Why Make This Recipe

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is the perfect dish to warm you up as the weather cools down. It’s a comforting blend of flavors featuring roasted butternut squash and crispy Brussels sprouts, all combined with hearty sausage and pasta. This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a healthy meal. It can be served as a main dish or a delightful side dish for gatherings.

How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Ingredients

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
225 g bow tie pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
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

Directions

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
While the squash is roasting, trim and halve the Brussels sprouts. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on another parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast at 200°C for 20-30 minutes until crispy.
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve some pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Slice the sausage into coins and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant. Add butter and melt it. Then, add the cooked pasta and toss to coat.
Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Finally, add the roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and fresh thyme to the skillet. Gently mix everything together and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve this dish warm, straight from the skillet. It can be enjoyed as a main course or as a side dish. Garnish with extra thyme leaves for a nice touch.

How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

To serve Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, dish it out directly from the skillet. For a beautiful presentation, add a sprinkle of fresh thyme leaves on top. This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the flavors.

How to Store Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

You can store any leftovers of Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or microwave it until heated through.

Tips to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

To enhance the flavor, consider adding a touch of grated cheese on top before serving.
Use different types of sausage to change the flavor profile; chicken sausage is a lighter option.
For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables or beans for protein.

Variation

You can easily customize this dish by adding other seasonal vegetables, such as kale, spinach, or sweet potatoes. You can also swap out bow tie pasta for other shapes like penne or rotini.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can roast the squash and Brussels sprouts in advance and keep them in the fridge. Cook the pasta and combine all ingredients when you’re ready to serve.

Q: What kind of sausage should I use?
A: You can use any type of smoked sausage such as cajun, andouille, or even chicken sausage for a lighter meal.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
A: While the dish can be frozen, the texture of the vegetables may change when reheated. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or refrigerated.