Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

This creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is rich, hearty, and full of comforting fall flavors. The roasted squash adds natural sweetness, the sausage brings savory depth, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with velvety richness. It’s a cozy dish I love to make when I want something both satisfying and seasonal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it layers flavors beautifully. Roasting the butternut squash gives it caramelized sweetness, which balances perfectly with the savory sausage and creamy sauce. The spinach adds freshness and color, while farfalle pasta soaks up all that goodness. It’s a full meal in one bowl, perfect for weeknights or dinner guests.

Ingredients

(Note: All ingredient amounts are listed in the recipe card below.)

Roasted Butternut Squash
2 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
1 tablespoon olive oil
salt and pepper

Sausage
1 tablespoon olive oil
½ lb sausage, crumbled, without casings

Creamy Pasta Sauce
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
6 oz spinach
1 cup heavy cream
⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
¼ teaspoon salt

Pasta
8 oz farfalle (bow tie pasta)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F. I toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast on a baking sheet for about 25 minutes, until tender and caramelized.
2. While the squash roasts, I cook the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, then transfer it to a plate.
4. In the same skillet, I add olive oil and sauté the garlic until fragrant.
5. I stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted.
6. I pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan, and salt, letting the sauce thicken slightly over low heat.
7. I add the roasted squash, sausage, and pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until well coated in the creamy sauce.
8. I serve it hot, with extra Parmesan on top if I like.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, so I usually have it ready in about 45 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I use spicy Italian sausage for a little heat, or swap farfalle for penne or rigatoni. For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. I also like to blend some of the roasted squash into the cream sauce for an even silkier texture. If I want it vegetarian, I leave out the sausage and add mushrooms or chickpeas.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works for single servings. I don’t recommend freezing this dish since the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I make this with pre-cut butternut squash?

Yes, I often use pre-cut squash to save time it roasts just the same.

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, I thaw and drain it well before adding to the sauce.

Can I blend the squash into the sauce?

Yes, blending some or all of the roasted squash into the cream sauce makes it extra silky.

What type of sausage works best?

I like Italian sausage, either mild or spicy, but chicken sausage also works.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are all great choices.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, I swap the cream for coconut milk and use dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.

How do I make this dish spicier?

I add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the components ahead and combine before serving. The sauce may need thinning when reheated.

What can I serve with this pasta?

I like pairing it with garlic bread or a simple side salad.

Does this dish freeze well?

I don’t recommend freezing it because the cream sauce can separate, but it keeps well in the fridge for a few days.

Conclusion

This creamy roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach is a comforting, flavorful dish I love making during the colder months. The roasted squash, savory sausage, and creamy sauce come together to create a meal that’s both hearty and elegant. It’s a recipe I come back to again and again.

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