This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is the perfect comfort dish — combining the sweetness of roasted squash with savory sausage, fresh spinach, and a luxuriously creamy sauce.

It’s hearty, nutritious, and made for chilly evenings or cozy weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Pasta

Creamy & Comforting: A silky sauce made from roasted squash and cream.

Sweet Meets Savory: Butternut squash and sausage are a flavor match.

Nutritious Twist: Includes spinach for added fiber and vitamins.

Satisfying & Filling: A complete one-bowl meal.

Fall Favorite: Perfect for seasonal dinners or holiday menus.

What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)

Butternut Squash: Roasted for sweetness and used as the base of the sauce.

Italian Sausage: Adds richness and savory depth (mild or spicy).

Pasta: Penne, rigatoni, or shells work best.

Spinach: Wilts into the pasta for a vibrant, nutritious touch.

Garlic & Onion: Aromatic base for flavor.

Heavy Cream: For a velvety sauce.

Parmesan Cheese: Salty, cheesy finish.

Olive Oil: For roasting and sautéing.

Salt, Pepper, & Nutmeg: To balance and enhance flavor.

Pro Tips Before You Start

Peel and Cube Squash Evenly: For consistent roasting.

Use Hot Italian Sausage: If you like a little heat.

Cook Pasta Al Dente: It will finish in the sauce.

Blend Sauce Until Smooth: Use a high-powered blender for creamy texture.

Stir in Spinach at the End: So it just wilts and stays vibrant.

How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

Peel and cube squash, toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes until tender and lightly browned.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook pasta until al dente.

Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 3: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook sausage until browned and fully cooked.

Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.

Add roasted squash and heavy cream.

Transfer mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. Return to skillet.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add pasta, sausage, and spinach to the sauce.

Toss gently until spinach wilts.

Add Parmesan cheese and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen.

Step 6: Serve

Plate warm with extra cheese and cracked black pepper. Enjoy!

What to Serve It With

Garlic bread or focaccia

Simple arugula salad

Roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans

A glass of Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio

Variations / Substitutions

Make it Vegetarian: Skip sausage and add roasted mushrooms or chickpeas.

Use Kale Instead of Spinach: Hearty and earthy.

Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast.

Gluten-Free: Use your favorite GF pasta.

Add Heat: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes.

Storage & Leftovers

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.

Freezer: Freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, just roast it until soft or steam before blending.

Can I make the sauce ahead?
Absolutely! Store in the fridge and reheat when ready.

Is this dish spicy?
Not unless you use spicy sausage — adjust to your taste.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?
Short pasta like rigatoni or penne hold the sauce well.

Can I add more veggies?
Yes! Try zucchini, bell peppers, or peas.

Final Thoughts

This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is a hearty, flavorful dish that brings fall comfort to your table any time of year.

Creamy, cozy, and balanced with a touch of green, it’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining guests, or meal prepping for the week ahead.

The Boat Shed Kitchen

Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

This butternut squash pasta with sausage is a flavorful, creamy pasta dish made with roasted squash, Italian sausage, and fresh spinach. Blending the squash with garlic, onion, and cream creates a luxurious sauce that coats every bite. It’s a perfect balance of hearty, sweet, and savory flavors.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Calories: 560

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 medium butternut squash peeled and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 12 oz pasta penne or rigatoni
• 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
• 1 small onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg optional

Method

 

1. Roast squash at 400°F for 25–30 minutes until tender.
2. Cook pasta until al dente; reserve pasta water.
3. Brown sausage in skillet, remove and set aside.
4. Sauté onion and garlic, then add roasted squash and cream.
5. Blend sauce until smooth and return to pan.
6. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/butternut-squash-pasta-with-sausage/

Notes

• You can roast the squash in advance and store it in the fridge for quicker prep.
• Use mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preference.
• If you like extra creaminess, add a bit more cream or a dollop of mascarpone.