If you’re looking for a dish that perfectly captures the cozy flavors of the season, the Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is an absolute must-try. This hearty and colorful meal blends tender roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and al dente pasta in a harmonious medley that sings autumn vibes from the first bite. Every element works together beautifully, making this dish as comforting as it is delicious, and it’s bound to become a favorite on your fall menu.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward but essential ingredients will set you up for success. Each component plays a key role in building the rustic, layered flavors and vibrant textures that make this dish shine.
- Butternut squash: Peeled and cubed, this sweet, caramelizing vegetable adds a rich autumnal warmth.
- Pasta (penne or fusilli): The perfect canvas to soak up all the savory juices and cheese.
- Italian sausage (mild or spicy): Adds a hearty, meaty depth that complements the squash superbly.
- Olive oil: For roasting and sautéing, it imparts a smooth, fruity undertone.
- Onion: Diced to provide a sweet and savory base layer.
- Garlic: Minced for that punch of aromatic flavor we all love.
- Dried thyme and oregano: Earthy herbs that bring autumnal herbaceous notes.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): A touch of heat to brighten the dish if you like.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to elevate every flavor.
- Vegetable broth: Adds moisture and richness without overpowering.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta for creamy, nutty indulgence.
- Fresh parsley: For a pop of green freshness and color at the end.
How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting your cubed butternut squash until it’s tender and caramelized, which brings out its natural sweetness perfectly.
Step 2: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash
After peeling and cubing the squash, toss those vibrant orange pieces in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet to ensure they roast uniformly. Baking for about 25 to 30 minutes will give you golden edges and soft centers that are bursting with flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
While the squash is doing its magic in the oven, boil your pasta according to package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture—firm but tender. Once cooked, drain and keep it aside to mix later.
Step 4: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet over medium heat, add the Italian sausage and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks for a crumbly texture. This step infuses the dish with meaty richness that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the squash.
Step 5: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, toss diced onions and minced garlic into the skillet with the sausage. Sauté them until the onions turn translucent and the garlic releases its aroma, forming the flavorful foundation for the dish.
Step 6: Add Herbs and Spice
Sprinkle in dried thyme, oregano, and if you’re feeling adventurous, red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for about a minute to bloom the herbs and let the spices merge into the sausage mixture, elevating the seasonality of the pasta.
Step 7: Combine Squash, Pasta, and Broth
Time to bring everything together: add the roasted butternut squash and cooked pasta right into the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth and gently stir to mix all the flavors. Let this warm through so each bite is perfectly infused.
Step 8: Finish with Parmesan
Remove the skillet from heat and fold in the grated Parmesan cheese. As it melts, it creates a lush, creamy coating that binds all the ingredients with silky richness.
Step 9: Final Seasoning
Give it a taste and adjust salt and pepper as necessary to balance the flavors. This personalized seasoning step ensures the dish tastes just right for your palate.
Step 10: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Your Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is now ready to delight!
How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is the classic choice for garnishing, but feel free to add a little extra grated Parmesan or even a drizzle of good quality olive oil for a glossy finish. Toasted pine nuts or chopped walnuts can add an irresistible crunch.
Side Dishes
A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the rich pasta nicely, while some crusty bread on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans make wonderful vegetable companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a beautiful rustic bowl to keep that cozy, home-cooked vibe. You can also pack it into individual ramekins for a stunning, personal presentation at a dinner party, making this autumn favorite feel special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a fantastic option for meal prep. Cool it completely before transferring into freezer-safe containers. It will maintain its delicious quality for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of vegetable broth or water if it seems dry. You can also microwave it covered, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming and preservation of the pasta’s creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and flavorful, you can swap in chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even a plant-based alternative to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
Is it necessary to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, peeling the butternut squash is recommended for this recipe as the skin can be tough and chewy. Removing it ensures a smooth, tender bite throughout your pasta.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
To make a vegan version, use a plant-based sausage, substitute the Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast, and swap the vegetable broth for a rich mushroom broth for extra umami.
How spicy is the dish if I include red pepper flakes?
The red pepper flakes add just a gentle heat that balances the sweetness of the squash and richness of the sausage without overpowering the dish. You can always adjust the amount or omit it based on your spice tolerance.
What is the best pasta shape to use?
Penne or fusilli are ideal because their shapes hold onto the sauce and bits of sausage and squash well, but feel free to use your favorite pasta shape—you’ll still enjoy every delicious bite.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe is truly a celebration of fall’s best flavors in one comforting dish. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to share with loved ones on a cozy weekend. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this recipe warm your kitchen and your heart.
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Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a comforting and flavorful fall dish that combines tender roasted butternut squash with savory Italian sausage, pasta, and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe blends the sweetness of roasted squash with the rich taste of sausage and Parmesan cheese for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 12 ounces pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for roasting the butternut squash.
- Prepare Squash: Toss the peeled and cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While squash is roasting, cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Sauté Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
- Incorporate Herbs and Spices: Stir in dried thyme, oregano, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for an additional minute to release their flavors.
- Combine Roasted Squash and Pasta: Add the roasted butternut squash and cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in the vegetable broth and stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients and warm through.
- Finish with Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy, coating the pasta and squash.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the dish and add salt and pepper as needed to balance flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
- Roasting the butternut squash brings out a natural sweetness and caramelization that enhances the dish’s flavor.
- You can use either mild or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with a plant-based alternative and use vegetable broth.
- Fresh Parmesan cheese is preferable for the best flavor and texture.
- If you like a bit more spice, increase the red pepper flakes to suit your taste.
