Irresistible Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

The rich aroma of roasted butternut squash mingling with savory sausage fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to indulge in a bowl of creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage. Picture yourself twirling forkfuls of this luscious dish, where every bite bursts with a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and laughter around the table.

As you savor the creamy texture and delightful hints of herbs, you can’t help but remember that one chilly autumn evening when you first stumbled upon this culinary gem. Friends gathered, glasses clinked, and everyone marveled at how such simple ingredients could transform into a comforting masterpiece. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a festive gathering, this dish promises to elevate any occasion and leave everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Butternut Squash: Choose a firm squash; its natural sweetness is key to creating that creamy sauce.

• Pasta: Use any pasta you love; I recommend fettuccine or penne for the best sauce coating.

• Italian Sausage: Opt for mild or spicy based on your heat preference; it adds depth to the dish.

• Cream: Heavy cream enriches the sauce, making it silky smooth; light cream can be used but won’t be as rich.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic punch; don’t skimp on this flavorful ingredient!

• Onion: Sweet yellow onions lend a subtle sweetness when sautéed until translucent.

• Vegetable Broth: Use low-sodium broth to control salt levels while enhancing flavor.

• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty finish; fresh cheese always makes a difference!

For the Sauce:

• Olive Oil: A splash of good-quality olive oil brings richness and helps in sautéing vegetables.

• Sage Leaves: Fresh sage provides an earthy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with butternut squash.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by peeling and chopping your butternut squash into small cubes. This ensures they cook evenly and blend smoothly into your sauce.

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water before draining for later use in the sauce.

Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and then crumble in your Italian sausage. Cook until browned and fragrant, about five minutes.

Add Aromatics: Toss in diced onions and minced garlic with the sausage. Stir until the onions become translucent and release their sweet aroma—around three minutes should do it!

Incorporate Butternut Squash: Add your chopped butternut squash to the skillet along with vegetable broth. Cover and simmer for about ten minutes until tender, stirring occasionally.

Blend It Up: Once the squash is soft, remove from heat and blend everything until smooth using an immersion blender or a regular blender. You want that creamy texture!

Finish with Cream: Return the blended sauce to low heat, then stir in heavy cream along with grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Adjust seasoning if needed!

Combine Everything: Toss cooked pasta into your creamy butternut squash sauce, adding reserved pasta water as necessary to reach desired consistency—this is where magic happens!

Serve & Enjoy: Plate your creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage, garnishing it with freshly cracked pepper and additional sage if desired. Dive in—your taste buds are ready for this adventure!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by roasting the butternut squash until it caramelizes beautifully. While that’s happening, cook the sausage in a pan. Once both are ready, blend the squash into a creamy sauce, then mix everything with your pasta. This sequence guarantees flavor perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the sausage for turkey or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian twist. Add some spinach or kale for an extra nutritional boost, and sprinkle with parmesan cheese before serving for that extra zing!

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain creaminess.

Sometimes I whip up this creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage when friends come over; nothing brings people together like delicious food—oh, and maybe a little wine too!

FAQs:

What ingredients do I need for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage?

To make creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage, you will need fresh butternut squash, Italian sausage, pasta of your choice (like fettuccine or penne), garlic, onion, vegetable broth, cream, and Parmesan cheese. Additionally, spices such as salt, pepper, and nutmeg will enhance the flavor. Fresh herbs like sage or parsley can also add a nice touch to this delicious dish.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian-friendly?

To create a vegetarian version of creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage, substitute the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a meaty texture. You can also replace the cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream or cashew cream. This way, you still enjoy the rich flavor of the sauce while keeping it meat-free and delicious.

How long does it take to prepare Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage?

Preparation time for creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage usually takes about 10 minutes, while cooking time is around 25-30 minutes. Altogether, you can have this delightful meal ready in approximately 40 minutes. This makes it a perfect option for weeknight dinners when you want something hearty yet quick to prepare.

Can I store leftovers of Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage?

Yes! Leftovers of creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or use the microwave. If the sauce thickens upon cooling, adding a splash of broth or cream during reheating will restore its creamy texture.

Conclusion for Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage:

Creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage is a delightful blend of flavors that you can easily prepare at home. With simple ingredients like butternut squash and Italian sausage, this dish offers both comfort and satisfaction. The recipe allows for easy adaptations, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Enjoy this comforting meal that brings warmth and richness to your table any night of the week.

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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

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Creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage is a heartwarming dish that beautifully marries the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory richness of Italian sausage. This comforting meal is perfect for busy weeknights or festive gatherings, offering a creamy texture and vibrant colors that are sure to please. Quick to prepare and easily adaptable, it can be transformed into a vegetarian delight without compromising on flavor. Gather your loved ones around the table and savor every delicious bite of this cozy dish.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4
• Category: Main
• Method: Cooking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 cup low-sodium vegetable broth
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 8 fresh sage leaves

Instructions

1. Peel and dice the butternut squash into small cubes for even cooking.
2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; reserve some pasta water before draining.
3. In a skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil and crumble in the Italian sausage; cook until browned (about 5 minutes).
4. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet; sauté until onions are translucent (about 3 minutes).
5. Incorporate diced butternut squash and vegetable broth; cover and simmer for about 10 minutes until squash is tender.
6. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or regular blender.
7. Return blended sauce to heat; stir in heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until combined.
8. Toss cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
9. Serve garnished with freshly cracked pepper and additional sage if desired.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: - For a vegetarian version, substitute Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms. - Add spinach or kale for extra nutrition. - Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days; reheat gently on low heat.