Butternut Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Spinach

I made this delicious pasta dish last night for dinner and it was so easy to make. Everyone loved it and it is a very healthy meal that you can feel good about eating.

I love any type of pasta dish, but this one is extra special because it is smothered in a rich butternut squash sauce. It tastes decadent and sinful, but it is very low fat and nutritious.

This dish is a must make on a busy night. It is made with simple and fresh ingredients and includes all of the food groups of a well balanced meal. I hope you enjoy!

 

Butternut Pasta with Chicken Sausage and Spinach:

(original recipe from: http://www.skinnytaste.com)

4 links spicy chicken sausage

1 pound butternut squash, peeled and diced

1 tablespoon butter

10 ounces whole wheat fusili

1 shallot, minced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 cups baby spinach, chopped

2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated

salt and pepper

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the butternut squash. Cook until tender and transfer to a blender and blend until smooth. Add the pasta to the same pot of boiling water and cook until al dente. Reserve one cup of the pasta water, drain and set aside.
2. In the pot you cooked the pasta in, turn the heat to medium high and add the sausage. Break up with your wooden spoon and cook until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. Melt the butter in the same pot and add the shallot and garlic. Saute for about 5 minutes. Add the butternut squash and season with salt and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add some of the pasta water to thin it out to your liking.
4. Stir in the spinach, pasta and sausage and cook for a few minutes, until the spinach is wilted and everything is heated through. Stir in the parmesan cheese and serve.