As the leaves begin to turn and the air becomes crisp, I’m always on the lookout for a cozy, comforting dish that encapsulates the essence of fall. One day, as I rummaged through my pantry, inspiration struck: Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta. Imagine tender butternut squash perfectly caramelized and nutty Brussels sprouts mingling with crispy bacon, all enveloped in a light, savory sauce. This pasta dish effortlessly marries rich autumn flavors with a healthy twist, making it the ideal antidote to mundane weeknight dinners.
Best of all, it comes together in just 50 minutes, giving you plenty of time to savor each delicious bite. Not only is this recipe quick and easy, but it also allows room for creativity—swap in turkey sausage for a lighter option or toss in different seasonal veggies. Trust me, whether you’re preparing a family meal or hosting friends, this dish will be the star of the table, effortlessly making everyone feel at home.
Why choose Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta?
Simplicity at Its Best: This dish comes together with minimal effort, perfect for busy weeknights.
Rich, Savory Flavor: Enjoy the delightful blend of roasted vegetables and crispy bacon, creating a taste that captures the essence of fall.
Healthy Twist: Light on cream yet packed with vibrant, fresh ingredients, it keeps comfort food guilt-free.
Versatile Options: Easily swap bacon for ground turkey sausage or add seasonal veggies, making this pasta adaptable to your pantry.
Crowd Pleaser: Ideal for family dinners or entertaining guests, everyone will appreciate this deliciously hearty meal!
Quick Cooking: Ready in just 50 minutes, this recipe gives you time to relish each bite, enticing your taste buds and warming your heart.
Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta
• Prepare to bring the flavors of fall to your table with these essential ingredients!
For the Pasta Dish
- Bacon – Provides richness and a savory kick; for a leaner option, substitute with ground turkey sausage.
- Butternut Squash – Adds a natural sweetness and creamy texture; ensure cubes are uniform for even cooking.
- Brussels Sprouts – Offers a delightful nutty flavor; halving ensures they roast evenly and achieve great caramelization.
- Shallots – Contribute a mild sweetness to the dish; diced onions work as a substitute if shallots aren’t available.
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Vital for enhancing flavors; adjust to your taste preference.
- Pasta (Rigatoni, Penne, or Farfalle) – The hearty base of the dish; select your favorite shape for an enjoyable texture.
- Olive Oil – Required for roasting and sautéing; extra virgin olive oil is best for added flavor.
- Garlic – Infuses the dish with aromatic goodness; fresh minced garlic is recommended for optimal flavor.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Introduces a mild heat; adjust based on your spice tolerance preferences.
- Lemon Juice – Brightens the dish perfectly; using freshly squeezed juice enhances flavor over bottled substitutes.
- Parmesan Cheese – Provides a creamy, salty element; use freshly grated for the best melt and flavor.
- Fresh Thyme Leaves – Impart a lovely herbaceous note; dried thyme can be used in smaller amounts for convenience.
How to Make Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta
Preheat oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat will help caramelize the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts beautifully.
Prepare vegetables: On a large baking sheet, combine chopped bacon, uniform cubes of butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, and toss everything together to coat.
Roast vegetables: Place the baking sheet in the oven and roast for 10 minutes. Afterward, give the veggies a toss and continue roasting for an additional 10-15 minutes until everything is tender and caramelized, enjoying that wonderful aroma!
Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook your favorite pasta (like rigatoni, penne, or farfalle) according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve 1 cup of that precious pasta water before draining!
Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant—this will add a delightful aroma to your dish.
Combine ingredients: Add the roasted vegetables and crispy bacon to the skillet, along with the drained pasta, freshly grated parmesan cheese, fresh thyme leaves, and the bright squeeze of lemon juice. Mix everything well to combine those lovely flavors!
Create sauce: Pour in your reserved pasta water, starting with ½ cup. Toss everything together until a light sauce forms. If the mixture feels too dry, add more pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Adjust seasoning: Before serving, take a moment to taste your creation. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary, and serve topped with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese for that finishing touch.
Optional: Garnish with additional fresh thyme leaves for a pop of color and flavor!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta?
Complete your fall-inspired meal with these delightful pairings.
Garlic Bread: The crunchy texture and buttery flavor complement the savory sauce beautifully, perfect for mopping up every bite.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh mix of greens with a tangy vinaigrette adds brightness to the meal, balancing the hearty pasta perfectly.
Autumn Roasted Vegetables: Enhance the fall theme with a medley of root vegetables, their natural sweetness echoing the butternut squash in your dish.
Crispy Brussels Sprouts: Elevate your experience by serving crispy Brussels sprouts on the side, intensifying that lovely nutty flavor in every bite.
Apple Cider: A refreshing glass of apple cider provides a sweet contrast to the savory dish, making for a cozy fall beverage choice.
