Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

If you’re looking for a cozy and delicious meal to embrace the flavors of fall, then let me introduce you to my Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite. This dish is a delightful combination of roasted butternut squash, vibrant Brussels sprouts, and hearty smoked sausage, all tossed with bow tie pasta in a luscious garlic butter sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting yet quick to prepare. Trust me, once you try it, it will quickly become a household favorite.

This recipe not only packs in an abundance of flavor but also brings together wholesome ingredients that warm your heart and belly. Whether you’re cooking for family or hosting friends, this one-skillet meal is sure to impress. Just imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as everything comes together—pure bliss!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those evenings when you’re short on time.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser! Kids love the fun shape of bow tie pasta and the sweet taste of roasted squash.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Less mess to clean up! Everything cooks together, making it simple to serve.
• Flavor Packed: The combination of smoked sausage, garlic butter, and fresh thyme creates a rich taste that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use whatever veggies you have on hand! This recipe adapts well to different seasonal produce.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients is part of the joy of cooking this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash. These items not only create a delicious dish but also highlight the best flavors of fall!

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and 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

For the Sausage Mixture

• 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 based on what you have available or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter option while still keeping that hearty feel.
• Add more greens: Toss in some spinach or kale at the end for an extra boost of nutrients and color.
• Make it vegetarian: Leave out the sausage altogether and add chickpeas for protein along with more veggies.
• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick if you like a little heat in your dishes!

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 your cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spreading it in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet helps it roast evenly. Roast for about 15-20 minutes until it’s tender and slightly caramelized—this will bring out its natural sweetness.

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

While your squash is roasting, prepare the Brussels sprouts. Trim them by removing any tough ends and halving them. Toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them out on another baking sheet. Roast these beauties at 200°C for about 20-30 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on the edges—this adds great texture!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while your vegetables are roasting. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente—this ensures that it maintains its shape when combined with other ingredients. Remember to reserve some pasta water; this starchy water can help bind everything together later.

Step 4: Sauté the Sausage

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm some olive oil before slicing your cooked smoked sausage into coins. Cook these slices until they are browned on both sides; this step enhances their flavor by adding a nice caramelization.

Step 5: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove the sausage from the skillet once it’s done cooking. In that same skillet, sauté minced garlic until it’s fragrant—this only takes about a minute! Then add butter until it’s melted before tossing in your cooked pasta. Season everything with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for that rich autumnal flavor.

Step 6: Combine Everything Together

Finally, add in those beautiful roasted butternut squash cubes, crispy Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage coins, and fresh thyme leaves into your skillet with pasta. Gently mix everything together so each bite is filled with all those amazing flavors. Taste as you go—you might want to adjust seasoning based on your preference!

And there you have it—a delightful Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash ready in just under an hour! Enjoy every cozy bite!

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

Making this hearty dish is not only simple but also allows room for creativity! Here are some pro tips to enhance your cooking experience and the flavor of your meal.

• Choose Fresh Ingredients: Using fresh butternut squash and Brussels sprouts can elevate the dish’s taste and texture. Fresh produce tends to be more flavorful and nutritious, making your meal even more delightful.

• Customize Your Sausage: While smoked sausage adds a wonderful depth of flavor, feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Chicken or turkey sausage can be lighter alternatives that still deliver great taste.

• Reserve Pasta Water: Remember to save a bit of the pasta cooking water before draining. This starchy water can help create a silkier sauce when mixed in with the garlic butter, ensuring that every bite is perfectly coated.

• Don’t Skip the Thyme: Fresh thyme adds an aromatic herbaceous note that complements the sweetness of the roasted squash. If you’re out of fresh thyme, dried thyme can work too—just use it sparingly!

• Adjust Seasoning as Needed: Everyone’s palate is different, so don’t hesitate to taste and adjust seasoning throughout the cooking process. A little extra salt or a pinch more smoked paprika can make a big difference in flavor.

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

Presentation can make a big difference when serving this delicious dish! Here are some ideas to impress your family or guests while enjoying this cozy autumn meal.

Garnishes

• Chopped Parsley: Sprinkling fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to your dish, balancing out its richness beautifully.
• Grated Parmesan Alternatives: Consider using nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese shreds for those looking for a cheesy flavor without dairy. They add an umami kick while keeping the dish enjoyable for everyone.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: A warm, crusty garlic bread pairs perfectly with this pasta dish, allowing you to soak up any remaining sauce on your plate.

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette can provide a crisp contrast to the rich pasta flavors, refreshing your palate.

• Roasted Vegetables: Additional roasted vegetables like carrots or sweet potatoes complement the autumn theme while enhancing nutrition and flavor diversity.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy this comforting Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash dish with family and friends! Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy its comforting flavors all week long. You can easily store leftovers or even prepare some components in advance to save time on busy nights.

Storing Leftovers

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

Freezing

• Let the pasta squash mixture cool completely.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. To prevent freezer burn, wrap tightly with plastic wrap before sealing.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth as needed to keep it moist.
• Alternatively, microwave in a covered dish until heated through, stirring halfway.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe:

Can I use other types of sausage in the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for smoked sausage, feel free to experiment with chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version. Just make sure they’re fully cooked before adding them to the skillet.

How can I make this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian-friendly, simply omit the sausage and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas. You can also add extra vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.

What can I serve alongside Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

This dish stands well on its own but pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. A light vinaigrette can complement the flavors beautifully!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe as comforting and delightful as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with rich flavors that celebrate the essence of fall. Enjoy making it and sharing it around your dinner table — I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you!