Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Mushrooms & Swiss Chard
A warm and easy weeknight dish that blends sweet squash, savory sausage, and leafy greens, perfect for a cozy meal in one pan.
Ingredients
Pasta Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound mild chicken sausage, casings removed
Vegetable Flavoring
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Main Vegetables
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sauce Ingredients
- 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled goat cheese
- 2 cups Swiss chard leaves, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until just tender. Drain and reserve 1 cup of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in the chopped sage, allspice, nutmeg, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Cooking
- Add the butternut squash, onion, mushrooms, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 18 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan cheese. Stir gently over medium-low heat until the sauce becomes creamy and coats the pasta. Add more pasta water if needed.
- Stir in the Swiss chard and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until wilted.
Serving
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with goat cheese and fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Notes
Cut squash into even cubes so it cooks evenly. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness as needed. Use mild chicken sausage or swap for turkey sausage if you prefer. For a richer flavor, finish with a small knob of butter or extra Parmesan.