Description

Butternut Squash Pasta with Spinach is a comforting and vibrant dish that combines creamy roasted butternut squash with fresh spinach and your choice of pasta. This quick and nutritious recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at gatherings. The sweet and nutty flavors create a delightful balance, making each bite a warm hug on chilly evenings. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this wholesome meal in no time.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
2 cups butternut squash, cubed (about 1 medium squash)
3 cups fresh baby spinach
½ cup heavy cream (or coconut milk for dairy-free)
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the butternut squash, remove seeds, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast cut-side down on a baking sheet for 30-35 minutes until tender.
While the squash roasts, boil salted water in a large pot. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute). Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted (approximately 2 minutes).
Scoop out the roasted squash flesh into a blender or food processor. Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper; blend until smooth. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
Combine the drained pasta with sautéed spinach in the skillet. Pour in the butternut squash sauce and mix well over low heat until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 400g)
Calories: 540
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 450mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 11g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 66g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: - For added protein, consider including grilled chicken or chickpeas.- Substitute butternut squash with sweet potatoes for a different flavor profile.- Store leftovers in an airtight container; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.