Looking for a cozy, comforting pasta dish that’s creamy, flavorful, and easy to make? This Creamy Butternut Squash Italian Sausage Pasta is the perfect meal for fall and winter nights! It combines roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and fresh spinach in a rich, dairy-free sauce made with unsweetened coconut milk.
Why this recipe is special:
Quick & Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes!
Creamy Without Dairy – Uses coconut milk for a rich, smooth texture.
Healthy & Nourishing – Packed with vitamins, fiber, and protein.
Versatile – Easily adaptable for vegetarian, gluten-free, or keto diets.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta
Here’s everything you need for this delicious and creamy pasta dish:
Main Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash – peeled, cubed, and roasted
12 oz Italian sausage – mild or spicy, casings removed
10 oz pasta – penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta
2 cups fresh spinach – adds freshness and nutrients
1 small onion – finely chopped
3 cloves garlic – minced for extra flavor
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk – for a creamy dairy-free sauce
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth – helps create a smooth sauce
1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
Salt & black pepper – to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – if not dairy-free
Optional Additions & Substitutions:
Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Dairy-free alternative: Coconut cream can be used instead of coconut milk for extra richness.
How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – Step by Step
Step1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pro Tip: Roast extra squash to use in soups or salads later!
Step2: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Pro Tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step3: Cook the Italian Sausage
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove sausage and set aside.
Step4: Make the Butternut Squash Sauce
In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
Add roasted butternut squash, coconut milk, and broth.
Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to blend until smooth.
Simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water a little at a time.
Step5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
Stir in spinach until wilted.
Add the drained pasta and mix well.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil!
Pro Tips for Making the Best Butternut Squash Pasta
Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
Make it spicier: Use hot Italian sausage or extra chili flakes.
Enhance the flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.
Save time: Use pre-cut butternut squash to speed up prep!
Best Ways to Serve Butternut Squash Pasta
This dish is hearty on its own, but it pairs perfectly with:
Garlic Bread – To soak up the creamy sauce!
Simple Green Salad – Adds freshness and crunch.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 58g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 8g
Storage & Leftovers: How to Keep It Fresh
Refrigerator:
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze sauce separately for up to 2 months.
Avoid freezing the pasta—it may turn mushy when reheated.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of broth if needed.
For quick reheating, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs – Answering Your Questions!
Can I use canned butternut squash?
Yes! If using canned butternut squash puree, skip the roasting step and blend it directly into the sauce.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for mushrooms, chickpeas, or plant-based sausage.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce best!
How can I make it lower in carbs?
Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
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Creamy White Cheddar Chicken Pasta – Best Dinner Recipe
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to make the best Creamy Butternut Squash Italian Sausage Pasta at home! This dish is easy, flavorful, and perfect for any cozy night in.
Have you tried this recipe? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends and family.
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Creamy Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta – Easy Dinner
Description
If you’re looking for a creamy butternut squash sausage pasta recipe that’s easy, healthy, and packed with flavor, you’re in the right place! This butternut squash and sausage pasta combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the savory depth of Italian sausage, and the freshness of spinach into a rich, velvety sauce—without any dairy!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
1 medium butternut squash – peeled, cubed, and roasted
12 oz Italian sausage – mild or spicy, casings removed
10 oz pasta – penne, rigatoni, or gluten-free pasta
2 cups fresh spinach – adds freshness and nutrients
1 small onion – finely chopped
3 cloves garlic – minced for extra flavor
1 cup unsweetened coconut milk – for a creamy dairy-free sauce
½ cup chicken or vegetable broth – helps create a smooth sauce
1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – for a hint of heat
Salt & black pepper – to taste
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – if not dairy-free
Optional Additions & Substitutions:
Make it vegetarian: Swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas.
Gluten-free? Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles.
Dairy-free alternative: Coconut cream can be used instead of coconut milk for extra richness.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pro Tip: Roast extra squash to use in soups or salads later!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Pro Tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Remove sausage and set aside.
In the same skillet, sauté onions and garlic until soft.
Add roasted butternut squash, coconut milk, and broth.
Use an immersion blender (or a regular blender) to blend until smooth.
Simmer for 5 minutes, adjusting seasoning as needed.
Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add pasta water a little at a time.
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet.
Stir in spinach until wilted.
Add the drained pasta and mix well.
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese (if using).
Serve immediately, garnished with extra red pepper flakes, fresh basil, or a drizzle of olive oil!
Equipment
2Pcs Heart Shape Cake Pans, Aluminum Heart Cake Mold, Reusable 10 inch
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Kids Chill Leak-Proof Lunch Box – Included Reusable Ice Pack Keeps Food Cold
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Want a richer sauce? Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese.
Make it spicier: Use hot Italian sausage or extra chili flakes.
Enhance the flavor: Add a dash of nutmeg or cinnamon for warmth.
Save time: Use pre-cut butternut squash to speed up prep!
