When the crisp autumn breeze starts to sweep in and the leaves paint the world in fiery hues, my kitchen transforms into a warm haven of comfort food. This delicious autumn sausage pasta with butternut squash is my go-to dish for those cozy evenings spent at home. Imagine bow tie pasta tossed with sweet, roasted butternut squash and caramelized Brussels sprouts, all brought together by the savory notes of smoked sausage, enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce.
In less than an hour, you can create a dish that not only satisfies your hunger but also warms your soul. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility—whether you’re feeding a crowd or just enjoying a quiet dinner for one, it adapts effortlessly. Plus, with vegetarian options available, everyone can partake in this autumn delight! Let me share with you how to whip up this comforting meal that embodies the essence of fall in every bite. 🍁🍝
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Why Is It Special?
Comforting warmth: On chilly autumn nights, this dish wraps you in a cozy embrace with every bite.
Quick and easy: In just 55 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, nourishing meal ready for your family or guests.
Versatile flavors: The option to swap ingredients allows for creativity—think spicy sausage or extra veggies for added nutrition.
Rich, savory goodness: The combination of roasted butternut squash and smoked sausage creates a mouthwatering flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
Crowd-pleaser: Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights; this pasta dish will have everyone asking for seconds! Don’t forget to check out helpful tips for making this meal easier.
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Ingredients
• For the Pasta
- Bow Tie Pasta – Serves as the base for this comforting dish; feel free to use any pasta shape you love.
• For the Vegetables
- Butternut Squash – Adds a delightful sweetness and creamy texture; substitute with acorn squash or sweet potatoes if you prefer.
- Brussels Sprouts – Introduces a slightly bitter note to balance the sweetness of the squash; you can swap with broccoli or green beans.
• For the Sausage
- Smoked Sausage – Infuses the dish with deep, savory flavors; consider cajun or andouille for a spicy twist, or use plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version.
• For the Sauce
- Garlic – Elevates the sauce with rich aroma; ensure not to overcook it to avoid bitterness.
- Butter – Adds creaminess, creating a hearty sauce; can be swapped with vegan butter or olive oil for a non-dairy version.
- Smoked Paprika – Offers a subtle smokiness; use regular paprika for a milder flavor.
- Olive Oil – Essential for roasting and sautéing, enhancing the overall flavor; can be replaced with canola or vegetable oil.
• For Garnish
- Fresh Thyme – Imparts a fragrant herbal note to the dish; dried thyme is a suitable substitute when fresh isn’t available.
This delicious autumn sausage pasta squash will not only fill your belly but also bring comfort to your fall evenings! 🍁🍝
How to Make Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your vegetables roast to perfection, bringing out their sweet and savory flavors.
Prepare butternut squash: Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and slightly caramelized.
Roast Brussels sprouts: While the squash is roasting, prepare Brussels sprouts similarly by tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 20-30 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Cook the pasta: In a large pot, cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta, reserving a little of the pasta water for later use.
Brown the sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, brown sliced smoked sausage. Once browned, remove it from the skillet and set aside, allowing the flavors to develop further.
Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, taking care not to overcook it. Once aromatic, add butter and let it melt, creating a rich, flavorful sauce.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked bow tie pasta in the garlic butter sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for that perfect punch of flavor.
Final mix: Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme. Mix everything thoroughly and adjust seasoning based on your taste.
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil before serving for enhanced richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can roast the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts up to 24 hours in advance, allowing their flavors to deepen as they cool. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator for optimal freshness. Similarly, you can also cook the pasta a day ahead, letting it cool completely before tossing it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the vegetables and pasta together in a skillet, adding the browned sausage and garlic butter sauce, and enjoy a comforting meal that tastes just as delicious as if it were made fresh!
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Variations
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs with these exciting variations!
Dairy-Free: Use olive oil instead of butter and swap regular butter for vegan butter. This keeps the creamy texture without any dairy.
Spicy Kick: Incorporate spicy smoked sausage or mix in red pepper flakes for an extra heat dose. This adds a thrilling layer of warmth that spices things up!
