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Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage

Savory Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage Delight

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Hearty Orecchiette with Butternut Squash, Kale, and Sausage is a cozy Italian dish that embodies autumn flavors in just 45 minutes.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Orecchiette or shells/elbow macaroni if unavailable
  • 1 tablespoon Kosher Salt or sea salt
For the Sausage Mixture
  • 1 pound Sweet or Hot Italian Sausage turkey sausage can be used
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil or avocado oil
For the Veggies
  • 2 cups Butternut Squash diced; or pumpkin/sweet potato
  • 4 cups Kale chopped; or spinach/Swiss chard
  • 1 teaspoon Chili Powder adjust for heat preference
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly cracked preferred
For the Toppings
  • 1/2 cup Shaved Parmesan Cheese or Pecorino/nutritional yeast for dairy-free

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet

Method
 

Steps
  1. Cook the orecchiette by bringing a large pot of water to a boil, adding a pinch of kosher salt and the orecchiette. Cook until al dente, reserve some pasta water, then drain.
  2. In a skillet, heat olive oil, add sausage, breaking it apart, and brown for about 5-7 minutes until cooked through.
  3. Add diced butternut squash to the skillet with sausage, sprinkle with chili powder and black pepper, and cook for 5-8 minutes until tender.
  4. Fold in chopped kale, cooking for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Add reserved pasta water if needed.
  5. Combine the drained orecchiette with the sausage and vegetable mixture, adding more pasta water for desired creaminess.
  6. Plate the dish, garnish with shaved parmesan, add black pepper if desired, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bowlCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 2500IUVitamin C: 40mgCalcium: 15mgIron: 15mg

Notes

To retain texture, store sauce separately from pasta. Ideal for storing in airtight containers, reusable for freezing.

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