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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Beef Sausage

Creamy butternut squash pasta combines roasted squash, beef sausage and spinach.Farfalle is tossed with a simple Parmesan cream sauce.The result is a cozy, savory-sweet pasta dinner ready in about 45 minutes.

Prep Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian-inspired

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • Salt to taste
  • Ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 pound halal beef sausage casings removed and crumbled
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 6 ounces fresh spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese finely shredded
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt plus more as needed
  • 8 ounces farfalle pasta
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley finely chopped

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Place the cubed butternut squash on the baking sheet. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and black pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
  • Spread the squash into a single layer. Roast for approximately 25 minutes, turning once if desired, until tender and lightly caramelized around the edges.
  • While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
  • Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled beef sausage and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into smaller pieces as it browns. Cook until the beef sausage is completely cooked through.
  • Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30–60 seconds, stirring frequently, until fragrant.
  • Add the roasted butternut squash and fresh spinach. Cook briefly until the spinach begins to wilt.
  • Reduce the heat to medium-low and gradually pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently to combine.
  • Add the shredded Parmesan and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  • Add the cooked farfalle to the skillet and gently toss until everything is evenly coated. If your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
  • Taste and adjust the salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Farfalle works particularly well because its folds and edges catch the creamy sauce, but penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or another short pasta can be substituted.
For a slightly lighter sauce, replace part of the heavy cream with whole milk, although the finished sauce will be thinner.
You can also increase the amount of spinach for an extra serving of greens. Baby spinach is particularly convenient because it wilts quickly.