Name: Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice); 1 lb Italian sausage (or chicken sausage); 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; 2 cups fresh spinach; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium onion, chopped; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Description

Embrace the warmth of autumn with this comforting Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, featuring hearty flavors of roasted butternut squash, Italian sausage, and creamy sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
1 lb Italian sausage (or chicken sausage)
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Slice the butternut squash in half, scoop out the seeds, and place it cut-side down on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt.
Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 30-40 minutes, until the flesh is tender and can be easily scooped out with a spoon. Once roasted, scoop the flesh into a bowl and set aside.
Prepare penne pasta according to package instructions in a pot of salted boiling water, cooking until al dente. Drain, but remember to reserve a little pasta water for later.
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the chopped onions until they become translucent (about 5 minutes).
Add the minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing for an additional minute until fragrant.
Crumble the Italian sausage into the skillet, allowing it to brown and cook through.
Stir in the roasted butternut squash and pour in the heavy cream, letting the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken.
Add the cooked pasta and fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing everything together. Incorporate reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired creaminess.
Finish by stirring in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and season generously with salt, pepper, and nutmeg to taste.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream for half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative. Use chicken sausage instead of Italian sausage for reduced calories.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 650
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 70mg