Dreamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe for Fall

Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers memories of a comforting creamy butternut squash pasta that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Rustic italian sausage adds depth to this seasonal favorite, creating a symphony of flavors dancing across your palate.

Nutty roasted squash blends seamlessly with rich, velvety sauce, inviting cozy evenings around the dinner table.

Hearty ingredients meld together, promising a meal that speaks directly to your soul’s hunger.

creamy textures and robust seasonings make this dish a celebration of comfort and simplicity.

Weeknight dinners transform into culinary adventures with this unexpected and delightful combination.

Savor each forkful and let the magic of seasonal cooking inspire your next kitchen creation.

Ingredients for Butternut Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: A sweet and creamy autumn vegetable that forms the base of the sauce.

Italian Sausage: Provides a savory and rich flavor to balance the squash’s sweetness.

Pasta: The hearty base that carries the creamy sauce and sausage.

• Chicken Broth, Heavy Cream: Create a smooth and luxurious sauce base.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds depth and a salty, nutty flavor to the sauce.
• Sage: Brings an earthy and aromatic herb note to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing flavors and roasting the squash.
• Onion, Garlic: Provide a foundational flavor profile for the sauce.

Cooking Butternut Pasta

Step 1: Select Perfect Butternut Squash

Choose a butternut squash with a rich beige color and substantial weight.

The ideal squash feels heavy and solid when you pick it up.

Step 2: Prepare Squash for Roasting

• Sharp vegetable peeler
• Cutting board

Remove the squash skin completely using a vegetable peeler.

Slice the squash lengthwise, then remove seeds.

Cut the flesh into uniform 1-inch cubes.

Step 3: Roast Squash Cubes

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Spread them evenly on a baking sheet.

Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F for approximately 25 minutes until edges turn golden and cubes become tender.

Step 4: Cook Sausage

• Italian sausage
• Large skillet

Remove sausage casings if using link sausage.

Break sausage into small pieces while cooking in a skillet over medium heat.

Cook until completely browned and no pink remains.

Step 5: Sauté Aromatics

• Diced onion
• Minced garlic

In the same skillet used for sausage, sauté onions until translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 6: Create Creamy Sauce

• Roasted butternut squash
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese
• Fresh sage

Combine roasted squash, chicken broth, and heavy cream in the skillet.

Use an immersion blender to create a smooth sauce.

Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped sage.

Season with salt and pepper.

Step 7: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente.

Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Return pasta to the pot.

Add butternut squash sauce and cooked sausage.

Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.

Taste and season as needed.

Step 9: Garnish and Enjoy

Optional garnishes include additional Parmesan cheese, fresh sage leaves, or black pepper.

Serve immediately while warm.

Helpful Tips for Butternut Pasta

• Pick a butternut squash that feels heavy and has a matte, beige color for maximum flavor and freshness.
• Roasting butternut squash caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a richer, more intense taste compared to boiling.
• Experiment with different sausage varieties like chicken, spicy, or plant-based to match your dietary preferences and flavor profile.
• Adjust the sauce thickness by adding pasta water or simmering to achieve the perfect creamy texture that coats pasta beautifully.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for maximum flavor depth and smooth sauce integration, avoiding pre-packaged alternatives.

Preserve Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth or water to prevent drying. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra broth or cream to restore the sauce's creamy texture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and break up any clumps.
• Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Pairing Ideas for Butternut Pasta

• Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Viognier or Chardonnay that complements the creamy butternut squash sauce's richness while balancing the savory sausage's intensity.
• Harmonizing Herb Garnish: Sprinkle fresh sage or thyme over the pasta to enhance the dish's earthy flavors and add a vibrant aromatic touch that elevates the overall taste profile.
• Textural Crunch Topping: Scatter toasted pine nuts or crispy breadcrumbs on top to introduce a delightful contrast against the smooth, velvety sauce and provide an unexpected textural dimension.
• Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the pasta's richness and provide a zesty, peppery counterpoint that cleanses the palate between bites.

