Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash (Printable Recipe)
Smoky sausage and sweet roasted squash create this cozy 25-minute pasta dish perfect for fall weeknight dinners.
# Ingredients You'll Need:
→ Vegetables
01 -
3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into ½-inch pieces
02 -
340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
03 -
5 cloves garlic, minced
→ Protein
04 -
340 g cooked smoked sausage (Cajun, andouille, or regular), sliced
→ Pasta & Seasonings
05 -
225 g bow tie pasta
06 -
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
07 -
1 teaspoon salt, divided
08 -
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
09 -
2 tablespoons butter
10 -
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
# Steps to Follow:
01 -
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread in a single layer and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
02 -
Trim and halve Brussels sprouts. Toss with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the same or separate baking sheet. Roast for 20-30 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
03 -
Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add bow tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup starchy pasta water before draining.
04 -
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced sausage and cook until beautifully browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.
05 -
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant. Add butter and let melt, swirling around. Stir in cooked pasta, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
06 -
Add roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and browned sausage back to the skillet. Pour in ¼ cup reserved pasta water and gently toss until well combined and heated through. Add more pasta water if needed for desired consistency. Stir in fresh thyme leaves.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
Roast vegetables until tender and slightly caramelized to bring out natural sweetness
02 -
Don't skip reserving pasta water - it's essential for creating a creamy sauce without heavy cream
03 -
Use high-quality smoked sausage as the flavor really shines through in this dish
04 -
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end since sausage saltiness can vary
05 -
Avoid overcooking garlic as it can turn bitter
06 -
Keep pasta al dente as it continues cooking when mixed with sauce and vegetables