Let’s talk comfort food. You know those evenings when you’ve survived a long day—kids, work, maybe even traffic that felt like a slow crawl through soup—and all you want is something creamy, hearty, and a little bit magical? That’s where this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach swoops in to save dinner (and maybe your mood).
This isn’t your typical “boil pasta, add sauce” situation. Oh no, this recipe takes silky roasted butternut squash, blends it into a dreamy sauce, tosses in savory Italian sausage, and finishes with a handful of spinach for that perfect pop of green. The result? A dish that’s rich, flavorful, and somehow tastes like fall wrapped in a pasta bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
- It’s the ultimate cozy comfort meal. Think mac and cheese vibes, but classier.
- It’s surprisingly simple. You’ll have dinner on the table in under 40 minutes.
- It’s wholesome and indulgent. Creamy sauce meets fresh spinach and hearty sausage—balance achieved!
- It’s family-approved. Even picky eaters will ask for seconds (trust me on this one).
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s your quick shopping list for this creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni work best—those sauce-catching ridges are gold)
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- ½ lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking your pasta according to the package instructions. Drain it, drizzle with a little olive oil so it doesn’t stick, and set it aside.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s beautifully browned and slightly crispy on the edges. Once done, transfer it to a plate and keep those flavorful bits in the pan—they’re liquid gold.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Butternut Sauce
Now comes the fun part! Add your roasted butternut squash to the skillet (if you haven’t roasted it yet, a quick oven roast at 400°F for about 20–25 minutes works wonders). Pour in the heavy cream and blend everything together until smooth and velvety. You can use an immersion blender or pour it into a regular one—just be careful with the heat!
Once blended, stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed—it should taste rich and slightly sweet from the squash, with a cheesy finish.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Add your cooked pasta, sausage, and fresh spinach into the skillet. Toss gently until the spinach wilts and everything is evenly coated in that golden sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Dish it up, sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top (because we’re fancy like that), and dig in while it’s hot and creamy.
Aneta’s Tips for Perfect Pasta Nights
- Shortcut alert: Buy pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store. It’s a total time-saver.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of milk if you’re keeping it light.
- Spice it up: Use spicy Italian sausage for a little kick—it balances the sweetness of the squash beautifully.
- Got leftovers? Add a splash of broth or milk when reheating to bring that creamy texture right back.
(True story: I made this once for a fall dinner party, and my friends literally scraped the pan clean. It’s now known as “Aneta’s Autumn Pasta” in my circle—no complaints here!)

FAQs About Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta
Can I make this pasta vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the sausage or replace it with sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free option.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It reheats beautifully—just add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
Can I freeze it?
You sure can. Freeze in portions and reheat gently on the stove. The texture may change slightly, but the flavor? Still divine.
What pasta shape works best?
Penne and rigatoni are my go-tos because they hold that creamy butternut sauce like little flavor cups. But honestly, use whatever you’ve got in the pantry—pasta doesn’t judge.
Bringing It All Together
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta is more than just dinner—it’s comfort, warmth, and flavor all dancing together in one skillet. Perfect for chilly nights, cozy weekends, or when you just need something that feels like a hug in a bowl.
So next time you’re craving something hearty but still a little wholesome, give this creamy butternut squash pasta with sausage and spinach a try. Light a candle, pour a glass of wine, and let your kitchen smell like fall. Because you deserve a little magic at the end of your day.
More Cozy Fall Recipes to Try Next
If you loved this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach, you’re going to fall head over heels for these other cozy, flavor-packed dishes from Chicken Magic Recipes. They’re perfect for chilly nights, busy weeknights, or when you just need a comforting meal that tastes like home:
- Warm up your week with the ultra-creamy and savory Butternut Squash Lasagna Soup — a bowl of autumn comfort that’s basically pasta and soup in one!
- Craving another rich, squash-inspired meal? You’ll adore this Savory Butternut Squash and Sage Pasta — a silky, aromatic dish that feels straight out of a cozy café.
- For a heartier twist that pairs perfectly with cool evenings, try the comforting Autumn Tortellini Soup with Sausage. It’s everything you love about fall in one steaming pot.
- And if you can’t get enough of creamy pasta magic, don’t miss the dreamy Creamy Butternut Squash Butter Chicken — a fusion of comfort and spice that will keep you coming back for seconds.
Each of these recipes complements the flavors and cozy vibes of your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta, creating a delicious fall feast lineup you’ll want to bookmark and make again and again.
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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and Spinach is the ultimate cozy fall dinner. A rich, velvety butternut squash sauce hugs every bite of pasta, balanced with savory Italian sausage and fresh spinach. It’s creamy, hearty, and ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving comfort food with a seasonal twist.
Ingredients
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8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
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1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
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½ lb Italian sausage, casings removed
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2 cups fresh spinach
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½ cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
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Cook the pasta: Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, cook Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Blend the sauce: In the same skillet, add the roasted butternut squash and heavy cream. Blend until smooth and creamy. Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
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Combine everything: Add cooked pasta, sausage, and spinach to the skillet. Toss until the spinach wilts and everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
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Serve: Top with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
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Save time by using pre-cut butternut squash from the grocery store.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
Use spicy Italian sausage for extra flavor depth.
Leftovers reheat beautifully—add a splash of milk or broth before warming to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 740 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg