It is that wonderful time of year again when the leaves turn gold and the air becomes crisp. Autumn is a special season that brings a bounty of delicious flavors. One of the best ways to celebrate fall is with hearty and comforting dishes. Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a wonderful recipe that combines the sweetness of butternut squash, the earthiness of Brussels sprouts, and the savory nature of smoked sausage. This dish is easy to make, healthy, and satisfying. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Let’s explore this wonderfully comforting dish and why you should definitely make it this fall.
Why Make This Recipe
There are several reasons to make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash. First, it showcases seasonal ingredients. Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts are at their peak in autumn, making this dish not only tasty but also fresh and healthy. Secondly, the flavors in this recipe work beautifully together. The sweetness of the squash complements the savory sausage and the slight bitterness of Brussels sprouts, creating a well-balanced meal.
This recipe is also quite versatile. You can easily swap ingredients to match what you have at home or to accommodate dietary needs. Cooking this dish takes about an hour from start to finish, making it an excellent option for a weekday meal or a special occasion. Plus, it provides both protein and veggies, which means you can enjoy a complete meal in one bowl. So, gather your ingredients, and let’s dive into making this delightful autumn dish!
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Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A hearty and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with smoky sausage and crispy Brussels sprouts, perfect for autumn.
Ingredients
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 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
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (about 400°F).
- Toss butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes.
- Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast in the oven for 20-30 minutes.
- Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water and drain.
- In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and cook sliced sausage until browned. Set aside.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Toss in the drained pasta, seasoning with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- Gently mix in roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and fresh thyme. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh thyme leaves. Pairs well with crusty bread or a simple side salad.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Making Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is relatively straightforward. With a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that will warm you from the inside out. Let’s look at the ingredients and then the step-by-step directions.
Ingredients
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, 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: Start by preheating the oven to 200°C (about 400°F). This high temperature will help to roast the vegetables nicely.
Prepare the Butternut Squash: In a bowl, toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Make sure the squash cubes are evenly coated. Spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Roast the squash in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes. You want them to be tender and slightly caramelized.
Prepare the Brussels Sprouts: While the squash is roasting, trim the Brussels sprouts by cutting off the stems and then slicing them in half. Place them in a bowl and toss them with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, as well as salt and pepper. Spread the Brussels sprouts on another baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and roast them in the oven for 20-30 minutes. You want them to be golden and crispy on the edges.
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bow tie pasta and cook according to the package directions until it reaches an al dente texture. Reserve some of the pasta water for later and then drain the pasta.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Slice the cooked smoked sausage into coins. Add them to the skillet and cook until they are browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set them aside for later.
Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet where you cooked the sausage, add the minced garlic. Cook it until it becomes fragrant, which will take about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn it!
Combine Everything: Add the butter to the skillet with the garlic and let it melt. Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it to coat with the garlic butter mixture. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to add a deep flavor.
Final Touches: Now, gently add in the roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and fresh thyme leaves. Carefully mix everything together so that all the ingredients are well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. If the dish seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water to help bring it all together.
How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Serving Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is simple and fun. You can place generous portions into bowls or on plates. For a special touch, sprinkle additional fresh thyme leaves on top for garnish. The dish is colorful and inviting, making it a wonderful centerpiece on your dining table.
Consider serving it with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal. This dish is best enjoyed hot but can also be served warm. If you have leftovers, they can be reheated the next day or served cold as a pasta salad option.
How to Store Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
If you find yourself with leftovers, storing Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is easy. Allow the dish to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you want to store it for a longer time, you can freeze individual portions. To freeze, pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container or sealable freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, reheat the leftovers in a microwave or on a stovetop pan, adding a little water to prevent it from drying out.
Tips to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash turns out perfectly:
Choosing the Sausage: Feel free to choose any type of smoked sausage you enjoy. Cajun sausage gives it a nice spicy kick, while regular smoked sausage is milder and works well for those who prefer less heat.
Vegetable Roasting: Keep an eye on the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts while roasting. Oven temperatures can vary, and you want to avoid burning them. Aim for a nice golden brown with tenderness.
Cooking the Pasta: Make sure not to overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the other ingredients in the skillet.
Fresh Herbs: Add fresh herbs for added flavor. Thyme pairs especially well with this dish, but parsley or sage would also work great.
Customizing the Recipe: You can easily add different vegetables or proteins based on your preferences. Spinach, kale, or even mushrooms can be great additions.
Variation
If you want to create a vegetarian version of Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, you can replace the sausage with chickpeas or lentils for protein. You can also use additional hearty vegetables, like sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash, and they will still roast beautifully to bring out their sweet flavors.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess water before roasting it.
2. What can I serve with this dish?
Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash pairs well with a simple side salad, garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables. A light vinaigrette on greens can balance the rich flavors of the pasta.
3. Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is perfect for meal prep. You can make a big batch at the beginning of the week, and it reheats nicely for quick meals throughout the week.
4. Can I add cheese to this dish?
Certainly! Adding Parmesan cheese or goat cheese just before serving can enhance the flavors. It adds a creamy texture and a tasty savory touch.
5. How do I make this dish gluten-free?
You can use gluten-free pasta in place of regular bow tie pasta. Make sure to check the labels on your sausage and other ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free.
This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a fabulous dish to make this fall. With its rich flavors and colorful ingredients, it will surely become a favorite in your autumn meal rotation. Enjoy the wonderful tastes of the season!