Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, you’ve found it! This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite is a delightful mix of flavors that truly captures the essence of fall. With roasted butternut squash, hearty smoked sausage, and vibrant Brussels sprouts, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering. It’s not just food; it’s a hug on a plate!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and heartiness. In just about 25 minutes of active prep time, you can whip up a satisfying meal that everyone will love. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this comforting pasta dish, it will quickly become a go-to in your autumn recipe rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: In just 25 minutes, you can have this delicious dinner on the table!
• Full of flavor: The combination of smoked sausage with roasted veggies creates an amazing depth of flavor.
• One-skillet wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal and less time doing dishes.
• Family-friendly: Kids love pasta, and the colorful veggies make it appealing for everyone.
• Versatile ingredients: You can easily swap out veggies or proteins to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe features simple and wholesome ingredients that bring out the best flavors of autumn. You probably have many of these items in your pantry already!

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 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
• Salt and pepper to taste

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to get creative with the ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal taste.

• Swap the protein: Try using turkey sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter option.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrition.
• Change the pasta shape: Use any pasta shape you prefer—penne or fusilli work well too!
• Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes if you like a little heat in your pasta.

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

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and creates a lovely caramelized texture that makes this dish so special!

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

While the squash roasts for about 15-20 minutes, take this time to prepare your Brussels sprouts. Trim and halve them before tossing with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on another lined baking sheet and roast at the same temperature for about 20-30 minutes. The crispy edges will add great flavor!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook your bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente—this usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Reserve some pasta water before draining; it can help adjust sauce consistency later.

Step 4: Sauté the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Slice your smoked sausage into coins and cook until they are browned on both sides. This step adds wonderful depth of flavor that complements our roasted veggies perfectly.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In that same skillet after removing the sausage, sauté minced garlic until fragrant—this takes just about a minute! Then add butter until melted; this sauce will coat our pasta beautifully. Toss in your cooked pasta along with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for seasoning.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Gently fold in those roasted butternut squash cubes, crispy Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage slices, and fresh thyme leaves into your pasta mixture. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving up this comforting dish.

Enjoy every bite of your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite! It’s truly an experience filled with warmth and comfort—perfect for sharing with loved ones during those chilly evenings.

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

Cooking this delightful dish can be a breeze with a few handy tips to ensure everything comes together perfectly!

• Roast your veggies for maximum flavor: Roasting butternut squash and Brussels sprouts enhances their natural sweetness and adds a lovely caramelized texture, making every bite more delicious.

• Reserve pasta water for the sauce: Keeping some of the starchy pasta water can help you adjust the consistency of your garlic butter sauce, ensuring it coats the pasta beautifully without being too thick or watery.

• Use fresh thyme for a fragrant finish: Fresh herbs bring vibrant flavor to your dish. Adding fresh thyme at the end brightens up the meal, complementing the richness of the sausage and squash.

• Make it a one-skillet wonder: To save on dishes, try using the same skillet for cooking everything. Just make sure to remove items like sausage before adding garlic, so you don’t overcook it.

• Customize with your favorite veggies: Feel free to swap in other seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach for added nutrients and variety. This recipe is versatile and forgiving!

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

This hearty pasta dish not only tastes amazing but also looks stunning on any dinner table. Here are some ideas to present it beautifully!

Garnishes

• Chopped parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the warm tones of the dish.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Although we avoid animal-derived products, consider using a dairy-free cheese alternative for an extra creamy finish that melts beautifully over the warm pasta.

Side Dishes

• Simple Green Salad: A light green salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the rich flavors of the pasta.

• Garlic Bread: Warm, crusty garlic bread or vegan garlic knots are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate—who can resist?

• Roasted Root Vegetables: A medley of roasted carrots, parsnips, or sweet potatoes complements the autumn theme and adds even more layers of flavor.

• Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty quinoa pilaf cooked with vegetable broth makes a hearty side that pairs well with the richness of your pasta dish while keeping things healthy.

Now you’re all set for an incredible autumn meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy cooking and sharing this delightful recipe!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, hearty meals throughout the week. Here’s how to store and manage leftovers effectively:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Remove as much air as possible before sealing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Note that some veggies may change texture upon thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.
• Heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this comforting dish:

Can I use a different type of sausage for the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute with your favorite smoked sausage varieties. Chicken or turkey sausage works well if you’re looking for a lighter option, while vegetarian sausages can also be used for a plant-based twist.

What makes this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash a fall favorite?

The combination of roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts brings out rich autumn flavors, while the smoked paprika adds a warm smokiness that perfectly complements the pasta and sausage. It’s cozy comfort food that warms you from the inside out!

Can I make this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out traditional bow tie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta variety. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it an easy adaptation.

How do I add more vegetables to my Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

You can definitely enhance this dish by adding other seasonal veggies like kale, spinach, or even roasted carrots. Just toss them in with the Brussels sprouts or mix them into the finished dish!

How long does it take to prepare and cook the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

This delightful dish takes only about 25 minutes to prep and 30 minutes to cook, making it a quick and satisfying meal option for busy evenings.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash! It’s not just another pasta dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate filled with seasonal flavors that will remind you of cozy autumn nights. Whether you’re preparing it for family dinner or meal prepping for the week ahead, I’m sure it will become one of your favorites. Enjoy every bite, and don’t forget to share your experience!