Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

When the leaves start to turn and the air turns crisp, nothing hits quite like a hearty, comforting pasta dish. Enter Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash — a warm, flavorful one-skillet meal that perfectly captures the essence of fall. Packed with roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, savory smoked sausage, and tender bow tie pasta, all tossed in a buttery garlic sauce with a hint of smoked paprika and fresh thyme, this dish is a symphony of autumn flavors.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe is as easy as it is delicious. In just 55 minutes, you can have a wholesome, flavorful dinner that tastes like it came straight from a cozy, fall-inspired kitchen.

🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Fast & Flavorful: Ready in under an hour with minimal effort.
• One-Skillet Magic: Less cleanup, more comfort.
• Seasonal Goodness: Features fall favorites like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts.
• Savory & Balanced: The garlic butter sauce, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme complement the richness of sausage beautifully.
• Adaptable: Swap veggies or sausage based on what’s in season or dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly: A hearty dish everyone will enjoy, even picky eaters.

🧂 Ingredients Breakdown

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: One-Skillet
Cuisine: American

🥔 Vegetables

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed
• 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved

🥬 Pasta & Protein

• 225 g bow tie pasta
• 340 g cooked smoked sausage (Cajun, Andouille, or regular smoked sausage)

🧄 Sauce & Seasoning

• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 2 additional tablespoons for roasting vegetables and cooking sausage)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme leaves, as desired

🍳 Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large oven-safe baking sheet
• Parchment paper for easy cleanup
• Large pot for cooking pasta
• Large skillet for sautéing and combining ingredients
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Chef’s knife and cutting board

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these instructions for perfect Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash every time.

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat your oven to 200°C (about 400°F).
Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Spread the squash evenly on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15–20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.

Step 2: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

Trim and halve Brussels sprouts. Toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper.
Spread on a separate baking sheet (or the same sheet if space allows) and roast at 200°C for 20–30 minutes, until golden brown and tender.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving a little pasta water to adjust consistency later if needed.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Slice the smoked sausage into coins and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, cook the minced garlic until fragrant. Add 2 tablespoons butter and allow it to melt.
Add the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat with the garlic butter. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika for that signature autumn warmth.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and fresh thyme to the skillet.
Gently toss to combine, ensuring every bite is coated in the garlic butter and infused with the smoky paprika flavor.

Step 7: Adjust & Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with extra fresh thyme leaves if desired.

🧄 Pro Cooking Tips

• Batch Roasting: If your baking sheet is small, roast vegetables in batches to avoid overcrowding — this ensures they caramelize instead of steam.
• Swap Vegetables: Sweet potatoes or carrots work beautifully when butternut squash is out of season.
• Sausage Options: Cajun or Andouille sausage adds spice, but regular smoked sausage is perfect for milder palates.
• Preserve Crunch: Don’t overcook Brussels sprouts; a slight crisp adds texture.
• Thicken Sauce: Add a splash of pasta water to create a more cohesive sauce if needed.

🌿 Flavor Profile & Pairings

Taste and Texture

• Savory & Smoky: From smoked sausage and paprika.
• Sweet & Earthy: From roasted butternut squash.
• Nutty & Crisp: From caramelized Brussels sprouts.
• Creamy & Buttery: From garlic butter coating the pasta.

Drink Pairings

• Wine: A full-bodied Chardonnay or light Pinot Noir complements the richness.
• Non-Alcoholic: Sparkling apple cider or unsweetened iced tea pairs beautifully with fall flavors.

Side Dishes

• Garlic bread or warm baguette
• Simple arugula or spinach salad with balsamic vinaigrette
• Roasted root vegetables for extra autumn flair

🧮 Nutritional Overview

Per Serving:

• Calories: 730 kcal
• Fat: 44 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Note: Contains gluten and dairy

Dietary Notes:

• Vegetarian-friendly if using plant-based sausage.
• Gluten and dairy present — swap for gluten-free pasta or plant-based butter if needed.

🥬 Tips & Variations

✅ One-Pan Magic

Combine roasted vegetables, sausage, and pasta in the skillet for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor.

✅ Vegetarian Version

Use plant-based sausage or additional roasted vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peppers.

✅ Spice Adjustments

Increase smoked paprika or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bolder flavor.

✅ Seasonal Twist

Add cranberries or toasted pecans for a fall-themed crunch.

🕒 Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)

Step	Time	Description
Prep Veggies	10 min	Peel, cube squash; trim sprouts
Roast Vegetables	15–30 min	Depending on veggie size
Cook Pasta	10 min	Until al dente
Sauté Sausage	5 min	Brown evenly
Make Sauce & Combine	10 min	Garlic butter, mix everything
Total	55 min	Hearty, autumn-perfect meal

🧊 Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Roast Vegetables Ahead: Roast squash and Brussels sprouts 1 day in advance.
• Cooked Pasta: Can be boiled and stored in the fridge; toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Sausage Prep: Slice and refrigerate in an airtight container.

Storage:

• Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth for extra moisture.

❓ FAQs

Q1: Can I use frozen vegetables?
Yes! Thaw and roast thoroughly to remove excess moisture.

Q2: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes! Substitute butter with olive oil or a plant-based margarine.

Q3: Is this meal freezer-friendly?
Best eaten fresh. Pasta may become mushy if frozen; freeze only roasted veggies and sausage separately.

Q4: Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work wonderfully.

Q5: Can this be spiced up?
Add extra smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, or use spicy Andouille sausage.

🧾 Ingredient Spotlight

Butternut Squash

• Sweet, nutty flavor that caramelizes beautifully in the oven.
• High in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Choose squash with firm skin and no soft spots; store in a cool, dark place.

Brussels Sprouts

• Earthy, slightly bitter flavor balances the richness of sausage and butter.
• Trim stems and halve for faster, even roasting.

🔥 Pro Cooking Tips

• Even Roasting: Spread vegetables in a single layer to avoid steaming.
• Layer Flavors: Brown sausage first, then use the rendered fat for garlic butter flavor.
• Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle thyme at the end to preserve freshness and aroma.
• Gentle Tossing: Combine roasted vegetables and pasta carefully to prevent breaking soft squash.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly from the skillet for a rustic, family-style presentation.
• Garnish with fresh thyme leaves or grated Parmesan if desired.
• Pair with a light, crisp green salad for balance.

🔄 Recipe Variations

1. Sweet Potato Twist: Swap butternut squash for cubed sweet potatoes.
2. Mushroom Medley: Add sautéed mushrooms for extra umami.
3. Cheesy Delight: Stir in shredded Parmesan or mozzarella for creamy indulgence.
4. Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle toasted pecans or walnuts on top for added texture.

💬 Conclusion

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is the ultimate fall comfort food — hearty, flavorful, and bursting with seasonal ingredients. Its simplicity, combined with bold flavors and textures, makes it a weeknight favorite or a cozy weekend treat.

From the roasted sweetness of butternut squash to the nutty, caramelized Brussels sprouts and savory sausage, this one-skillet wonder will keep everyone at the table coming back for seconds. Cozy, colorful, and satisfying — this pasta is everything autumn should taste like.

Serve with a crisp glass of wine, gather your loved ones, and enjoy the flavors of fall in every bite. 🍂💛

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