Description
Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a cozy, savory dish that brings together roasted butternut squash, hearty sausage, tender pasta, and a light, creamy sauce. It’s packed with fall flavors — sage, garlic, and Parmesan — making it the perfect comfort meal for chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh sage or 1 tsp dried sage
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
- Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté until fragrant and softened, about 3 minutes.
- Stir in roasted butternut squash, cooked sausage, and sage. Add chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water for a smoother sauce.
- Stir in spinach (if using) until wilted. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm, topped with parsley or extra Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- Use turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- This dish also works great with roasted sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéed and Roasted
- Cuisine: American