Irresistible Roasted Acorn Squash Pasta for Cozy Nights
Enjoy a comforting dish of Irresistible Roasted Acorn Squash Pasta, perfect for cozy nights and crowd-pleasing gatherings.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet
- Large skillet
- - Pot
Ingredients
For the Pasta Dish
- 1 medium Acorn Squash Adds natural sweetness and a lovely texture.
- 8 oz Pasta (e.g., bow-tie/farfalle) Cook until al dente.
- 1 lb Smoked Sausage Substitute with vegetarian sausage for a meatless option.
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil Essential for roasting and sautéing.
- 3 cloves Garlic Fresh, always opt for fresh over powdered.
- 6 leaves Fresh Sage Leaves Offers an earthy note.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream Creates a rich, velvety sauce.
- 3 cups Baby Spinach Add at the end to keep vibrant texture.
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese For a finishing touch.
- to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
- to taste Pepper Adjust to taste.
For Serving
- 1 tbsp Red Pepper Flakes Adjust based on your spice preference.
- 2 leaves Additional Sage Leaves For presentation and flavor.
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Prepare the Squash: Halve the acorn squash, scoop out seeds, brush with olive oil, season, and roast for 30 minutes cut side down.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water, add pasta, and cook according to package instructions, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Sausage: In a skillet, heat olive oil, slice and cook the sausage for about 8 minutes until browned.
- Make the Sauce: Scoop the squash flesh into the skillet with sausage, add cream and sage, and stir until combined. Simmer and add spinach until wilted.
- Combine Everything: Toss cooked pasta into the skillet, using reserved water to achieve desired sauce consistency.
- Serve: Plate the dish and finish with red pepper flakes, sage, and Parmesan cheese.
Notes
Consider garnishing with toasted nuts for added crunch and flavor. Store leftovers properly to maintain quality.