Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 4 Tablespoons olive oil (separated); 1 butternut squash (peeled and diced (about 1 pound); 1 pound ground sausage (mild); 4 cloves garlic (minced); 1/2 pound orecchiette pasta (or pasta of your choice); 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (more or less for desired consistency); 1/4 cup parmesan (freshly grated); 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for a little spice); Salt and pepper to taste; 1/4 cup roasted butternut squash; 1 clove garlic (minced); 1/4 cup parmesan (freshly grated); 3 sage; 1/4 cup pasta water (reserved); 1/4 cup cream

This butternut squash pasta tastes like the best parts of the season in one bowl. It’s a creamy squash pasta you’ll want to come back to as the weather shifts, and you start craving hearty fall meals. The roasted squash blends into a smooth, silky sauce, the sausage adds savory balance, and the sage brings an earthy aroma that ties everything together. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet still special enough to share with friends and family.

Prep15 min
Cook30 min
Total45 min
Makes8 servings
Calories437

Ingredients

8 servings

4 Tablespoons olive oil (separated)
1 butternut squash (peeled and diced (about 1 pound)
1 pound ground sausage (mild)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 pound orecchiette pasta (or pasta of your choice)
1/4 cup reserved pasta water (more or less for desired consistency)
1/4 cup parmesan (freshly grated)
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional for a little spice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup roasted butternut squash
1 clove garlic (minced)
1/4 cup parmesan (freshly grated)
3 sage
1/4 cup pasta water (reserved)
1/4 cup cream

Method

1
Preheat over to 400 degrees. In a large mixing bowl mix peeled/cubed butternut squash with 2 Tablespoons olive oil and a dash of salt and pepper.
2
Spread the squash on a non-stick baking sheet. Roast the butternut squash for 30 minutes, using tongs to stir the butternut squash a few times throughout cooking.
3
While the butternut squash is cooking cook the pasta according to package. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta and run under cold water. Put in the large mixing bowl once cooled.
4
In a large skillet heat 2 Tablespoons olive oil over medium heat and cook sausage, using a wooden spoon to break apart the sausage. When the sausage begins to brown add the garlic and continue to cook until the sausage is browned.
5
Add the sausage mixture to the pasta in the large mixing bowl.
6
Remove the butternut squash from the oven and set 1/4 cup of the squash aside. Put the rest of the squash with the sausage and pasta mixture.
7
In a blender puree 1/4 cup of the butternut squash, the sage, garlic clove, parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup reserved pasta water and the 1/4 cup of the cream.
8
Pour the butternut squash sauce over the pasta mixture and combine adding more reserved pasta water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
9
Sprinkle crushed red pepper, the freshly grated parmesan and salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh sage, Italian parsley and serve warm.