Creamy Winter Squash & Sausage Penne Delight
Embrace the flavors of winter with this hearty and creamy pasta dish that pairs the sweetness of roasted winter squash with the savory richness of Italian sausage. This recipe is perfect for utilizing any winter squash you have on hand—be it pumpkin, butternut, or acorn. Not only is it a creative way to enjoy leftovers, but its comforting, creamy texture and fragrant herbs make it a family favorite that’s ideal for chilly nights. With simple preparation and cooking steps, you can have dinner ready in no time, delighting both the palate and the spirit in the process.
4
Servings
275
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
uncooked penne pasta
1/2 lb (Cook according to package directions.)
Italian sausages
2 (Remove casings.)
sweet onion
1 cup (Chop.)
garlic cloves
2 (Minced.)
olive oil
2 teaspoons (For sautéing.)
white wine
2/3 cup (For deglazing.)
bay leaves
2 (Whole.)
chicken broth
1 1/2 cups (Use low-sodium if preferred.)
pureed cooked winter squash
1 - 1 1/2 cups (Can be homemade or canned.)
fresh sage
2 tablespoons (Minced, divided.)
ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon
ground nutmeg
1 dash
half-and-half cream
1/4 cup
salt
1/4 teaspoon
pepper
1/4 teaspoon
shredded Romano cheese
1/4 cup
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If using fresh squash, peel, seed, and chop the squash, then toss it with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the pieces on a foil-lined baking sheet and roast for about 30 minutes, or until soft and golden.
2
While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the reserved sausage drippings over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausages (removed from their casings) and cook, breaking them apart with a wooden spoon, until browned. Drain excess fat if necessary and set the sausage aside.
4
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add olive oil. Sauté chopped onion and minced garlic until the onions are translucent and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Pour in the white wine and toss in the bay leaves. Increase heat and bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer for about 8-10 minutes, or until the wine has reduced by half.
6
Stir in chicken broth, pureed winter squash, half of the minced sage, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture simmer gently on low heat for an additional 2-3 minutes to combine flavors.
7
Remove the bay leaves and carefully transfer the sauce to a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth and creamy, then return the sauce to the skillet over low heat.
8
Incorporate the half-and-half, salt, and pepper into the sauce, stirring continuously. Add the cooked sausage and drained pasta to the skillet and mix thoroughly until everything is evenly coated and heated through.
9
To serve, plate the creamy penne and finish with a sprinkle of shredded Romano cheese and the remaining sage on top for a fresh herbal note.
Nutrition Information
7.5g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
10g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary flavor profile of this recipe?
The recipe features a blend of sweet roasted winter squash and savory Italian sausage with a creamy finish.
Which types of winter squash work best?
You can use pumpkin, butternut, or acorn squash for this dish.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Can I use canned squash instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use 1 to 1.5 cups of pureed cooked winter squash, whether homemade or canned.
What temperature should the oven be for roasting squash?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) if you are roasting fresh squash.
What is the recommended pasta for this dish?
The recipe calls for uncooked penne pasta.
How should I prepare the Italian sausages?
Remove the sausages from their casings and brown them in a skillet, breaking them apart as they cook.
What is the purpose of the white wine?
White wine is used for deglazing the pan after sautéing onion and garlic to add depth of flavor.
Which herbs provide the fresh notes in this dish?
Fresh minced sage and bay leaves are used to provide herbal fragrance.
Are there any sweet spices in this savory dish?
Yes, ground cinnamon and a dash of nutmeg are added to complement the squash.
How do I achieve the smooth texture for the sauce?
After simmering the ingredients, remove the bay leaves and blend the sauce in a food processor or blender until creamy.
What kind of cream is used?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream.
What cheese should be sprinkled on top?
Shredded Romano cheese is recommended for the topping.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 275 calories, 7.5g of fat, and 10g of protein.
How much fiber is in a serving?
There are about 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there a specific way to cook the pasta?
Cook the penne according to the package directions until it is al dente.
What should I do with the sausage drippings?
Heat the reserved drippings in the skillet to cook the sausage and add flavor.
How long should I sauté the onion and garlic?
Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic for about 5-7 minutes until translucent and lightly browned.
How much should the white wine be reduced?
Simmer the wine until it has reduced by half, which usually takes 8-10 minutes.
When do I add the half-and-half?
Incorporate the half-and-half into the blended sauce while it is over low heat, stirring continuously.
Can I substitute the Romano cheese?
Yes, Parmesan cheese is a great alternative if Romano is unavailable.
What size should the squash pieces be for roasting?
Peel, seed, and chop the squash into uniform pieces before tossing with oil and roasting.
Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
No, it contains Italian sausage and chicken broth, but you could swap these for plant-based alternatives.
How much chicken broth is required?
The recipe calls for 1.5 cups of chicken broth.
Can I make this recipe in under an hour?
Yes, especially if using pre-pureed squash, the cooking process is quite efficient.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
Each serving has 37.5g of carbohydrates.
Should I use sweet or hot Italian sausage?
The recipe specifies Italian sausages; you can choose sweet or hot based on your spice preference.
How much sage goes into the sauce?
Half of the 2 tablespoons of minced sage goes into the sauce, and the rest is used for garnish.
Is there any salt added?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of salt is added to the sauce, plus salt used for boiling pasta and roasting squash.
What makes this a winter dish?
The use of seasonal winter squash, warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and its hearty, creamy texture make it ideal for cold weather.