Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

Simple Introduction

There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of pasta that feels both indulgent and nourishing, and Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach delivers exactly that experience. This dish brings together the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the savory depth of sausage, and the freshness of wilted spinach, all wrapped in a rich, velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of meal that feels cozy and luxurious at the same time—perfect for crisp fall evenings, chilly winter nights, or anytime you want a pasta dish that goes beyond the ordinary.

What truly sets this recipe apart is balance. The butternut squash caramelizes beautifully in the oven, developing golden edges and a tender interior that adds sweetness and texture. The sausage—whether mild, Italian-style or slightly spicy—brings a hearty, savory contrast that grounds the dish. Spinach adds a pop of color and freshness, preventing the sauce from feeling too heavy, while the cream and Parmesan tie everything together into a cohesive, crave-worthy pasta.

This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is impressive enough for a dinner party or holiday table, yet approachable enough for a weeknight family meal. It’s not complicated, doesn’t require fancy equipment, and uses ingredients you can find in most grocery stores. If you’re looking for a pasta dish that feels seasonal, comforting, and deeply satisfying, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation.

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Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes

• Course: Main Course

• Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired

• Servings: 4

• Calories: ~760 per serving

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

This recipe checks all the boxes for a standout pasta dish, whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests.

1. Perfect for Fall and Winter
Butternut squash is at its best in the cooler months, and roasting it brings out its natural sweetness. Combined with warm spices from sausage and a creamy sauce, this pasta feels tailor-made for cozy seasons.

2. Rich, Creamy, and Balanced
Despite its richness, this dish doesn’t feel overwhelming. The spinach adds freshness, and the squash provides a subtle sweetness that balances the savory elements.

3. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food
Pasta, cream sauce, sausage, and roasted vegetables are a universally loved combination. This is the kind of meal that gets requested again and again.

4. Flexible and Customizable
You can easily adjust the type of sausage, pasta shape, or even make it vegetarian with a few swaps, without losing the soul of the dish.

5. Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
This pasta reheats well and tastes just as delicious the next day, making it ideal for make-ahead meals or leftovers.

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Ingredients + Tips

Roasted Butternut Squash

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

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Tips:

• Cut the squash into evenly sized cubes to ensure even roasting.

• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—spacing allows the squash to caramelize instead of steaming.

• A light seasoning is enough; the squash will absorb flavor from the sauce later.

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Sausage

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ lb sausage, crumbled (Italian or spicy, casings removed)

Tips:

• Italian sausage adds classic flavor, while spicy sausage brings heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweet squash.

• Pork sausage is traditional, but chicken or turkey sausage works well too.

• Make sure to brown the sausage properly for maximum flavor.

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Creamy Spinach Sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 6 oz fresh spinach

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• ¼ teaspoon salt, adjusted to taste

Tips:

• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.

• Add the spinach gradually if your pan is small—it wilts quickly.

• Keep the sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling the cream.

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Pasta

• 8 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta) or another short pasta

Tips:

• Farfalle holds the sauce well and pairs nicely with chunky ingredients.

• Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli are excellent substitutes.

• Cook pasta just to al dente; it will continue absorbing sauce when mixed.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a large bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the squash in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.

Roast for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized around the edges. Once done, remove from the oven and set aside.

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Step 2: Cook the Sausage

While the squash is roasting, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled sausage and cook for 8–10 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks.

Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through. Transfer it to a plate and set aside.

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Step 3: Make the Creamy Spinach Sauce

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.

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

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season lightly with salt, tasting as you go.

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Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Assemble

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well.

Add the cooked pasta and sausage directly into the creamy spinach sauce. Toss until everything is evenly coated.

Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash. You can fully mix it in or leave some pieces on top for a beautiful presentation.

Serve immediately, with extra Parmesan if desired.

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Variations

One of the best things about Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is how adaptable it is.

Vegetarian Version:
Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, roasted chickpeas, or toasted walnuts for texture and flavor.

Extra Cheesy:
Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or fontina for an even creamier sauce.

Spicy Kick:
Add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage to bring heat.

Lighter Option:
Replace half of the heavy cream with milk or half-and-half. The sauce will be slightly thinner but still delicious.

Gluten-Free:
Use your favorite gluten-free pasta; short shapes work best.

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Storage & Reheating

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

Reheating:
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce, as it thickens when chilled.

Freezing:
Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze well, but if needed, freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides:

• A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or warm crusty bread

• Roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or carrots

• A glass of dry white wine or light red wine

It’s also elegant enough for holiday dinners, especially when served with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper.

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Nutrition (Approximate per Serving)

• Calories: 759 kcal

• Fat: 51 g

• Saturated Fat: 22 g

• Carbohydrates: 55 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Protein: 22 g

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is more than just a pasta recipe—it’s a celebration of comfort, seasonality, and balance. Each component plays an important role: the roasted squash brings sweetness and depth, the sausage adds savory richness, the spinach provides freshness and color, and the creamy Parmesan sauce ties everything together into a dish that feels indulgent yet thoughtfully composed.

This is the kind of meal that invites you to slow down and savor each bite. It’s perfect for gathering around the table with family, impressing guests without stress, or simply treating yourself to a cozy homemade dinner. Despite its elegant flavors, the process is straightforward, making it accessible even for home cooks who don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

What makes this recipe especially memorable is its versatility. You can tweak it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what you have on hand, and it will still shine. Whether you make it exactly as written or put your own spin on it, this dish has a way of becoming a favorite—one that you return to again and again as the seasons change.