Veggie Delight: Replace smoked sausage with extra roasted vegetables or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. Loading it with seasonal veggies enhances health benefits and flavor.
Creamy Version: For a richer sauce, incorporate a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk. This will elevate the dish to a luscious, creamy experience that’s incredibly satisfying.
Grain-Free: Swap bow tie pasta for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash for a low-carb, grain-free alternative. It’s a delightful twist that keeps the dish light and fresh.
Add Nuts: Top with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a crunchy texture. This adds a lovely nutty contrast, making each bite more enjoyable and filling.
Herb Boost: Experiment with fresh herbs such as rosemary or sage instead of thyme for a different aromatic profile. These herbs bring a cozy, earthy essence that beautifully complements the autumn theme.
Seasonal Spin: Consider adding sautéed apples or pears when cooking the veggies. The sweet fruit blends beautifully with the savory flavors, highlighting the essence of fall.
Expert Tips for Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
- Avoid garlic bitterness: Be cautious not to overcook the garlic in the skillet; add it right after browning the sausage to maintain its aromatic quality.
- Perfect pasta texture: Cook the bow tie pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the other ingredients, ensuring the best texture.
- Prep ahead: For an even quicker weeknight meal, roast the vegetables and cook the sausage in advance; store them separately for easy assembly later.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t hesitate to swap in different veggies or sausages; this delicious autumn sausage pasta squash can adapt to your taste preferences.
- Serve with extra richness: Consider drizzling a little olive oil over the final dish or pairing it with crusty bread to soak up the savory garlic butter sauce.
What to Serve with Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?
Create a delightful dining experience alongside this heartwarming pasta dish, perfect for all those cozy autumn evenings.
Light Green Salad: A fresh salad drizzled with vinaigrette balances the richness, offering a wonderful crunch and brightness.
Garlic Bread: Crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for savoring every last drop of the savory garlic butter sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Add extra roasted veggies for a colorful platter that complements the meal’s comforting, earthy flavors.
Apple Crisp: End with a sweet note by serving apple crisp for dessert—its warm spices echo the fall season.
Pumpkin Spice Latte: Pair with warm drinks like a pumpkin spice latte, enhancing the autumn atmosphere of the meal.
Red Wine: A glass of earthy red wine, like Pinot Noir, elevates the meal with its rich notes, enhancing the overall flavors.
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This delicious autumn sausage pasta squash will remain flavorful for your next meal.
Freezer: Freeze portions in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to label them for easy identification later!
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, gently reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture and enhance the flavors.
Make-ahead: For a quicker weeknight dinner, prepare the vegetables and cook the sausage in advance; store separately until ready to combine.
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select ripe butternut squash?
Absolutely! Look for butternut squash that feels heavy for its size, with smooth, tan skin. Avoid any squash with soft spots or dark blemishes, as these indicate spoilage. If you find some with a slightly green discoloration, that’s okay; just choose the one that feels firm to the touch.
How long can I store leftovers of this dish?
You can store leftovers of this delicious autumn sausage pasta squash in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, you can freeze this delicious autumn sausage pasta squash! Portion it into airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving a little space for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
What should I do if the garlic becomes bitter?
Great question! Garlic can become bitter if overcooked, so be mindful of its cooking time. Sauté the minced garlic only until it’s fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute, then immediately add the butter. This technique ensures you get that beloved garlic flavor without the bitterness.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Absolutely! For those with dietary restrictions, this recipe can easily be made vegetarian by substituting smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or by adding more roasted vegetables. Always check for allergies related to specific ingredients like nuts or gluten, especially if you choose a different type of pasta. Feel free to experiment to suit your family’s needs!
How can I make this dish spicier?
If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add hot smoked sausage or sprinkle in some red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference and feel free to taste as you go!
Cozy Up with Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash - Easy to Cook
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Prepare Brussels sprouts by tossing them similarly and roasting for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a little pasta water.
- In a skillet, brown sliced smoked sausage over medium heat, then set aside.
- Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add butter to melt and create a sauce.
- Toss the cooked bow tie pasta in the garlic butter sauce, seasoning to taste.
- Fold in roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Optional: Drizzle with extra olive oil before serving.