Sausage and butternut squash skillet penne
Discover a hearty and delicious Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet Penne recipe! Combining savory Vienna sausage, tender butternut squash, and whole-wheat pasta with a medley of fresh spinach, aromatic sage, and two types of cheese, this one-pot dish makes for a perfect cozy dinner any night of the week. Easy to prepare and packed with flavor, it's a wholesome meal the entire family will love.
Cook time 35 min
Prep time 15 min
Ingredients:
1/4 cup onion2 garlic cloves
16 oz vienna sausage
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
5.50 cups chicken broth
12 oz whole-wheat pasta
3 cups squash
3 cups spinach
1 tsp sage
1 cup mozzarella cheese
1 dash salt
1 dash black pepper
5 tbsp grated parmesan cheese
Delight your taste buds with this hearty and nutritious Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet Penne. This recipe combines the savory flavors of Vienna sausage, the sweetness of butternut squash, and the creamy textures of mozzarella and parmesan cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is not only packed with flavor but also nutritionally balanced thanks to the whole-wheat pasta and fresh spinach.
Instructions:
- Finely chop the onion and mince the garlic cloves.
- Slice the Vienna sausage into bite-sized pieces.
- Cube the butternut squash if not pre-cubed.
- Roughly chop the fresh spinach.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the sliced Vienna sausage to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned.
- Pour in the chicken broth and add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet.
- Increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.
- Stir in the whole-wheat pasta, ensuring it is submerged in the broth.
- Reduce the heat to a medium simmer.
- Sprinkle in 1/2 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of black pepper, and 1 tsp of dried sage.
- Let the mixture simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, for about 10-12 minutes or until the pasta is al dente and the squash is tender.
- Once the pasta and squash are cooked, stir in the chopped spinach.
- Allow the spinach to wilt in the hot mixture, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and well combined.
6. Final Seasoning:
- Taste the mixture and add a dash of salt and black pepper for final seasoning, if needed.
- Divide the skillet penne into bowls or plates.
- Sprinkle each serving with a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese.
8. Enjoy:
- Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet Penne!
Tips:
- Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop the onion, garlic, and butternut squash in advance to streamline the cooking process. Having everything ready to go will make cooking more enjoyable and efficient.
- Use Fresh Spinach: For the best flavor and texture, use fresh spinach instead of frozen. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
- Maintain a Simmer: When cooking the pasta in the skillet with the broth, maintain a gentle simmer. Cooking the pasta too rapidly can result in uneven cooking or a mushy texture.
- Season to Taste: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The addition of mozzarella and parmesan can alter the saltiness of the final dish.
- Use High-Quality Sausage: For the best flavor, opt for high-quality Vienna sausage. This will significantly enhance the overall taste of the dish.
By following these steps, you will create a delicious and comforting Sausage and Butternut Squash Skillet Penne that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of savory sausage, sweet butternut squash, and melty cheeses makes this dish irresistibly tasty and perfect for any night of the week. Enjoy this nutritious and satisfying meal!
Nutrition per serving
6 ServingsCalories 380kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 27g
Fiber 4.59g
Sugar 3.77g
Fat 20g
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