Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

The Ultimate Cozy Pasta for Fall and Winter Comfort

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is the kind of dish that instantly makes a house feel warm and inviting. From the moment the butternut squash starts caramelizing in the oven to the final toss of pasta in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, this recipe delivers deep comfort, rich flavor, and satisfying textures in every bite.

This pasta is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, creamy, and hearty. Roasted butternut squash adds a natural sweetness and tender bite, while savory sausage brings richness and depth. Fresh spinach melts effortlessly into the sauce, adding both color and freshness, and farfalle pasta captures every drop of creamy goodness. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet well-rounded—ideal for family dinners, casual entertaining, or cozy nights in.

What makes Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach especially appealing is how approachable it is. While the flavors feel restaurant-worthy, the steps are simple, the ingredients are accessible, and the cooking process is straightforward. It’s a meal that looks impressive on the table but doesn’t require hours of complicated prep.

Whether you’re searching for a comforting fall pasta, a winter weeknight dinner idea, or a satisfying dish that highlights seasonal vegetables, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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Why Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach Works So Well

This dish is more than just another creamy pasta—it’s a carefully balanced recipe designed to bring out the best in each ingredient.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

• Sweetness from roasted butternut squash

• Savory richness from sausage

• Creamy umami depth from Parmesan and cream

• Fresh, slightly earthy notes from spinach

Each element complements the others, ensuring no single ingredient overwhelms the dish.

Texture That Keeps Every Bite Interesting

Creamy sauces can sometimes feel heavy or monotonous, but this pasta avoids that problem. The tender squash contrasts with the chewy pasta, the sausage adds meaty bites, and the spinach keeps things light and fresh.

Seasonal Comfort Without Being Heavy

Despite its rich flavor, this pasta doesn’t feel overly heavy thanks to the vegetables. It’s satisfying without being excessive—exactly what you want in a fall or winter meal.

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Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

• Servings: 4

• Calories: 759 per serving

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Ingredients Breakdown and Pro Tips

Understanding why each ingredient matters will help you make the best possible version of Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach.

Roasted Butternut Squash

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Why it matters: Roasting the squash concentrates its natural sugars, giving the dish a subtle sweetness that balances the savory sausage and cheese.

Pro tip: Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes so they roast at the same rate. Overcrowding the pan causes steaming instead of caramelization.

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Sausage

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ lb sausage, casings removed and crumbled

Why it matters: Sausage adds fat, seasoning, and savory depth. Italian sausage works beautifully, but mild breakfast sausage can also be used.

Pro tip: Brown the sausage well to develop flavor—those golden bits on the pan add richness to the final dish.

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Creamy Pasta Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 garlic cloves, minced

• 6 oz spinach

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese, shredded

• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Why it matters: This sauce brings everything together. Garlic builds aroma, spinach adds freshness, cream creates richness, and Parmesan delivers salty, nutty depth.

Pro tip: Always taste before adding extra salt—the sausage and Parmesan already contribute saltiness.

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Pasta

• 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)

Why it matters: Farfalle holds the creamy sauce well and pairs nicely with chunky ingredients like squash and sausage.

Pro tip: Cook pasta just to al dente—it will finish cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Spread the squash evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, making sure the pieces are not touching too closely.

Roast for 30 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.

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2. Cook the Sausage

While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until fully cooked and nicely browned.

Transfer the cooked sausage to a plate and set aside.

Time-saving tip: Cooking the sausage while the squash roasts keeps the total cook time efficient.

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3. Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Add the spinach and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully wilted.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle boil. Immediately reduce the heat to low and simmer gently. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt to taste, then remove from heat.

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4. Cook the Pasta and Assemble

Cook the farfalle pasta in generously salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water.

Add the cooked pasta and sausage to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.

Top with the roasted butternut squash and gently fold it in, or leave it on top for a beautiful presentation.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

• Roast the squash until lightly browned for maximum flavor

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce

• Keep heat low when working with cream to prevent separation

• Reserve pasta water—it’s the secret to silky sauces

• Let the dish rest for a minute before serving so flavors meld

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Variations and Customizations

Lighter Version

Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.

Vegetarian Option

Skip the sausage and add roasted mushrooms, cauliflower, or chickpeas for a hearty meatless version.

Spicy Kick

Use hot Italian sausage or add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Gluten-Free

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be careful not to overcook it.

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Storage and Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk.

• Best texture: Cream sauces are thickest after chilling—gentle reheating helps restore creaminess.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 759 kcal

• Fat: 51 g

• Saturated Fat: 22 g

• Cholesterol: 128 mg

• Sodium: 703 mg

• Potassium: 807 mg

• Carbohydrates: 55 g

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is everything a comfort-food lover could want in a seasonal pasta dish. It’s warm, rich, flavorful, and deeply satisfying without feeling overly complicated or heavy. Each ingredient plays a clear role—from the caramelized sweetness of roasted butternut squash to the savory bite of sausage and the silky richness of the Parmesan cream sauce.

What truly sets this recipe apart is its versatility. It works just as well for a cozy weeknight dinner as it does for casual entertaining. You can easily adapt it to suit dietary needs, spice preferences, or what you have on hand, making it a dependable go-to recipe throughout fall and winter.

This dish also proves that comfort food doesn’t have to rely solely on cheese or butter to feel indulgent. The combination of vegetables, protein, and pasta creates a well-rounded meal that feels nourishing as well as satisfying.