The aroma of roasted butternut squash fills the air, heralding the arrival of autumn. As the leaves turn and temperatures drop, I find comfort in savory dishes that warm both heart and soul. One of my go-to favorites is this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, where sweet, caramelized squash pairs perfectly with hearty smoked sausage and vibrant Brussels sprouts. Not only is this dish a cozy weeknight solution, but it also comes together in just 25 minutes, making it a true lifesaver during busy fall evenings. What’s even better? It’s versatile enough that you can easily swap in different types of sausages or veggies, giving you a fresh twist each time. Ready to dive into a bowl of this delicious fall goodness? Let’s create some magic in the kitchen! Why is Sausage Pasta Squash a Must-Try? Cozy Comfort Food: This dish is the epitome of fall comfort, blending sweet butternut squash with savory, smoky sausage that warms you from the inside out. Quick & Easy: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up a nourishing meal that satisfies even the busiest weeknight schedules, just like my popular One Pot Pasta. Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in different sausage varieties or seasonal veggies, making it a delightful canvas for your culinary creativity. Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, the components can be made ahead and stored, just like my hearty Butternut Squash Soup for a warm treat anytime. Family-Friendly: Everyone will enjoy the balance of textures and flavors in this dish, making it a surefire hit for family dinners! Sausage Pasta Squash Ingredients For the Pasta and Vegetables • Butternut Squash – Provides a natural sweetness and velvety texture; feel free to substitute with acorn squash or sweet potatoes for a new twist. • Bow Tie Pasta – Serves as the heart of the dish; choose any pasta shape you love, including gluten-free options for dietary needs. • Brussels Sprouts – Adds a delightful crunch and earthy flavor; consider replacing with kale or green beans for a different bite. For the Sausage and Flavor • Cooked Smoked Sausage – Enhances the dish with a savory, smoky flavor; options like Cajun or vegetarian sausage work well too! • Garlic – Infuses rich flavor into the dish; be careful not to overcook it to prevent bitterness. • Smoked Paprika – Elevates the smoky flavor profile; if unavailable, regular paprika can be used as a substitute. • Fresh Thyme – Adds a lovely aromatic touch; dried thyme can work if fresh isn’t at hand. For Richness • Olive Oil – Essential for roasting and sautéing, enhancing all the flavors; avocado oil is a fine substitute if needed. • Butter – Creates a creamy richness in the sauce; vegan butter or olive oil can replace it for a lighter option. This Sausage Pasta Squash dish is not just a meal; it’s a cozy embrace on a chilly autumn evening! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Sausage Pasta Squash Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Vegetables Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C (390°F). While it’s heating, peel and cube the butternut squash. In a large bowl, toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper until well-coated. Spread the squash evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized at the edges. Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts While the butternut squash roasts, prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving them. Place the halves on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then toss to coat. Roast for 20-30 minutes, turning halfway, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside, adding incredible texture to your Sausage Pasta Squash. Step 3: Cook the Pasta As the vegetables roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about a cup of the pasta water for later. This starchy water will help create a smooth sauce. Step 4: Brown the Sausage In a large skillet over medium heat, add the sliced smoked sausage. Cook the sausage slices for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are golden brown and heated through. Once done, transfer them to a plate and set aside, allowing the flavorful fat to remain in the skillet for the next step. Step 5: Sauté the Garlic Using the same skillet on medium heat, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently until fragrant and just golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can add bitterness to your Sausage Pasta Squash. Once aromatic, add the butter and let it melt, combining with the garlic to create a rich sauce. Step 6: Combine Ingredients To the skillet, add the cooked pasta, remaining sausage, roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme. Gently toss everything together for about 2-3 minutes until well combined and heated through. If the mixture appears dry, gradually add some reserved pasta water to achieve your desired creaminess. Step 7: Season and Serve Once everything is combined, taste and season with additional salt and pepper as needed. Remove the skillet from the heat, and allow the flavors to meld together for a minute. Serve the Sausage Pasta Squash warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired, and enjoy the comforting flavors of fall! What to Serve with Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash The cozy, rich flavors of this dish invite you to create a comforting fall meal that warms the heart. Garlic Bread: Crisp, buttery garlic bread adds a crunchy complement to the creamy pasta, perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce. Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with tangy vinaigrette offers a light contrast, balancing the richness of the sausage and squash. Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized carrots and parsnips enhance the autumn theme and add a sweet earthiness to your meal. Creamy Tomato Soup: This classic soup provides a warm, comforting addition, harmonizing beautifully with the savory flavors of the pasta. Crispy Brussels Sprouts Chips: Think of these as a crunchy sidekick, echoing the Brussels sprouts in the dish while adding delightful texture. Apple Crisp: Finish off the meal with a warm apple crisp; its sweet and spicy flavors capture the essence of autumn and will give your dessert table a charming touch! Spiced Apple Cider: Serve warm spiced apple cider alongside for a drink that wraps you in cozy fall vibes, enhancing the meal’s comforting feel. Pumpkin Spice Latte: An autumn favorite, this drink pairs excellently with the flavors of the season while adding a delightful twist to your gathering. Make Ahead Options These Sausage Pasta Squash ingredients are perfect for those busy weeknights, allowing you to prep in advance and save time! You can roast the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate them in airtight containers to maintain their delicious flavors (this prevents sogginess). The cooked sausage can also be prepped in advance and stored separately. