Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious dish to warm your heart this fall, then you’ve come to the right place! My Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite is just the ticket. This recipe brings together the rich flavors of roasted butternut squash, hearty smoked sausage, and tender Brussels sprouts—all tossed with bow tie pasta in a simple garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or a casual family gathering, making it a truly versatile dish that everyone will love.

What I adore about this recipe is how it combines comfort food with seasonal ingredients. The sweet notes from the squash and the smoky undertones from the sausage create a delightful harmony on your plate. Plus, it only takes about 25 minutes to whip up, leaving you more time to enjoy your friends and family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: This dish is prepared in just 25 minutes, perfect for those busy evenings when time is tight.
• Family-friendly: With its hearty ingredients and comforting flavors, it’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters in your family.
• One-skillet wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal! Everything comes together beautifully in one pan.
• Seasonal goodness: Featuring autumn favorites like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, this dish celebrates the flavors of fall.
• Make-ahead convenience: You can prepare components ahead of time for an even quicker dinner when you’re ready to eat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine! You’ll find everything you need at your local grocery store, and many items might already be in your pantry.

For Roasting

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Pasta

• 225 g bow tie pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 340 g cooked smoked sausage (cajun, andouille, or regular smoked sausage)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter

For Seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme leaves

Variations

The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility! Feel free to adapt it based on what you have on hand or personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter option that’s still satisfying.
• Add more veggies: Consider tossing in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Change up the pasta: If bow tie pasta isn’t available, any short pasta will work beautifully—penne or fusilli are great alternatives!
• Go cheesy: Sprinkle some grated parmesan or nutritional yeast over the top before serving for a little extra flavor twist.

How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Begin by preheating your oven to 200°C. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spreading it out on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures even roasting. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized. This step brings out the natural sweetness of the squash, making it a delightful addition to our pasta!

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

While your squash is roasting away, trim and halve those lovely Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper as well. Spread them out on another parchment-lined baking sheet (or use the same one if there’s space) and roast alongside the squash for about 20-30 minutes until they’re crispy on the outside. These little gems add such great texture!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted water, bring it to a boil while your veggies roast. Add bow tie pasta according to package instructions until it’s al dente. Remember to save a bit of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’ll help bring everything together later!

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

While everything is cooking away nicely, heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Slice up your smoked sausage into coins and cook them until they’re browned on both sides—this adds great flavor! Once done, remove them from the skillet so we can use that yummy drippings next.

Step 5: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

In that same skillet where you cooked your sausage, toss in minced garlic until it’s fragrant—just about a minute should do! Add butter next; as it melts into that garlicky goodness, stir in cooked pasta along with salt, pepper, and smoky paprika. This creates a luscious coating that makes every bite irresistible!

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time for all those beautiful roasted veggies and sausage to join our pasta party! Add roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and fresh thyme into the skillet. Gently mix everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning if needed; remember this dish is all about balancing those wonderful flavors!

And there you have it—a delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite ready for you to enjoy! Serve warm with some crusty bread if you like; I promise you’ll be coming back for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Cooking should be a joyful experience, and these pro tips will help you create a delicious dish with ease!

• Choose the right sausage: Selecting a smoked sausage that you enjoy will enhance the flavor profile of your dish. Cajun or andouille sausages add a lovely kick, while regular smoked sausage offers a milder taste.

• Don’t skip the seasoning: Properly seasoning each component of the dish—especially the roasted vegetables—will elevate the flavors significantly. A sprinkle of salt and pepper can make all the difference in bringing out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.

• Reserve pasta water: Saving a bit of pasta water before draining helps to create a creamy sauce. The starchy water can be added back to the skillet to achieve your desired sauce consistency.

• Mix it up with veggies: Feel free to experiment with other autumn vegetables like kale, spinach, or even mushrooms. Adding variety not only enhances nutrition but also brings new flavors and textures to your meal.

• Taste as you go: Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process. Tasting at different stages ensures that you end up with a well-balanced dish that suits your personal preferences.

How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Presentation matters, especially when sharing this warm and inviting pasta dish with family or friends. Here are some delightful serving ideas to make your meal truly memorable!

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of bright green parsley adds a fresh touch that contrasts beautifully with the rich colors of the pasta.
• Parmesan cheese (vegan alternative): Shredded vegan parmesan can give you that cheesy flavor without any animal-derived ingredients, making it perfect for those looking for plant-based options.
• Toasted pine nuts: These add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that complements the softness of the roasted vegetables beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad made with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a simple vinaigrette provides freshness and balances out the hearty pasta.
• Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread is always a hit! It’s perfect for sopping up any leftover garlic butter sauce from your skillet.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of root vegetables such as carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes tossed in olive oil and herbs makes for an earthy side that pairs perfectly with autumn flavors.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans lightly steamed retain their crunch and color while adding a nutritious side full of vitamins.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’ll be ready to impress everyone at your table with this comforting Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is not only a delicious dish but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily prepare it in advance, ensuring you have a hearty meal ready for those busy evenings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing.
• Transfer leftovers into an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the dish cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Alternatively, microwave on high in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making this delicious pasta dish!

Can I make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer for easy reheating.

What can I substitute for smoked sausage in Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

If you prefer a meatless option, consider using plant-based sausage or even chickpeas for added protein and texture. Both options will still complement the flavors beautifully!

How do I ensure my Brussels sprouts are crispy when making Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Make sure to space them out on your baking sheet and avoid overcrowding, which allows them to roast evenly and become crispy!

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with seasonal vegetables like kale, spinach, or carrots for extra flavor and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe as comforting and delightful as I do! It’s a fantastic way to embrace the flavors of fall while enjoying a hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Enjoy making it for your loved ones or simply treat yourself! Happy cooking!