Pumpkin Cheesecake: End on a sweet note with a slice of pumpkin cheesecake, echoing the flavors of fall and providing a creamy finish to your comforting meal.
Make Ahead Options
This Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta is perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, and cook the bacon up to 3 days in advance, then store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. To keep the vegetables fresh and avoid browning, consider tossing them with a little olive oil before storing. On the day you plan to serve, just roast the prepped veggies and bacon, cook your pasta, and combine with the sautéed garlic, lemon juice, and parmesan. This will save you time while ensuring your dish tastes just as delicious as if it were freshly made!
Variations & Substitutions for Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta
Feel free to tailor this dish to your liking and experience the delightful surprises it brings!
- Ground Turkey Sausage: Swap bacon for ground turkey sausage for a lighter, yet still savory option. This gives a ton of flavor without all the calories!
- Different Pasta Shapes: Experiment with various pasta shapes like bowties or zoodles for a fun twist. Each shape enhances the texture and holds onto the sauce differently.
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the bacon and replace it with chickpeas for a protein-packed vegetarian version. You’ll still relish those beautiful autumn flavors.
- Seasonal Veggies: Substitute the butternut squash with sweet potatoes or roasted carrots for added sweetness and different textures throughout the dish.
- Creamy Variation: Add a splash of unsweetened coconut cream for a decadent, creamy twist without the heaviness of traditional cream sauces. The flavor complements the earthy vegetables wonderfully!
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh basil or parsley instead of thyme for a fresh herbaceous note that brightens each bite.
- Nutty Crunch: Top your pasta with toasted pine nuts or walnuts for an additional layer of flavor and an enjoyable crunch, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
- Spice Up: Boost the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to cater to your spicy palate. Together with the savory components, it’ll create an exciting flavor explosion!
How to Store and Freeze Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making for delicious reheats!
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta in individual portions in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating: To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out, ensuring that your Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta stays flavorful.
Texture Tips: Reheated pasta may lose some texture; consider adding a few fresh veggies or extra parmesan before serving for that just-made taste!
Expert Tips for Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta
Crispy Vegetables: Reserve half of the roasted veggies and add them just before serving to keep a delightful crunch in your dish.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Always opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice over bottled. It brightens and elevates the flavors of your Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta significantly.
Perfecting Pasta: Ensure your pasta is cooked al dente. This way, it’ll retain its shape and texture when combined with the sauce, keeping each bite satisfying.
Adjusting Sauce Consistency: Start with ½ cup of reserved pasta water, adding more as needed. This will help you achieve that ideal saucy texture without making it too heavy.
Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to play with fresh herbs. If you don’t have thyme, basil or parsley can also add a fresh twist to this hearty dish.
Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta Recipe FAQs
How do I choose ripe butternut squash?
Look for butternut squash that has a hard, smooth skin and a deep tan color. Avoid any with soft spots or blemishes. A squash that’s too light may not be ripe, while an overly soft one could be past its prime.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Absolutely! Store Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This not only keeps it fresh but allows the flavors to continue to develop. When reheating, add a splash of broth or water if it appears dry to restore moisture.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
Yes, you can! To freeze, portion the pasta into airtight containers and store for up to 3 months. For best results, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Gently warm it on the stovetop, adding a little broth or water to maintain that creamy texture.
What if my pasta absorbs too much sauce?
No worries! If the pasta seems dry, simply add a bit of the reserved pasta water as you reheat it. Start with ¼ cup at a time, mixing until you achieve that perfect saucy consistency without it becoming too heavy.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Great question! This pasta is naturally gluten-free if you choose gluten-free pasta options. Always check ingredient labels on products, especially for bacon and parmesan, to ensure they align with dietary restrictions and allergies. If cooking for pets, consult your vet as some ingredients should be avoided.
Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap in seasonal veggies like roasted carrots or sweet potatoes for added flavor and nutrition. You can also omit the bacon entirely and add cooked chickpeas or lentils for a vegetarian twist. The more the merrier!
Cozy Comfort: Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) to help caramelize the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts beautifully.
- On a large baking sheet, combine chopped bacon, uniform cubes of butternut squash, halved Brussels sprouts, and sliced shallots. Drizzle with olive oil, season with kosher salt and black pepper, and toss to coat.
- Roast in the oven for 10 minutes, toss the veggies, then continue roasting for another 10-15 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Cook your choice of pasta according to package instructions and reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium heat, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the roasted vegetables and crispy bacon to the skillet, along with the drained pasta, parmesan cheese, fresh thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well.
- Pour in the reserved pasta water starting with ½ cup, tossing until a light sauce forms. Add more water if needed for desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as necessary. Serve topped with extra parmesan cheese.
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