As the leaves turn gold and the air grows crisp, there’s a particular warmth that envelopes my kitchen, beckoning me to create something comforting. That was the moment I decided to whip up this Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash - Easy to Cook! 🍁🍝 The first whiff of roasting butternut squash mingled with savory smoked sausage was an invitation to cozy up with a hearty meal—a bowl of pure autumn bliss!
Quick to prepare and made all in one skillet, this dish is perfect for those busy weeknights when you crave something filling but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Imagine al dente bow tie pasta mixed with perfectly caramelized squash, earthy Brussels sprouts, and hints of garlic, all enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce. Whether you’re feeding the family or entertaining friends, this pasta will impress without the fuss. So grab your ingredients, and let’s dive into a recipe that’s sure to become a seasonal favorite!
Why is this Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash so appealing?
Comforting Warmth: This dish combines comforting flavors that evoke autumn with every bite.
One-Skillet Wonder: Easy cleanup means you can focus more on enjoying your meal.
Quick & Satisfying: Perfect for busy weeknights, it comes together in less than 30 minutes.
Versatile Ingredients: Swap vegetables or proteins for endless variations; a great way to use what you have on hand.
Impressive Presentation: A vibrant mix of colors that looks beautiful on any dinner table.
Whether you’re looking for a cozy night in or a dish to impress, this recipe captures the essence of fall. Consider pairing it with a crisp green salad for an even more delightful experience!
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Ingredients
For the Pasta
- Bow Tie Pasta – The base of the dish, perfect for holding onto the rich sauce and flavors.
For the Roasted Vegetables
- Butternut Squash – Adds sweetness and texture; you can use acorn squash or sweet potatoes as a tasty substitute.
- Brussels Sprouts – Provides an earthy flavor that complements the dish, but feel free to swap with broccoli or green beans if preferred.
- Olive Oil – Essential for roasting; can be substituted with vegetable oil to suit your preference.
- Garlic – Offers a depth of flavor; use fresh cloves and avoid burning to keep the taste delightful.
For the Sauce
- Cooked Smoked Sausage – This adds savory protein; try using Cajun or Andouille for a spicy kick, or leave it out for a vegetarian-friendly option.
- Butter – Helps create a rich and luscious sauce; an olive oil swap can keep it dairy-free.
- Smoked Paprika – Introduces a subtle smokiness; regular paprika can be used for a milder flavor.
- Fresh Thyme – Provides aromatic notes; replace with dried thyme (1/3 the amount) or oregano if fresh isn't available.
This Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings. Let’s get cooking!
How to Make Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
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Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 200°C (400°F) to get it ready for roasting your veggies.
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Prepare the butternut squash: Toss the cubed butternut squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until golden and tender.
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Roast the Brussels sprouts: While the squash is roasting, toss your Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add them to the oven and roast alongside the squash for about 20-30 minutes, until crispy and beautifully caramelized.
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Cook the pasta: In a pot of salted boiling water, cook the bow tie pasta until al dente. It should be firm yet tender. Once done, drain and reserve a little pasta water for later.
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Brown the sausage: In a large skillet, heat a splash of olive oil. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned, then remove it from the skillet and set aside.
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Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, but be careful not to let it burn! Then stir in the butter until melted.
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Combine the pasta: Add the cooked bow tie pasta into the skillet with the garlic and butter. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
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Mix it all together: Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning to your liking and enjoy the delightful medley of flavors!
Optional: Serve with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Keep the dish covered to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
- Freezer: This pasta can be frozen for up to 3 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, making it easy to reheat later.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Enjoy your Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash all over again!
Expert Tips for Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
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Roasting Vegetables: Ensure your butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are roasted until slightly caramelized. This brings out their natural sweetness and enhances the flavor of your dish.
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Perfect Pasta: Always cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to absorb moisture in the skillet. This step is crucial for the texture of your Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash.
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Garlic Care: Avoid burning the garlic while sautéing, as it can turn bitter. Aim for a fragrant smell without browning for the best taste.
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Ingredient Room: Use a large skillet to ensure proper cooking without overcrowding. Cooking in batches can help maintain even heating and flavor integration.
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Seasoning Adjustments: Taste and adjust seasonings as you go. Different brands of sausage can vary in saltiness, so it's wise to check before adding more salt.
What to Serve with Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?
Embrace the essence of autumn by creating a delightful meal that perfectly complements your comforting pasta dish.
