Pork Pasta

This pork, spinach, and butternut squash pasta is a comforting, balanced meal that feels hearty without being complicated. Roasted squash, crumbled sausage, and a simple cream sauce come together easily and pair well with a basic garden salad. Loved by kiddos and adults alike, this is bound to become a staple recipe in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Pasta:

• 4 1/2 cup dry penne pasta (450 g)

• 5 cup frozen butternut squash (1 bag)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 5 pork sausages (1 lb)

• 85 g spinach (approx. 2/3 of 142g package)

Cream Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic

• 3 cups table cream (18% MF)

• 1 cup parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• salt & pepper

Garden Salad:

• 2 heads lettuce

• 2 medium tomatoes

• 2 cucumber

• Maple Dijon Salad Dressing

Directions

Prep & Garden Salad

1. Preheat oven to 420°F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper. 

2. Fill a medium pot with 12 cups of water, and bring to a boil. 

3. Wash and dry all produce. o Mince garlic. 

   1. Chop spinach into smaller pieces, if desired. 

   2. Roughly chop lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber. 

4. Combine chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl. Add salad dressing. Toss to combine, and set aside. 

5. Line a small bowl with paper towel and set aside for later. 

Pork, Spinach & Butternut Squash Pasta

1. Spread butternut squash across the cookie sheet. Drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil, season with salt & pepper, and bake for 30 minutes. 

2. Add pasta to boiling water, and boil for 8 to 10 minutes. 

3. In frying pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil and cook sausage meat, stirring to crumble. Cook until colour change, juices run clear when meat is pierced, and meat is steaming throughout. Remove meat from pan; set aside in your paper towel-lined bowl. 

4. In the same pan over medium heat, add 1 Tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, and spinach. 

5. Cook until spinach is wilted, then set aside with cooked sausage. 

Cream Sauce:

1. Turn the pan down to medium-low; add heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer, then add paprika and garlic powder. 

2. Slowly add parmesan cheese, stirring constantly, until the texture is consistent, and the cheese is melted. 

   TIP - cooking low and slow is key to a good cheese sauce that is not gritty. Once it simmers, turn the temperature right down and keep stirring!

3. Add cooked sausage, spinach, and squash to the pan. Stir to combine & serve over pasta.