This autumn sausage pasta is one of those cozy, comforting dinners we love to make as a team when the weather turns cool. Roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts tossed with pasta, turkey sausage, and a simple garlic butter sauce feel like a warm hug, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Autumn Sausage Pasta with Butternut Squash is a hearty, comforting one skillet dinner. Bow tie pasta, browned turkey sausage, roasted butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts are tossed in a simple garlic butter sauce seasoned with smoked paprika and fresh thyme. Rich, balanced, and full of cozy fall flavor, this autumn sausage pasta is perfect for a weeknight dinner.
What makes this autumn sausage pasta so good is the roasted vegetables. Sweet butternut squash and savory Brussels sprouts are tossed with bow tie pasta, turkey sausage, and a garlic butter sauce.
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Watch how this autumn sausage pasta comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Autumn Sausage Pasta
- Cozy autumn flavors. Roasted squash and Brussels sprouts in every bite.
- Hearty and balanced. Protein, vegetables, and pasta in one dish.
- Simple garlic butter sauce. A light, savory sauce ties it together.
- One skillet finish. Everything comes together in a single pan.
- Perfect for fall. A warm, comforting weeknight dinner.
What Makes This Autumn Sausage Pasta So Good
Roasted butternut squash brings sweet, autumn flavor. Roasted until tender and caramelized, it adds a sweet, nutty richness to the dish.
Roasted Brussels sprouts add savory depth. Roasted until crispy at the edges, they bring a savory, slightly nutty bite that balances the sweet squash.
A simple garlic butter sauce pulls it together. Garlic, butter, smoked paprika, and a splash of pasta water make a light, glossy sauce that coats the pasta and vegetables.
Roasting the Brussels sprouts rather than boiling them brings out their natural sweetness and gives them crispy, caramelized edges.
Optional Pro Tip: Perfectly Roasted Vegetables
Spread the vegetables in a single layer. Giving them room on the pan lets them roast and caramelize instead of steaming.
Reserve some pasta water. A splash of its starchy water helps the garlic butter coat everything in a light, glossy sauce.
Tips for the Best Autumn Sausage Pasta
- Cut even pieces. Uniform squash cubes roast evenly.
- Use a single layer. It helps the vegetables caramelize.
- Brown the sausage well. A good sear adds savory flavor.
- Reserve pasta water. It helps create a light sauce.
- Do not burn the garlic. Cook it just until fragrant.
- Use turkey sausage. It keeps the dish a little lighter.
- Add thyme at the end. Fresh thyme keeps its bright flavor.
- Season to taste. Adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Variations and Add Ins
This autumn sausage pasta is easy to customize.
- Use sweet potatoes. They are a great swap for butternut squash.
- Add cheese. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds savory richness.
- Make it spicy. Use a spicy sausage or add red pepper flakes.
- Add greens. A handful of spinach or kale stirs in well.
- Use a different pasta. Penne or rotini work well too.
- Add a creamy touch. A splash of cream makes a richer sauce.
- Use sage. Fresh sage adds a classic autumn flavor.
- Add nuts. Toasted walnuts or pecans add crunch.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover autumn sausage pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It makes a great packed lunch.
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it, since the pasta absorbs the sauce as it sits.
Serving Suggestions for Autumn Sausage Pasta
This autumn sausage pasta is a complete meal on its own, with protein, vegetables, and pasta in one skillet. A crisp green salad makes a fresh side.
Warm crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for rounding out the meal. A glass of your favorite drink and good company complete a cozy fall dinner.
For a heartier spread, add a simple soup or a side of roasted vegetables. A sprinkle of Parmesan and extra thyme makes a lovely finishing touch.
- With a green salad. A fresh, crisp contrast.
- With crusty bread. Great for a cozy meal.
- With Parmesan. A savory finishing touch.
- With extra thyme. A bright, herby finish.
For another creamy, crowd pleasing pasta, our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is a favorite to try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different sausage?
Yes. Any cooked sausage works. Turkey sausage keeps it lighter, while a spicy sausage adds a flavorful kick.
Can I use sweet potatoes instead of squash?
Absolutely. Sweet potatoes roast up similarly sweet and tender and make a great swap for the butternut squash.
How do I get the vegetables crispy?
Spread them in a single layer with a little space on the pan so they roast and caramelize rather than steam.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. You can roast the vegetables and brown the sausage up to a few days ahead, then toss everything together when ready to serve.
What pasta works best?
Bow tie pasta is used here and catches the sauce nicely, but penne, rotini, or any short pasta works well.
Can I add cheese?
Yes. A sprinkle of Parmesan adds savory, nutty richness and makes the dish even more comforting.
Is this a one pot meal?
The vegetables roast separately, but everything comes together and finishes in one skillet for an easy, balanced dinner.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Simply leave out the sausage. The roasted squash and Brussels sprouts make it satisfying on their own.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, and reheat gently with a splash of water or broth.
Why reserve pasta water?
The starchy water helps the garlic butter coat the pasta and vegetables in a light, glossy sauce.
A Cozy Taste of Fall
This autumn sausage pasta brings together sweet roasted butternut squash, savory Brussels sprouts, and browned turkey sausage in a simple garlic butter sauce. It is hearty, balanced, and full of cozy fall flavor.
A complete one skillet meal that is perfect for busy autumn evenings, it is sure to please the whole family. Once you try it, this autumn sausage pasta is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Craving more hearty pasta dinners? Our high protein creamy beef pasta is another rich, satisfying dish to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Autumn Sausage Pasta with Butternut Squash
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper, spread it in a single layer, and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper, spread them on the baking sheet, and roast for 20 to 30 minutes until tender and slightly crispy.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the bow tie pasta until al dente, and reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Meanwhile, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sliced turkey sausage on both sides, then remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook the garlic for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant, add the butter and let it melt, then stir in the cooked pasta, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Add the roasted squash, Brussels sprouts, and browned sausage back to the skillet, pour in about 1/4 cup of the reserved pasta water, toss everything together until heated through, adding more pasta water if needed, and stir in the fresh thyme.
Nutrition
Notes
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