Description
A comforting pasta dish that combines the rich flavors of mild Italian sausage, butternut squash, and fragrant herbs, perfect for a cozy autumn meal.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces mini penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound mild Italian sausage, removed from casings
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, minced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or vermouth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it into pieces. Stir in sage, allspice, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned, about 6 minutes.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Add butternut squash, onion, and garlic to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until vegetables start to soften, about 2-3 minutes. Pour in white wine, cover, and reduce heat. Simmer until squash is tender, about 18-20 minutes.
- Prepare the Pasta: In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook penne until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
- Combine and Finish: Add drained pasta to the skillet. Pour in reserved pasta water and Parmesan cheese. Stir over medium-low heat until creamy, about 1-2 minutes. Adjust seasoning.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and crumbled goat cheese before serving warm.
Notes
- You can substitute other types of pasta if mini penne is not available.
- Adjust the level of red pepper flakes to your heat preference.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 60mg