Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe with Sausage

This Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe with Sausage is going to be on your regular recipe rotation! Nothing says fall like winter squashes and hearty comfort dishes. This recipe checks all the boxes being made with fresh, healthy ingredients that don’t skimp on taste. Give this cozy pasta dish a try! 

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Butternut Squash 

Pumpkin isn’t the only flavor of fall. While I love all the pumpkin recipes that come with the changing of the seasons, winter squashes like butternut squash are also high on my list of favorite fall flavors.

Butternut squash is a delicious buttery squash with a little bit of nutty flavor. It’s a deeper orange than your typical yellow summer squash and has a lot more “meat’ in it as well.

I never really knew what to do with them other than roasting until I discovered that they make the perfect creamy, and buttery pasta sauce. 

You’ll find a general theme throughout my recipes. I have a large family with a couple of picky eaters. Hiding vegetables where I can is something I always try to do.

Butternut squash pasta is the definition of sneaky veggies. Honestly, my kids never even question it which is perfect. 

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta  

It’s hearty. This butternut squash pasta with spicy sausage is filling and is comforting meal. No one will leave the table hungry. 

It’s healthy. Typical pasta sauces are loaded with heavy cream and butter. This sauce doesn’t need any of those additives to be rich. You can make a creamy sauce without milk at all. Of course, I added a little for extra richness. 

Minimal ingredients. The recipe doesn’t have a ton of ingredients. It’s inexpensive and simple which is what I typically look for in a weeknight staple. 

It’s seasonal. I try to eat as seasonally as possible. I just believe that’s the way we get the freshest, most nutrient-dense ingredients. While you can make this recipe year-round using frozen butternut squash, it really tastes best when you use a buttery fresh fall squash. 

Sneaky veggies. Like I mentioned before, anytime I can sneak in a veggie without my family complaining I go for it. This is one of those pasta recipes that is a crowd-pleaser!  

More Recipes You’ll Love 

• Southern Squash Casserole
• Homemade Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer  
• Homemade Southern Poundcake 
• Classic Lasagna Recipe with Meat and Veggies 

How to Make a Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe with Sausage 

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Equipment 

• Large Heavy bottom pot 
• Slotted wooden spoon 
• Food processor or Food mill 
• Large skillet or saucepan 
• Glass mixing bowl  
• Measuring cups 

Ingredients 

• 1 Pound Butternut Squash 
• 1 Pound Spicy Italian Sausage 
• 16 ounces Penne pasta 
• ¼ Cup Whole milk 
• ¼ cup Chicken stock 
• 4 cloves Minced garlic 
• 2 cups Spinach 
• 1 tsp Red pepper flakes (optional) 
• 1 ½ tsp Salt
• ½ tsp Black pepper 
• ⅓ cup Freshly shaved parmesan cheese 

Directions 

Prepare the Butternut Squash

1. Be sure to stabilize your squash on a firm surface. Cut the ends of the squash off with a sharp knife. Using a vegetable peeler, remove the butternut squash’s outer skin, leaving only the fleshy inside. Use the sharp knife to cut the squash into two equal pieces. Scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Cut the squash into 1” squares. 

Prepare the Pasta

2. Fill the heavy bottom pot ¾ full of water. Add ½ tsp salt and the butternut squash cubes. Bring the squash to a boil and cook it until it is fork-tender. Using the slotted spoon, remove the squash from the water and put it into a food processor. Leave the water the squash was cooked in for the pasta. 
3. Add 16 ounces of pasta to the boiling squash water and cook it according to the package directions until it is al dente. You may need to add more water to the pot. Drain the pasta once it’s done. Reserve some of the pasta water for the sauce. 
4. Heat a large saucepan over medium heat. Brown 1 pound spicy sauce in the pan, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat from the sausage. Remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside. 
5. Meanwhile, combine ¼ cup of milk and ¼ cup of chicken stock in the food processor with the squash. Pulse the sauce until it is creamy and smooth. 
6. Add 4 cloves minced garlic to the saucepan over medium heat and lightly saute it until it’s softened. Reduce the heat to simmer and add the pasta sauce, 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp salt, and ½ tsp pepper to the saucepan. Stir everything together until the spinach wilts. 
7. Combine the sausage and cooked pasta with the sauce in the pan. Stir it until the pasta is coated with the sauce. You may need to add 1 cup of the pasta water at a time to get the sauce to the correct consistency. 
8. Let the pasta simmer on low heat for around 3 minutes. Top it with ⅓ cup freshly shaved parmesan cheese and serve it with crusty sourdough bread. 

Helpful Tips for Making Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe with Sausage

You can omit the added red pepper flakes depending on how spicy your sausage is. We raise our own pastured pork, so our hot sausage is pretty spicy. You can decide how much heat you like. 

If you want an added depth of flavor, roast the butternut squash instead of boiling it. Prepare the squash the same way. Coat the cubes in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet at 400° F until they are caramelized. Transfer the roasted squash to the food processor and continue following the recipe as it’s written. 

Add fresh herbs. I love adding fresh herbs when I have some available. Fresh sage and fresh parsley are delicious when sprinkled on top of this dish. 

Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage-FAQs 

What other veggies can I add to this pasta? 

You can use kale or broccoli in this recipe. If you’re using broccoli, you’ll want to blanch it with the butternut squash. 

What kind of pasta should I use? 

Go for something that holds the sauce well, like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. These types of pasta catch all the saucy goodness. 

Can I make this vegetarian? 

Yes! Just leave out the sausage and chicken stock. Add more vegetables for extra bulk and protein. 

Is this dish freezer-friendly? 

Yes, you can freeze it. However, squash will lose its texture after freezing.  Freeze the pasta after it’s been cooked in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. 

Final Thoughts on Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage

Spicy butternut squash pasta with sausage is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that brings together the buttery flavor of butternut squash and spicy sausage for the perfect kick. It’s a comfort food that’s very satisfying. This pasta is sure to become one of your favorite fall dishes! 

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More From the Farm 

Sourdough Apple Fritters are a great way to use up that extra discard. They’re simple to make and a great recipe for delicious fall apples.