Autumn Sausage Pasta with Butternut Squash (Simple Dinner)
This easy autumn pasta dish features roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, and tender pasta tossed in a creamy sauce — perfect for cozy weeknights and fall meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, pepper, ground sage to taste
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- ½ onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2–3 cups fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup grated Parmesan
- Optional: chili flakes, nutmeg, fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss squash with olive oil, sage, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20–25 minutes.
- Cook pasta in salted water. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
- Brown sausage in skillet. Add onion and cook until soft. Stir in garlic.
- Deglaze with pasta water. Add cream and simmer to thicken slightly.
- Stir in roasted squash and spinach. Cook until greens wilt.
- Toss in cooked pasta and Parmesan. Stir well and season to taste.
- Serve hot, garnished with herbs or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
Use turkey sausage for a lighter version. Add more veggies for extra bulk. Reheat with broth or cream.