Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach

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Ingredients

Roasted Butternut Squash:

  • 2 cups butternut squash peeled, seeded, and cubed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Sausage:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ pound sausage crumbled, casings removed

Creamy Pasta Sauce:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 6 ounces spinach
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ⅓ cup Parmesan cheese shredded
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Pasta:

  • 8 ounces farfalle bow-tie pasta

Instructions

For the Roasted Butternut Squash:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Ensure the squash is evenly coated.
  • Arrange the seasoned squash on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ensuring the pieces are spread out in a single layer to promote even cooking.
  • Roast in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized. Remove from the oven and set aside.

For the Sausage:

  • Heat one tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the crumbled sausage to the skillet. Cook for approximately 10 minutes, stirring regularly, until the sausage is thoroughly cooked and browned. Remove from heat and transfer the sausage to a separate dish.

For the Creamy Pasta Sauce:

  • Using the same skillet, add one tablespoon of olive oil and heat over medium. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add the spinach to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the spinach has wilted.
  • Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a brief boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce. Season with ¼ teaspoon of salt, adjusting according to taste and the saltiness of the sausage.

For the Pasta:

  • Cook the farfalle pasta in boiling water until al dente, according to the package instructions. This typically requires 7 to 11 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta and add it to the skillet with the creamy spinach sauce. Integrate the cooked sausage into the skillet as well.
  • Stir the mixture to ensure that the pasta and sausage are evenly coated with the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
  • Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, either incorporating it throughout the pasta or arranging it on top for presentation.

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