Description
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food dish: Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Sausage Penne Delight. This heartwarming recipe perfects the balance of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach, all enveloped in creamy ricotta and tender penne pasta. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making it a superb pick for families on the go or anyone looking to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb box Barilla Penne
- 19 oz package Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Links
- 10 oz package frozen spinach leaves
- 12 oz package frozen butternut squash
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp of each, adjust as desired)
Step-by-step Directions
1. Cook the sausage
Follow the package instructions to cook the Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage. After cooking, allow the sausage to cool for 4-5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the Barilla penne and cook until al dente, approximately 10-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
3. Combine ingredients
In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, combine the cooked pasta, chicken stock, salt, pepper, frozen butternut squash, and frozen spinach. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
4. Add the final touches
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese and sliced sausage. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Allow the dish to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld thoroughly.
Servings & Preparation Time
This recipe serves approximately 4-6 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of approximately 25-30 minutes, making the total time from start to finish around 35-40 minutes.
Tips for Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a microwave or on the stove over medium heat, adding a little water or chicken stock if the dish seems dry.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
The Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Sausage Penne Delight is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that combines wholesome ingredients with rich flavors. Whether you’re looking to warm up on a chilly evening or need a satisfying dinner option that promises to please the whole family, this recipe offers both ease and assurance of delectability. Give it a try tonight, and it might just become a new staple in your culinary repertoire.
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Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Sausage Penne Delight
- Total Time: 5 minute
- Yield: 4-6 people 1x
Description
Welcome to your new favorite comfort food dish: Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Sausage Penne Delight. This heartwarming recipe perfects the balance of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, and nutritious spinach, all enveloped in creamy ricotta and tender penne pasta. Ideal for a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s not only delicious but also straightforward to prepare, making it a superb pick for families on the go or anyone looking to impress with minimal fuss.
Ingredients
- 1 lb box Barilla Penne
- 19 oz package Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Links
- 10 oz package frozen spinach leaves
- 12 oz package frozen butternut squash
- 2 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp of each, adjust as desired)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Follow the package instructions to cook the Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage. After cooking, allow the sausage to cool for 4-5 minutes before slicing it into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the Barilla penne and cook until al dente, approximately 10-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Combine ingredients: In a large sauté pan over medium-low heat, combine the cooked pasta, chicken stock, salt, pepper, frozen butternut squash, and frozen spinach. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through.
- Add the final touches: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the ricotta cheese and sliced sausage. Mix well to combine all ingredients. Allow the dish to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, to let the flavors meld thoroughly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes