This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Barilla® and Johnsonville®. The opinions and texts are all mine.

Welcome to your new favorite fall tradition! This incredible recipe for Creamy Butternut Squash, Spinach, and Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Penne is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of autumn flavors, all wrapped up in a dish that’s incredibly easy, wonderfully flavorful, and surprisingly inexpensive. Imagine tender Barilla penne pasta coated in a luscious, naturally sweet butternut squash sauce, complemented by savory Italian sausage, fresh spinach, and creamy ricotta cheese. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty meal that truly warms you from the inside out, making it absolutely perfect for those crisp fall evenings.

If your dinner rotation often feels like a broken record, get ready for a delightful new hit! I am beyond excited to share this simple yet sophisticated dish that brings so much joy and warmth to the table. It’s truly a testament to how fantastic fall flavors can be when combined with quality ingredients and a straightforward cooking process. Seriously, I’m practically gushing about a dinner recipe, and for good reason—it’s genuinely that good and destined to become a weekly staple in your home throughout the season.

Creamy Butternut Squash, Spinach & Johnsonville Sausage Penne: Your Go-To Fall Dinner

What makes this Butternut Squash, Spinach, and Sausage Penne so captivating? Beyond its utterly delicious taste, it’s an incredibly simple and budget-friendly meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor or satisfaction. Picture this: a wholesome, family-sized dinner that can feed everyone comfortably for less than $10. In today’s world, finding such a delicious and economical option is truly a win for any home chef navigating the demands of busy weeknights.

This dish masterfully blends convenience with gourmet appeal. The preparation is surprisingly quick, making it ideal for those evenings when time is short but you still crave something homemade and nourishing. The ingredients are readily available at your local grocery store, especially Kroger retailers, making shopping a breeze. This recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a smart choice for delicious, fuss-free dining that will impress your family and friends without breaking the bank.

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Fall Feast

The magic of this Butternut Squash and Sausage Penne lies in a few star ingredients that come together to create a symphony of flavors and textures. Each component plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout:

1. Barilla Penne Pasta: The Foundation of Flavor

Barilla Blue Box Pasta is an absolute pantry essential in our kitchen, and for excellent reasons. Renowned as Italy’s #1 pasta brand, Barilla consistently delivers exceptional quality, ensuring a perfect al dente bite every time. Penne, with its cylindrical shape and ridges, is an ideal choice for this recipe as it expertly captures and holds the creamy butternut squash sauce and flavorful bits of sausage and spinach. This ensures every mouthful is packed with all the delicious elements of the dish. Barilla’s commitment to quality pasta means your meal starts with the very best foundation, making it quick to cook and consistently delicious.

2. Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage: The Savory Heart

Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Links are simply incredibly tasty and transform this pasta dish from good to extraordinary. While we often opt for ground turkey in our cooking, these sausage links provide a fantastic flavor swap, introducing a rich, savory depth that perfectly complements the sweetness of the butternut squash. They are remarkably easy to cook, making meal prep a breeze for any busy weeknight. Beyond their incredible taste, Johnsonville sausages are a great source of protein, adding a satisfying and hearty element to the meal. Their mild seasoning profile ensures a wide appeal, making this dish a hit even with picky eaters.

3. Butternut Squash & Spinach: The Creamy, Nutritious Duo

The combination of butternut squash and spinach is where this dish truly shines, contributing both incredible flavor and essential nutrients. The butternut squash, when cooked down, adds an amazing natural sweetness and a velvety creaminess that almost acts as a luxurious sauce. Its smooth texture creates a comforting base that beautifully coats the pasta. Paired with fresh or frozen spinach, which wilts into the sauce, you get an added layer of earthiness, vibrant color, and a boost of vitamins and minerals. This dynamic duo not only tastes fantastic but also makes the meal more wholesome and balanced.

4. Ricotta Cheese: The Unsung Hero of Creaminess

Ricotta cheese plays a pivotal role in achieving the dish’s irresistible creaminess and binding all the flavors together. When stirred into the hot pasta and sauce, it melts slightly, creating a smooth, luscious texture that elevates the entire experience. It adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the sausage and the sweetness of the squash, contributing to a truly harmonious and indulgent flavor profile without being overly heavy.

5. Chicken Stock: The Flavor Enhancer

Chicken stock is the essential liquid base that brings all the ingredients together, infusing the dish with an extra layer of savory flavor. It helps create the creamy sauce, ensuring that the pasta is moist and flavorful from the first bite to the last. Using chicken stock instead of just water adds depth and richness, making the overall dish more satisfying and complex.

All these fantastic Barilla and Johnsonville products, along with the other fresh ingredients for this recipe, are conveniently available at your local Kroger retailer. Stock up and get ready to create a memorable fall dinner!

