If you are craving a cozy fall dinner that feels creamy, hearty, and full of flavor, this easy butternut squash bow-tie pasta with sausage and spinach will be your new favorite. It is one of those butternut squash recipes that checks all the boxes: simple, comforting, and family-friendly. Think of it as a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for fall comfort food nights.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick to make on a busy night
- Creamy but still healthy with spinach
- Perfect for fall dinner recipes
Ingredients
Here is what you will need and why each one matters:
- Bow-tie pasta: Holds sauce well, but you can swap with rigatoni or linguine.
- Butternut squash: Brings creamy texture and natural sweetness.
- Italian sausage: Adds savory flavor that balances the squash.
- Fresh spinach: Bright color and extra nutrients.
- Onion and garlic: Build flavor from the start.
- Parmesan cheese: Creamy finish and nutty taste.
- Olive oil and butter: For sautéing and richness.
- Salt, pepper, and nutmeg: Simple seasoning that warms the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps with confidence:
- Cook the pasta until al dente, then set aside.
- Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil until soft.
- Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in cubed butternut squash and cook until tender.
- Add spinach and let it wilt into the mix.
- Toss everything with pasta, butter, and parmesan until creamy.
Mistakes To Avoid
When making easy butternut squash bow-tie pasta with sausage and spinach, try not to overcook the pasta or it will turn mushy. Do not skip seasoning the squash, as it can taste bland without enough salt. Avoid adding spinach too early, or it will overcook and lose its fresh green color.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is a star on its own, but you can serve it with garlic bread or a fresh green salad. For another cozy night idea, check out this smothered chicken and rice, or keep things fun with crack burgers. For party nights, you might also love this smoked buffalo chicken dip or quick honey garlic meatballs.
Easy Butternut Squash Bow-Tie Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Ingredients
- – 12 oz bow-tie pasta or rigatoni or linguine
- – 2 cups cubed butternut squash
- – 1/2 lb Italian sausage
- – 2 cups fresh spinach
- – 1 onion diced
- – 3 garlic cloves minced
- – 2 tbsp olive oil
- – 2 tbsp butter
- – 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated
- – Salt pepper, pinch of nutmeg
Instructions
- Cook the pasta until al dente and set aside.
- In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil.
- Add sausage and cook until browned.
- Stir in cubed butternut squash and cook until tender.
- Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Toss everything with pasta, butter, and parmesan until creamy.
Notes
- Save a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
- Roast squash first for a deeper flavor.
- Use chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes for spice.
FAQs
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen squash works well for this pasta. Just make sure to sauté it a little longer so the extra water cooks out. This keeps the sauce thick and creamy instead of watery.
What pasta shapes can I use instead of bow-tie?
You can use rigatoni, linguine, or even penne. Each holds the sauce a little differently, but all will work for this fall dinner. Choose what your family loves most.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture. This makes it one of those abendessen rezepte that taste even better the next day.
Conclusion
As the weather cools and cozy nights call for warm bowls of pasta, this easy butternut squash bow-tie pasta with sausage and spinach will quickly become a go-to. It is creamy, colorful, and made for fall dinners that bring comfort to your table. Be sure to pin this recipe so you can find it whenever you need a little bowl of comfort.
