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Here’s a hearty and flavorful dish that perfectly blends the sweetness of butternut squash with savory sausage and fresh spinach. This pasta dish is ideal for those who enjoy a combination of rich flavors and comforting textures.

The bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, pairs wonderfully with the chunky ingredients, ensuring each bite is satisfying. It’s a great meal for a cozy family dinner or when you want to impress guests with a dish that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Let’s dive in!

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
  • 1 lb sausage, casing removed and crumbled
  • 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: grated Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, fresh herbs (such as sage or thyme)

Instructions

  1. Roast Butternut Squash (25-30 minutes): Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast until tender and lightly browned.
  2. Cook Pasta (10-12 minutes): Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  3. Brown Sausage (8-10 minutes): In a large skillet, cook the crumbled sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté Onion and Garlic (5 minutes): In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until the onion is translucent.
  5. Combine Ingredients (5 minutes): Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked sausage, and chopped spinach to the skillet. Cook until the spinach is wilted.
  6. Add Pasta (3 minutes): Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the squash, sausage, and spinach mixture. Stir until well combined and heated through.
  7. Season and Serve (2 minutes): Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes or fresh herbs. Serve hot, optionally topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

To make this dish truly stand out, roast the butternut squash until it’s caramelized, as this will enhance its natural sweetness. The sausage should be nicely browned to add depth of flavor. Choose a sausage variety that complements the sweetness of the squash – spicy varieties can add a nice kick.

Fresh spinach adds a pop of color and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Serve this dish with your favorite crusty bread and veggies for a complete meal. Enjoy!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition