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Irresistible Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Recipe in 30 Mins

autumn sausage pasta squash - featured image

A quick and hearty comfort food featuring roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, and creamy pasta—perfect for crisp fall evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 pound ground sausage (Italian sausage recommended)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or short pasta)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on the baking sheet and roast for 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Stir occasionally until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  5. Lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently.
  6. Pour in the heavy cream and reserved pasta water. Stir to combine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, followed by the roasted squash. Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
  8. Stir in the grated Parmesan and chopped sage. Add red pepper flakes if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  9. Serve warm, garnished with additional Parmesan and sage if desired.

Notes

[‘Caramelize the squash by not overcrowding the baking sheet.’, ‘Choose hot Italian sausage for a spicy kick or sweet sausage for a milder flavor.’, ‘Reserve pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta.’, ‘Use fresh sage and Parmesan for enhanced flavor.’, ‘Pre-cut squash can save time.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn recipe, sausage pasta, roasted squash, fall comfort food, quick dinner, creamy pasta, family-friendly meal