This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage & Spinach is comfort food at its finest — rich, velvety, and perfectly balanced. Every forkful offers a mix of creamy sauce, tender pasta, savory sausage, and fresh spinach for a burst of color and nutrition.

The roasted butternut squash transforms into a silky, golden sauce that clings beautifully to each pasta strand, while Italian sausage adds a deep, savory flavor that cuts through the creaminess. The spinach wilts gently into the sauce, adding freshness and a touch of earthiness.

It’s the kind of dish that feels luxurious but comes together in under 30 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights or cozy holiday dinners. Whether you’re hosting guests or treating yourself, this pasta brings all the flavors of fall into one satisfying, one-pan meal. Creamy, hearty, and irresistibly comforting — this recipe is an instant favorite.

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

Rich & Savory: Creamy butternut sauce meets sausage umami.
Balanced: Fresh spinach keeps it vibrant and light.
Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes.
Perfectly Cozy: Ideal for fall or winter comfort food nights.
Crowd-Pleaser: Elegant enough for company, simple enough for weekdays.

🍠 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

12 oz pasta (rigatoni, penne, or fettuccine)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
2 cups butternut squash (cubed, roasted or steamed)
3 tbsp butter or olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup onion, finely chopped
¾ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups fresh spinach leaves
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional: red pepper flakes or nutmeg for warmth

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

2. Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, brown sausage over medium heat until fully cooked. Remove and set aside, leaving a bit of fat in the pan.

3. Sauté Aromatics

In the same skillet, add butter (or olive oil), garlic, and onion. Sauté until fragrant and lightly golden.

4. Make the Sauce

Blend roasted butternut squash with cream and a splash of pasta water until smooth and creamy.

5. Simmer Together

Pour the blended sauce into the skillet. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Add cooked sausage and spinach. Simmer for 3–4 minutes, letting spinach wilt and flavors meld.

6. Combine with Pasta

Toss in the cooked pasta, adding more pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir until evenly coated and glossy.

7. Serve

Top with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!

🌿 Variations

Vegetarian: Skip sausage, add mushrooms or chickpeas.
Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add chili flakes.
Lighter Version: Swap cream with cashew cream or milk.
Gluten-Free: Use GF pasta or gnocchi.

⚠️ Mistakes to Avoid

Over-blending sauce — keep it smooth, not watery.
Overcooking spinach — add at the end for freshness.
Too thick sauce — use pasta water gradually.
Skipping Parmesan — it’s key for flavor and texture.

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

Roast squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper for deeper sweetness.
Always reserve pasta water — it’s liquid gold for creamy sauces.
Add a splash of white wine to the pan for restaurant-style flavor.
For extra creaminess, blend 1 tbsp cream cheese into the sauce.
Serve with crusty garlic bread and a side salad.

❄️ Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Up to 3 days in airtight container.
Reheat: Gently warm with a splash of cream or water.
Freeze: Sauce only (without pasta) up to 1 month.

💬 FAQs

Q1: Can I use store-bought butternut squash purée?
Yes! It saves time and tastes great.

Q2: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and vegan cheese — still creamy and delicious.

Q3: What pasta shape works best?
Short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli holds the sauce perfectly.

Q4: Can I meal-prep this?
Yes — prepare sauce and sausage ahead; toss with fresh pasta before serving.

🌟 Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage & Spinach captures everything we love about fall — rich, comforting, and full of flavor. The creamy sauce wraps around every bite of pasta, while the sausage and spinach add hearty, wholesome balance.

It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is surprisingly easy to make. Perfect for cozy nights, festive dinners, or even meal prep. Pair it with a crisp white wine and a candle-lit table for a restaurant-quality meal at home. 🍂🍷