Sautéed Butternut Squash and Kale with Spicy Sausage

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty skillet dish combining spicy sausage with tender butternut squash cubes and kale for a flavorful, nutritious dinner. This general-inspired pork (gluten free) ready in about 40 minutes pairs casings removed spicy Italian sausage, stems removed and chopped kale leaves, small, finely chopped yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 25 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 12 oz spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 small finely chopped yellow onion and sauté with the sausage for 3 minutes until softened. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 3 cups diced butternut squash and 3/4 tsp salt, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until squash is tender.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 4 cups chopped kale leaves and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook uncovered for another 4-5 minutes until kale wilts and everything is heated through.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese on top. Toss gently before serving warm.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Butternut Squash and Kale with Spicy Sausage take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (15 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Butternut Squash and Kale with Spicy Sausage?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep minced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Butternut Squash and Kale with Spicy Sausage?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Sautéed Butternut Squash and Kale with Spicy Sausage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Sautéed Butternut Squash and Kale with Spicy Sausage gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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