Different Ways to Serve Butternut Pasta

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, low-carb alternative that keeps the creamy sauce and sausage flavors intact.
• Vegan Butternut Cream Pasta: Swap dairy cream with coconut milk, use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan, and select plant-based sausage to create a completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice as a base, ensuring those with gluten sensitivities can enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of the original recipe.
• Lean Protein Swap: Replace pork sausage with turkey or chicken sausage to reduce fat content while maintaining the dish's hearty and satisfying character.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen butternut squash instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen butternut squash works perfectly. Just thaw and pat dry before roasting to ensure proper caramelization and prevent excess moisture.

• What kind of pasta is best for this recipe?

Hearty pasta shapes like rigatoni, penne, or fusilli work best. They hold the creamy sauce wonderfully and create great texture in each bite.

• Is there a dairy-free alternative for the cream?

Coconut milk or cashew cream can replace heavy cream. They provide similar richness and creaminess while keeping the dish dairy-free.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when sautéing onions, use spicy Italian sausage, or drizzle some hot sauce on top. These will give the dish an extra kick of heat.

Why You’ll Love Butternut Pasta with Sausage

• Crafted for home cooks of all skill levels, this recipe transforms complex techniques into simple, achievable steps that make you feel like a kitchen pro.
• Flexible ingredients like sausage varieties (Italian, chicken, spicy, vegetarian) and easy sauce adjustments mean you can personalize this dish to match your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Butternut squash transforms this pasta into a cozy, autumnal meal perfect for gathering friends and family around the table, celebrating seasonal produce with rich, warming flavors.
• One-skillet preparation and make-ahead potential let you create a gourmet dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, ideal for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining.

Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe

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4.5 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky butternut squash pasta with sausage delivers Italian comfort in one luxurious dish. Hearty sausage nestles among smooth noodles, creating a perfect balance of rich flavors and comforting textures you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
• 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed)

Aromatic and Flavor Ingredients:

• 1 onion (diced)
• 3 cloves of garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: red pepper flakes for heat

Liquid and Dairy Ingredients:

• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Select a ripe butternut squash characterized by its dense weight and uniform beige complexion.
2. Carefully remove the outer skin using a sharp vegetable peeler, then slice the squash lengthwise.
3. Extract the inner seeds and cube the flesh into uniform 1-inch pieces.
4. Drizzle cubes with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper before roasting at 400°F for approximately 25 minutes until golden and tender.
5. Alternative cooking method: Boil squash cubes for 10-15 minutes if time is limited.
6. Prepare sausage by removing casings from link varieties.
7. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature and brown sausage, systematically breaking meat into smaller fragments during cooking.
8. Once fully cooked, transfer sausage to a separate plate and drain excess grease from skillet.
9. Within the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and fragrant.
10. Introduce minced garlic and cook briefly to release aromatic oils.
11. Incorporate roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, and heavy cream into the skillet.
12. Utilize an immersion blender to transform mixture into a smooth, velvety sauce. Alternatively, transfer to a standard blender if needed.
13. Fold in grated Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped sage.
14. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
15. Monitor sauce consistency – it should smoothly coat a spoon while remaining pourable. Adjust thickness by adding broth or simmering.
16. Cook pasta in generously salted water following package instructions until perfectly al dente.
17. Strategically reserve one cup of pasta water before draining.
18. Return pasta to original pot and combine with butternut squash sauce and prepared sausage.
19. Gently toss ingredients, gradually introducing reserved pasta water to achieve ideal sauce coverage.
20. Perform final taste assessment and make any necessary seasoning adjustments.

Notes

• Pick a ripe butternut squash by checking its weight and matte beige color for the most flavorful sauce.
• Roasting the squash caramelizes its natural sugars, creating a deeper, sweeter flavor profile compared to boiling.
• Swap sausage options easily; use chicken sausage for lighter meal, plant-based sausage for vegetarian version, or spicy sausage to add extra heat.
• Control sauce thickness by adjusting pasta water – more liquid makes it silky, less creates a richer coating on pasta.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg