Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Crumbles
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Crumbles is a heartwarming dish that blends the sweet, nutty flavor of roasted butternut squash with savory sausage and a rich, creamy sauce. This delightful pasta makes for a perfect weeknight dinner or a festive gathering centerpiece, promising to satisfy your cravings while being simple to prepare. Indulge in this comforting bowl of goodness that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), halved and seeded
- 8 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), crumbled
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the butternut squash, scoop out the seeds, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, and place cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 30-35 minutes until tender.
- While the squash roasts, cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and crumbled sausage. Cook until browned and crispy, about 5 minutes.
- Once the squash cools, scoop out the flesh into a blender. Add garlic, chicken broth, and cream; blend until smooth. Adjust with reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
- Combine cooked pasta and butternut squash sauce in the skillet with sausage. Toss well to coat each piece of pasta in creamy goodness.
- Serve topped with grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 400g)
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: - For a lighter option, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - Substitute sausage for turkey or plant-based alternatives for a healthier twist. - Stir in fresh spinach or kale for added nutrition.