- Crisp Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
- Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is a delicious option for soaking up the rich, flavorful sauce.
- Roasted Root Vegetables: Caramelized carrots and parsnips enhance the autumn theme while providing an earthy sweetness to your meal.
- Cider Sangria: This fruity, spiced drink captures the spirit of fall and pairs wonderfully with the smoky notes of your pasta.
- Mashed Sweet Potatoes: Creamy and sweet, these ensure your meal has an extra layer of warmth and comfort.
- Pumpkin Spice Muffins: For a delightful dessert, consider serving moist pumpkin spice muffins; they’re the perfect sweet finish!
Creating a full autumn dining experience is all about the flavors and textures that celebrate the season’s bounty!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash ahead of time is a fantastic way to streamline your weeknight dinners! You can roast the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts up to 3 days in advance, storing them in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain their flavor and texture. Additionally, you can cook the pasta and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you're ready to serve, simply reheat the roasted vegetables and pasta in a skillet with garlic and butter, adding the browned sausage and fresh thyme for that comforting aroma. This meal prep approach not only saves time but also ensures you enjoy a delicious homemade dish with minimal effort on busy evenings!
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to let your creative cooking spirit shine with these fun twists on your dish!
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute traditional sausage with plant-based sausage or omit entirely for a veggie-filled feast.
Think about adding a mix of your favorite seasonal vegetables like bell peppers and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients! -
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic or serve with your favorite hot sauce for a heat boost.
This small adjustment can transform your cozy meal into a fiery treat perfect for those who love a little zest! -
Creamy Texture: Stir in a dollop of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the end for a rich and velvety sauce.
This added creaminess complements the squash and gives your pasta a lush mouthfeel that’s hard to resist. -
Nutty Flavor: Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for a delightful crunch and a nutty flavor that contrasts the softness of the pasta and squash.
These simple nuts pack a punch of protein and healthy fats, making your dish even more satisfying! -
Herbal Twist: Experiment with fresh herbs like sage or rosemary in place of thyme for a different aromatic profile.
These herbs bring a fragrant earthy touch that pairs beautifully with autumn’s bounty of flavors. -
Pasta Variations: While bow tie pasta is great, why not get creative with shapes like fusilli or whole wheat for added texture and nutrition?
Different pasta shapes lend a fun twist and can also hold the delightful sauce in unique ways! -
Savory Broth: Instead of just water, use vegetable or chicken broth for cooking the pasta.
This adds layers of flavor right from the start and enhances the overall taste of your Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash! -
Cheesy Bliss: Top your dish with a sprinkle of feta or goat cheese for an extra layer of flavor that adds creaminess and tang.
Cheese transforms this dish into a rich, savory masterpiece, making each bite even more satisfying!
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the perfect butternut squash for this recipe?
Absolutely! When selecting a butternut squash, look for one that is heavy for its size and has a smooth, tan skin without dark spots or blemishes. The stem should be hard and not soft, indicating freshness. A ripe squash should feel firm and be free of soft spots, which indicate overripeness.
How should I store leftovers of delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?
Very important! After cooking, let the dish cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To maintain freshness, store in a dark, cool place, and always keep it covered when not in use.
Can I freeze this dish, and if so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, let it cool and portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It will stay good for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
What if my garlic burns while sautéing?
It happens to the best of us! If your garlic burns, unfortunately, you'll need to start over because burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste to the dish. For future attempts, cook it on medium heat and keep a close eye on it, sautéing just until it's fragrant (about 30 seconds).
Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Very much so! You can easily make this dish vegetarian-friendly by omitting the smoked sausage or substituting it with a plant-based sausage. Also, ensure that the butter is replaced with olive oil to keep it dairy-free, making your delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash enjoyable for everyone!
What if I don't have fresh thyme?
No worries! If fresh thyme isn't available, you can substitute it with dried thyme, using about one-third of the quantity. For example, if the recipe calls for a teaspoon of fresh thyme, you would use about one-third of a teaspoon of dried thyme. Alternatively, oregano also works nicely!
Irresistibly Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash – Easy to Cook
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss cubed butternut squash in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until golden and tender.
- Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add to the oven and roast for 20-30 minutes until crispy.
- Cook bow tie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving a bit of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add sliced smoked sausage, and cook until browned, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in butter until melted.
- Add cooked bow tie pasta into the skillet with garlic and butter. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika, then toss to coat.
- Gently fold in roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning and enjoy!
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