Crafting Your Perfect Fall Pasta: Tips for Success

While this recipe is designed for simplicity, a few tips can help ensure your Butternut Squash, Spinach, and Sausage Penne turns out perfectly every time:

Sausage Slicing: After cooking the Johnsonville Italian sausage links, allow them to cool for a few minutes before slicing. This makes them easier to handle and helps them retain their juicy texture. You can slice them into rounds or crumble them, depending on your preference for texture in the final dish.
Al Dente Perfection: Cook the Barilla penne pasta according to package directions, aiming for al dente. This means the pasta is firm to the bite, which is crucial for absorbing the sauce without becoming mushy.
Butternut Squash Shortcuts: Using pre-cubed frozen butternut squash significantly cuts down on prep time. If using fresh, ensure it’s cooked until tender before adding it to the pasta mixture. Roasting fresh butternut squash beforehand can add an even deeper, caramelized flavor.
Spinach Power: Frozen spinach is convenient and works wonderfully here. Just make sure to squeeze out any excess water after thawing to prevent diluting the sauce. If using fresh spinach, add it in batches as it wilts down quickly.
Season to Taste: The recipe suggests starting with half a teaspoon of salt and pepper, but feel free to adjust this to your liking. Taste the sauce before adding the ricotta and sausage to ensure it has the perfect balance of seasoning.
Gentle Simmering: The final simmer allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even heating, but avoid overcooking the pasta at this stage.

Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

This Butternut Squash, Spinach, and Sausage Penne is hearty enough to be a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a simple side salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, a crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few ways to customize this recipe:

Spice It Up: If you prefer a bit of heat, use Johnsonville Hot Italian Sausage instead of mild, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the chicken stock.
Herbaceous Additions: Fresh sage, thyme, or rosemary would complement the fall flavors beautifully. Add them along with the spinach.
Cheese, Please: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or Pecorino Romano before serving would add an extra layer of salty, umami goodness.
Veggie Boost: Feel free to toss in other fall vegetables like chopped kale, mushrooms, or even roasted Brussels sprouts during the simmering stage.
Protein Swaps: While the Italian sausage is stellar, you could experiment with ground chicken, turkey, or even chickpeas for a vegetarian version (omitting sausage entirely and perhaps adding smoked paprika for depth).
Creaminess Factor: For an even richer sauce, a splash of heavy cream or a tablespoon of cream cheese can be added along with the ricotta.

No matter how you choose to serve or customize it, this dish promises to deliver a satisfying and memorable dining experience that captures the essence of fall.

Butternut Squash, Spinach, & Sausage Penne

Prep:

10 minutes

This easy fall dinner recipe is filled with Johnsonville mild Italian sausage, creamy butternut squash, spinach, ricotta cheese, and Barilla penne pasta to make a flavorful, inexpensive, and easy meal!

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Ingredients

▢ 1 1lb box Barilla Penne
▢ 1 19 oz package Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage Links
▢ 1 10 oz package spinach leaves, frozen
▢ 1 12 oz package butternut squash, frozen
▢ 2 cups chicken stock
▢ 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
▢ salt and pepper to taste (I used about 1/2 tsp of each in the dish–you can use more or less depending upon your preference)

Instructions

Cook Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage according to the directions on the package. Once cooked, allow to cool about 4-5 minutes before slicing.
Bring a large pot filled with salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add in Barilla pasta, and cook until al dente, about 10-11 minutes (according to the package directions). Drain water from pasta.
In a large saute pan over med-low heat, mix pasta, chicken stock, salt, pepper, butternut squash, and spinach together. Allow to cook, stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and add in ricotta cheese and sausage, stirring until combined. Allow to simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Serve immediately.
Enjoy!

The nutrition facts provided are calculated using a third-party tool and are estimates only. Actual nutritional content may vary based on the ingredients and brands you use, as well as portion sizes. For accurate results, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.

Make sure to tag me on Instagram and leave a rating below and let me know how it turned out!

Why This Recipe is a Fall Must-Make

This Butternut Squash, Spinach, and Sausage Penne isn’t just a recipe; it’s a solution for effortless, delicious, and budget-friendly fall dining. Its harmonious blend of sweet butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and creamy ricotta creates a robust flavor profile that is both sophisticated and incredibly comforting. The use of Barilla penne ensures a consistently perfect pasta base, while Johnsonville Mild Italian Sausage provides that irresistible meaty depth. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the cozy moments of the season with loved ones.

Whether you’re hosting a small get-together, feeding a hungry family, or simply looking for a new weeknight staple, this dish delivers on all fronts. It’s a meal that celebrates the bounty of autumn, packed with nourishing ingredients and bursting with flavor. I wholeheartedly encourage you to try this recipe and experience the joy of a truly great fall dinner. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why it’s become a cherished favorite and a dish I’m immensely proud to share!

So, gather your ingredients, head to your local Kroger, and get ready to fall in love with this unforgettable pasta creation. Don’t forget to connect with me on Instagram to share your culinary triumphs!