Description
Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a heartwarming dish that captures the essence of fall. Combining savory Italian sausage, sweet roasted butternut squash, and al dente pasta, this recipe offers a delightful medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings with friends, it’s not only visually appealing but also easy to prepare. Enjoy this comforting dish any night of the week!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or mild)
- 2 cups butternut squash (diced)
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried thyme or sage
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Dice butternut squash.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced Italian sausage; cook until browned (5-7 minutes).
- Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Spread diced squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for 25 minutes until golden brown.
- Boil salted water in another pot; add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Combine cooked pasta with sausage mixture, roasted squash, spinach, and Parmesan in the skillet over low heat. Stir gently until spinach wilts.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or use kale instead of spinach. Experiment with different herbs like rosemary or oregano for unique flavor profiles.