Creamy Rigatoni Butternut Squash (Print)

Tender butternut squash and spicy sausage unite with rigatoni in a creamy Parmesan sauce for dinner.

# Ingredients:

→ Vegetables & Sausage

01 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 - 3 cups peeled and diced butternut squash
03 - 1 small red onion, diced
04 - 12 ounces spicy Italian sausage, casings removed
05 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 - 1 bunch Swiss chard, stems removed and chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
08 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Pasta & Sauce

09 - 8 ounces rigatoni
10 - 1/4 cup crème fraîche
11 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

# Instructions:

01 - Heat olive oil in a large sauté pan over medium heat. Add the diced butternut squash and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and beginning to soften, about 6 to 7 minutes.
02 - Add diced red onion and sauté until softened, approximately 4 minutes. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces, and cook until browned, about 3 minutes.
03 - Stir in minced garlic, chopped Swiss chard, and red chili flakes. Cook until the Swiss chard wilts, about 3 minutes. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat.
04 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rigatoni and cook until al dente, approximately 8 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water before draining.
05 - Add drained rigatoni to the sausage and vegetable mixture. Pour in reserved pasta water, crème fraîche, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir to coat evenly and cook for 1 to 2 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • One pot meal
  • Balanced savory creamy and spicy flavors
02 -
  • Do not overcook the butternut squash it should be just tender before combining
  • Reserve extra pasta water to loosen the sauce if desired
03 -
  • Do not overcook the butternut squash to keep texture perfect
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency easily
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