There’s nothing quite like a bubbling baked pasta on a cool evening—the golden top, creamy sauce, and the aroma of roasted squash filling your kitchen. Hi, I’m Chef Mia, your cozy home-cooking guide! I love creating recipes that bring comfort with seasonal flavors and simple steps. This butternut squash pasta bake with sausage and spinach is my go-to dish when I want hearty warmth on the table without fuss.
How To Make Butternut Squash Pasta Bake with Sausage
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper
- 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 12 oz short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or shells)
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 25 minutes until tender.
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, brown sausage until cooked. Add garlic, then stir in spinach until wilted.
- Make a quick béchamel: melt butter, whisk in flour, slowly pour in milk, and cook until creamy.
- Stir in half the mozzarella and all the roasted squash.
- Combine pasta, sausage-spinach mix, and sauce in a baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Bake for 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Equipment You Need
- Large pot for pasta
- Skillet for sausage
- Baking dish
- Whisk & saucepan
Pro Tips & Substitutions
- Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use kale instead of spinach for a heartier green.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce for a cozy fall flavor.
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly here!
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 |
| Protein | 23g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Fiber | 6g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Sodium | 820mg |
Cozy Weeknight Dinner Idea
This butternut squash pasta bake is the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you still want a meal that feels special. The roasted squash adds a natural sweetness, while the sausage brings savory comfort. Everything comes together in one casserole dish, making cleanup a breeze. Pair with a crisp side salad and you’ve got a balanced, family-friendly dinner that even picky eaters love.
Seasonal Comfort Food for Fall & Winter
Butternut squash shines in colder months, making this pasta bake a wonderful seasonal centerpiece. The golden baked top and creamy sauce give all the cozy vibes, ideal for holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, or meal prep. Leftovers reheat beautifully, meaning you get two (or three!) comforting meals from one bake. It’s a true seasonal staple.
Make It Ahead for Easy Entertaining
If you’re hosting friends or family, this recipe is a lifesaver. Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and pop it in the oven before dinner. You’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying company. Bonus: the flavors deepen as it rests, making it even tastier the next day!
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Butternut Squash Pasta Bake with Sausage & Spinach
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A cozy pasta bake with roasted butternut squash, sausage, and spinach.
Ingredients
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt & ½ tsp black pepper
12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
3 cloves garlic, minced
10 oz fresh spinach
12 oz short pasta
2 cups milk
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella
½ cup grated Parmesan
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Roast squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper for 25 minutes.
2. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain.
3. Brown sausage in skillet, add garlic and spinach.
4. Make béchamel sauce with butter, flour, milk. Stir in mozzarella and squash.
5. Mix pasta, sausage-spinach, and sauce in baking dish. Top with cheese.
6. Bake 20 minutes until golden and bubbling.
Notes
Swap sausage for turkey or chicken.
Use kale instead of spinach.
Add nutmeg for warmth.
Gluten-free pasta works.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
