with:

Garlic Bread to soak up the delicious sauce! Simple green Salad adds flavor and freshness. White wine : A refreshing white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay can be used.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

  • Calories: 480 kcal
  • Protein: 22g
  • Carbs: 58g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 8g

Storage & Leftovers: How to Keep It Fresh

Refrigerator:

Remaining food items can be stored in an airtight jar for as long as 4-days.

Freezer:

Separately freeze sauce in a separate container for up to two for 2.
Be careful not to freeze the pasta, as it could become mushy if reheated.

Reheating:

Cook on the stove at a moderate temperature with some broth if you require.
For quick heating, microwave it at 30 second intervals and stir in between.

FAQs – Answering Your Questions!

Can I make use of cans of butternut squash?

Yes! If you’re using can butternut squash purée avoid the roasting process and blend it straight into the sauce.

Do I have to make this vegan?

Absolutely! You can swap the sausage for chickpeas, mushrooms, or any plant-based sausage.

What’s the ideal shape of pasta to use in this dish?

Short pastas such as rigatoni, pasta or fusilli will hold the sauce well!

How do I lower the amount in carbohydrates?

You can use spaghetti noodles or zucchini squash instead of pasta.

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Conclusion 

You now are able to prepare the most delicious creamy Butternut squash Italian Sausage Pasta at home! It’s simple to prepare, delicious, and perfect for a cozy evening in.

Do you have this dish? Let us know in the comments! Do not forget to make sure to share this dish with your family and friends.

Save it to your Pinterest board to save it for later and stay tuned for other tasty recipes!

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Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – Quick and easy pasta dinner

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – Quick and easy pasta dinner


Description

Looking for a cozy, comforting pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make? This Creamy Butternut Squash Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect meal for fall and winter nights! It combines roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a rich, dairy-free sauce made with unsweetened coconut milk.

Why this recipe is special:
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
Creamy Without Dairy – Uses coconut milk for a rich, smooth texture.
Healthy & Nourishing – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Versatile – Easily adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, or keto diets.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

1 medium butternut squash – peeled, cubed, and roasted
12 oz Italian sausage – mild or spicy, casings removed
10 oz pasta – penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta
2 cups fresh spinach – adds freshness and nutrients
1 small onion – finely chopped
3 cloves garlic – minced for extra flavor
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk – for a creamy dairy-free sauce
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth – helps create a smooth sauce
1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
Salt & black pepper – to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – if not dairy-free

Optional Additions & Substitutions:

Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Dairy-free alternative: Coconut cream can be used instead of coconut milk for extra richness.


Instructions

Step1: Roast the Butternut Squash

 Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
 Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
 Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

 Pro Tip: Roast extra squash to use in soups or salads later!

Step2: Cook the Pasta

 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
 Add the pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
 Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

 Pro Tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step3: Cook the Italian Sausage

 Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
 Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.
 Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
 Remove sausage and set aside.

Step4: Make the Butternut Squash Sauce

 In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
 Add roasted butternut squash, coconut milk, and broth.
 Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to blend until smooth.
 Simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.

 Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water a little at a time.

Step5: Combine Everything

 Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
 Stir in spinach until wilted.
 Add the drained pasta and mix well.
 Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).

Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil!

Notes

Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
Make it spicier: Use hot Italian sausage or extra chili flakes.
Enhance the flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.
Save time: Use pre-cut butternut squash to speed up prep!

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