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the veggies and sausage in a skillet, toss in the cooked pasta, and add the sautéed garlic and butter mix for a quick and satisfying meal that’s just as flavorful and comforting as if prepared fresh! How to Store and Freeze Sausage Pasta Squash Fridge: Store any leftovers of your Sausage Pasta Squash in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to preserve texture. Freezer: If you want to save your dish longer, freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Be sure to cool it completely before freezing to maintain quality. Reheating: For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to revive the creamy sauce. Meal Prep Tip: Feel free to store roasted ingredients separately to make reheating faster and maintain each ingredient’s individual flavors. Expert Tips for Sausage Pasta Squash Avoid Overcooked Garlic: Ensure garlic is sautéed just until fragrant to prevent any bitterness. Overcooking can ruin the flavor of your Sausage Pasta Squash. Perfect Your Pasta: Cook your pasta al dente since it will continue to soften when mixed with the residual heat of the sauce and vegetables. Prep Ahead: Roasted vegetables can be stored separately for 3-4 days, making meal prep quick and effortless during busy weeks. Use Starchy Water: Don’t forget to reserve some pasta cooking water! Adding it when mixing will help create a creamy sauce for your Sausage Pasta Squash. Season to Taste: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving. A little extra salt or pepper can enhance the dish’s overall flavor profile. Sausage Pasta Squash Variations & Substitutions Feel free to tailor this delightful dish to your tastes and dietary preferences; the options are endless! Spicy Twist: Substitute smoked sausage with spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick. This will elevate the flavor and warmth of your dish in every bite. Vegetarian Delight: Opt for plant-based sausage or roasted chickpeas to make this dish vegetarian-friendly, bringing in hearty protein without sacrificing any flavor. Creamy Variation: Add a splash of cream or a dollop of ricotta cheese for a richer sauce that enhances the overall creaminess of your Sausage Pasta Squash. Seasonal Swap: Use seasonal veggies like pumpkin or roasted carrots for a different autumnal flavor profile. The earthiness will complement the sweetness of the squash beautifully. Cheesy Goodness: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or crumbled feta on top before serving for a delightful cheesy addition that pairs so well with the buttery sauce. Noodle Fun: Feel free to switch up your pasta! Spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash can be a fabulous low-carb substitute, maintaining lightness in the dish. Flavor Booster: Adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a sprinkle of lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors, creating a refreshing contrast to the rich elements of the dish. Herb Variations: Experiment with herbs like rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic backbone, contributing a lovely fragrance and flavor to your meal. By playing with these variations, you can discover your favorite take on this warm, cozy dish. Whether you opt for a Chicken Fajita Pasta or a comforting Cajun Pasta Sausage, this recipe is designed to adapt and shine in your kitchen! Sausage Pasta Squash Recipe FAQs What type of butternut squash is best for this recipe? Absolutely! Look for butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, with a smooth, firm skin. Avoid any with dark spots or soft areas, as these may be overripe. If you can’t find butternut, you can easily substitute acorn squash or sweet potatoes for a delicious variation. How should I store leftover Sausage Pasta Squash? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water to help maintain the creamy texture while warming it gently on the stovetop. Can I freeze Sausage Pasta Squash? Yes, you can freeze it! Allow the dish to cool completely, then divide it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will retain its quality for up to 3 months. For reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on low heat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water as needed to bring it back to life. What should I do if my garlic burns while sautéing? Oh no! If your garlic burns, it’s best to start over. Caramelized garlic provides flavor, while burnt garlic can ruin the dish. Next time, sauté over a lower flame and keep a close eye on it; it should only take 1-2 minutes to achieve that lovely golden aroma! Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians? Very! You can easily adapt it by substituting the smoked sausage with a vegetarian option. Furthermore, feel free to increase the amount of roasted vegetables for added nutrition and flavor, making this a comforting meal that everyone can enjoy! Can I add more vegetables to this dish? The more, the merrier! You can definitely add additional seasonal vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach to enhance the flavors and colors. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so add denser vegetables earlier to ensure they cook through. Sausage Pasta Squash: Cozy Fall Comfort in 25 Minutes Sausage Pasta Squash is a warm and comforting fall dish combining sweet butternut squash, hearty sausage, and vibrant Brussels sprouts. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 25 minutes minsTotal Time 25 minutes mins Servings: 4 servingsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 400 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pasta and Vegetables1 medium Butternut Squash peeled and cubed8 oz Bow Tie Pasta or any pasta shape2 cups Brussels Sprouts trimmed and halvedFor the Sausage and Flavor12 oz Cooked Smoked Sausage sliced3 cloves Garlic minced1 tsp Smoked Paprika or regular paprika1 tsp Fresh Thyme or dried thymeFor Richness2 tbsp Olive Oil or avocado oil2 tbsp Butter or vegan butter Equipment ovenlarge bowlbaking sheetLarge potskillet Method Cooking InstructionsPreheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then toss in a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving. Place on a separate baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast for 20-30 minutes until golden and crispy.Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente (about 8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving about a cup of the pasta water.In a skillet over medium heat, add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Set aside, leaving the fat in the skillet.In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add butter, letting it melt to create a rich sauce.Add cooked pasta, sausage, roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, smoked paprika, and thyme to the skillet. Toss gently for 2-3 minutes, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.Season to taste with salt and pepper, then serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired. Nutrition Serving: 1servingCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 12000IUVitamin C: 50mgCalcium: 80mgIron: 3mg NotesThis dish can be customized with different sausages or vegetables. Roasted veggies can be stored separately for easy reheating. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
