One pot meals make for quick, easy, and affordable cooking. This One Pot Butternut Squash and Sausage Pasta recipe uses a minimal amount of basic ingredients and only requires about 30 minutes of cook time. For a comforting yet healthful meal, this pasta is a real winner!
Things You’ll Need
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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½ yellow onion, finely chopped
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6 cloves garlic, minced
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½ butternut squash, peeled and chopped (about 3 cups)
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4 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
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¼ cup dry white wine
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1(12-ounce) package penne pasta
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2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon sea salt
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1 (12-ounce) package pre-cooked chicken Italian sausage, sliced
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5 ounces baby spinach
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1 ½ cups Gruyere or Parmesan cheese, grated
Tip
- Be sure to use pre-cooked sausage to keep the recipe simple and also eliminate any need for another pan for cooking.
- Use any type of cheese in this recipe – Parmesan, Gruyere, or Gouda are recommended.
- Replace the butternut squash with any winter squash or even sweet potato.
- Substitute kale for spinach.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free penne noodles.
Step 1: Cook the Vegetables
Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium-high, and add the chopped onion. Saute, stirring frequently, until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the butternut squash and garlic and cover. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally for 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add the Liquid and Pasta
Add the broth, white wine, Italian seasoning and sea salt to the pot with the veggies and bring to a full boil. Add the pasta and return to a boil. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid is absorbed, about 12 to 14 minutes.
Step 3: Add the Spinach, Sausage, and Cheese
Once much of the liquid has been absorbed by the noodles, add the spinach and sliced pre-cooked sausage, and gently stir into the pasta until wilted.
Add the grated cheese and gently stir into the pasta until the cheese has melted and a thick, creamy sauce results.
Step 4: Serve!
Taste the pasta for flavor and if necessary, add more sea salt and any fresh herbs if desired. Serve heaping plates with freshly grated Parmesan and enjoy.
