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Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta That's Pure Comfort in a Bowl

This Butternut Squash Pasta is a comforting dish with a creamy sauce, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Sauce
  • 1 medium Butternut Squash 2-3 cups cubed; can substitute with pumpkin
  • 3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 small Shallot finely chopped (or half an onion)
  • 1 cup Chicken Broth can substitute with vegetable broth
  • ½ cup Heavy Cream can substitute with half-and-half, almond, or coconut milk
  • 1 pinch Nutmeg adds depth of flavor
For the Pasta
  • 12 oz Short Pasta penne, rigatoni, or fusilli; can use gluten-free pasta
For the Add-ins
  • 8 oz Italian Sausage spicy or mild; can use turkey sausage or omit for vegetarian
  • 4 cups Fresh Spinach or frozen, properly drained
For the Finish
  • ½ cup Parmesan Cheese freshly grated; plus extra for serving
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil or any neutral oil
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • Red Pepper Flakes optional

Equipment

  • Oven
  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • Blender
  • Baking Sheet

Method
 

Cooking Steps
  1. Prep the butternut squash by peeling, seeding, and cubing it into small pieces. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and spread the squash cubes on a baking sheet. Roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized, stirring halfway through.
  2. While roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. After about a minute, add the Italian sausage and cook for 8-10 minutes until browned. Transfer to a plate once cooked.
  4. In the same skillet, add the finely chopped shallot and sauté for about 2 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until golden.
  5. In a blender, combine roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, heavy cream, and nutmeg. Puree until smooth, about 1-2 minutes.
  6. Return the sauce to the skillet with sautéed shallots and garlic over low heat. Mix in the pasta and sausage. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
  7. Gently fold in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.

Nutrition

Serving: 1plateCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and warm with a splash of broth or water.

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