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Irresistible Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Recipe You’ll Love

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A cozy and comforting dish packed with signature fall flavors like roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, and creamy pasta. Perfect for family dinners or fall gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, mild or spicy, casings removed
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced finely
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 12 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Toss the diced squash with olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and slightly caramelized.
  3. Boil a large pot of salted water, add the pasta, and cook until al-dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, saving ½ cup of the pasta water.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and cook the sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and fully cooked.
  5. Stir in the onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently, then add grated parmesan and reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
  7. Add the roasted squash and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until coated with the sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and more parmesan if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

[‘Spread the squash in a single layer to ensure even caramelization.’, ‘Under-cook pasta slightly if you plan to toss it in the sauce—it’ll finish cooking in the skillet.’, ‘Combine mild and spicy sausage for a balanced flavor profile.’, ‘Use reserved pasta water sparingly—start with a small amount and adjust as needed.’, ‘Roast the squash and cook the pasta earlier in the day to save time during dinner prep.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: autumn recipe, sausage pasta, butternut squash, fall comfort food, easy dinner, creamy pasta, seasonal flavors