Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Step 1

Preheat oven to 400 F.

Step 2

In a large bowl, toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Step 3

Spread the squash on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet in one layer, without overcrowding.

Step 4

Roast in the preheated oven at 400 F for 30 minutes. Remove from oven.

Step 5

In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat.

Step 6

Add crumbled sausage and cook for about 10 minutes, regularly stirring, until the sausage is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 7

Tip: Cook the sausage while the butternut squash is being roasted.

Step 8

In a separate, large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil together with minced garlic and spinach over medium heat.  Cook, occasionally stirring, for about 5 or 7 minutes until spinach starts to wilt.

Step 9

Add heavy cream.  Bring to a brief boil, then immediately reduce to simmer (boiling but not intensely).  Add shredded Parmesan cheese.  Keep stirring the sauce with the Parmesan cheese on low to medium boil (simmer) until the cheese melts. Remove from heat.

Step 10

Season with salt to taste, about 1/4 teaspoon of salt.  No salt might be necessary if the sausage is very salty.

Step 11

Tip: Use your judgment about whether to add salt or not based on how salty the sausage is. Make the cream sauce while the butternut squash is being roasted.

Step 12

Cook pasta al dente in boiling water according to package instructions. That usually means cooking pasta in boiling water for about 7 to 11 minutes. Drain.

Step 13

To a large skillet with the creamy spinach sauce, add drained cooked pasta and cooked sausage. Stir. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.

Step 14

Top the pasta with roasted butternut squash.  Stir the squash in, or leave it on top.