Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy and satisfying dish to warm your evenings, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite combines the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with hearty smoked sausage and vibrant Brussels sprouts. It’s a delightful one-skillet meal that brings together rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a beloved choice in my kitchen.

Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual family gathering, this dish shines through effortlessly. With minimal cleanup and quick prep time, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe again and again. Trust me; it’s bound to become a staple in your fall dining rotation!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy preparation: In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this delicious pasta dish, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Family-friendly appeal: With its vibrant colors and comforting flavors, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
• Healthy ingredients: Packed with wholesome vegetables and protein, this recipe is not only tasty but also nourishing.
• One-skillet wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones—a true win-win!
• Versatile flavors: The combination of smoked sausage, garlic butter, and fresh thyme creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our simple, wholesome ingredients! This dish features fresh veggies and savory sausage that come together beautifully. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 adjust it based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale for an extra boost of nutrients.
• Change up the pasta shape: Penne or fusilli would work just as well if you’re out of bow tie pasta!
• Make it creamy: Stir in a splash of cream or a dollop of sour cream for a richer sauce.

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

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 200°C. Start by tossing the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spreading it in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet ensures even roasting. You want it tender and caramelized—this brings out its natural sweetness!

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

While the squash roasts for about 15-20 minutes, prepare the Brussels sprouts. Trim them and cut them in half before tossing them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on another parchment-lined baking sheet. They’ll roast for 20-30 minutes until crispy on the outside—just divine!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Draining it while reserving some of that lovely pasta water helps create a silky sauce later on.

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’re browned on both sides—this step adds so much flavor! Once done, remove them from the skillet temporarily.

Step 5: Make Garlic Butter Sauce

In that same skillet (to keep all those delicious bits!), cook the minced garlic until fragrant—just about 30 seconds will do! Then add butter until melted; this creates a rich base for our pasta.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add your cooked pasta into the skillet along with roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme. Gently mix to combine everything—it’s important to ensure each bite carries those mouthwatering flavors!

With these steps completed, you’ll have an amazing autumn dinner ready in no time! Enjoy every bite of this comforting dish that captures all the warmth of fall evenings.

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

Creating a delicious dish like Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash can be even more rewarding with a few handy tips!

• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chopping vegetables and measuring out ingredients in advance can save you time while cooking, making the process smoother and more enjoyable.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh thyme adds a burst of flavor that dried herbs can’t match. Adding fresh herbs at the end of cooking will enhance the dish’s aroma and taste.

• Adjust Cooking Times: Keep an eye on your roasted vegetables; every oven is different. If they start to brown too quickly, check for doneness early to prevent burning.

• Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining. This starchy liquid can help you achieve the perfect sauce consistency when adding it to your skillet.

• Experiment with Sausage Varieties: Feel free to try different types of smoked sausages to find your favorite flavor combination. Each variety brings its unique taste profile to the dish!

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

Presenting your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash beautifully can make it even more enticing! Here are some ideas to elevate your dining experience.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors.
• Grated Parmesan Alternative: For a cheesy finish without dairy, try using nutritional yeast or a vegan cheese alternative for an extra layer of flavor.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: If you enjoy a little heat, adding crushed red pepper flakes can bring an exciting kick to each bite.

Side Dishes

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Garlic Bread: Toasted bread brushed with garlic-infused olive oil makes for a delightful side that’s perfect for sopping up any leftover sauce.
• Roasted Root Vegetables: Seasonal root veggies like carrots and parsnips roasted until caramelized add an earthy sweetness that complements the pasta beautifully.
• Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans seasoned with lemon zest make for a simple yet vibrant side that balances the richness of the main dish.

With these serving suggestions and tips, you’re all set to impress your family or friends with this warm, comforting meal. Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a fantastic recipe for meal prep! Not only does it come together quickly, but it also stores beautifully, making it perfect for busy days. Here’s how to keep your delicious dish fresh.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the dish cool down entirely.
• Place in a freezer-safe container or freezer bags, ensuring you remove as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. For best results, consider portioning into smaller containers for easy thawing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Heat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.

FAQs

Got questions? Here are some answers about making this delightful dish.

Can I make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare this dish a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy it!

What type of sausage works best for this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

We recommend using smoked sausage like cajun or andouille for a flavorful kick. However, any smoked sausage will work well too.

How long does this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash last in the fridge?

Stored properly in an airtight container, it will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Can I substitute other vegetables in this recipe?

Yes! Feel free to mix it up with seasonal veggies like kale or zucchini based on what you have on hand.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! This one-skillet meal is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy hearty meals throughout the week without hassle.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash! It’s not just a meal; it’s a cozy embrace on chilly evenings. The combination of roasted butternut squash and savory sausage creates a delightful harmony of flavors that’s hard to resist. Enjoy every moment spent cooking and savoring this comforting dish with your loved ones. Happy cooking!