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
Scale
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.
