This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is pure autumnal comfort in a bowl! It’s the kind of hearty, cozy dinner that turns a chilly evening into something truly special. Sweet butternut squash melts into a velvety sauce, Italian sausage adds depth and savoriness, and a swirl of Parmesan brings it all together for the perfect bite. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that feels a little luxurious or a way to impress family and friends with a simple yet flavor-packed meal, this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe always hits the spot.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays a starring role—contributing flavor, color, or texture that makes this dish unforgettable. The best part? These ingredients are familiar and simple, coming together for big, bold results with minimal fuss.
- Pasta (12 oz): Go for penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape—these noodles hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Olive Oil (1 tbsp): Adds richness and helps brown the sausage and veggies for extra flavor.
- Italian Sausage (1 lb, casings removed): Brings a savory, spiced heartiness that perfectly balances the sweet squash.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Delivers a sweet and aromatic foundation for the sauce.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with irresistible depth and aroma.
- Butternut Squash (3 cups, peeled & cubed): The star ingredient, creating the creamy, subtly sweet base for the sauce.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Enhances every touch of flavor in this dish.
- Black Pepper (1/4 tsp): Adds just the right peppery edge to balance sweetness.
- Red Pepper Flakes (1/4 tsp, optional): For a little background warmth—totally optional but highly recommended!
- Chicken Broth (1/2 cup): Helps tenderize the squash and build flavorful steam for the sauce.
- Heavy Cream (1/2 cup): Delivers that rich, luxurious texture you crave in a fall pasta.
- Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup, grated, + more for serving): Brings salty, nutty depth and a creamy finish.
- Fresh Sage (2 tbsp, chopped or 1 tsp dried): Lends earthy fragrance—the ultimate fall herb for this dish.
- Butter (1 tbsp): Melts at the end for a luscious finish and added flavor.
How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your pasta in a large pot of well-salted water. Cook it until just al dente—you want it to have a nice bite since it’ll finish cooking in the luscious sauce. Be sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it will work wonders in adjusting your sauce’s consistency later.
Step 2: Brown the Sausage
While your pasta bubbles away, grab a large skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, break it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s browned and perfectly crumbly. This step brings so much savory flavor. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set it aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same skillet (no need to clean it—you want all those lovely brown bits!), add your diced onion and cook until translucent and sweet, about three minutes. Stir in the garlic, letting it cook just long enough to become fragrant, usually less than a minute.
Step 4: Cook the Butternut Squash
Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet along with salt, black pepper, and if you like, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Sauté for about five minutes, letting the squash take on a bit of color. Pour in the chicken broth, cover, and let it all simmer for ten to twelve minutes until the squash is fork-tender and starting to break down.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
With the squash tender, use your spoon or a potato masher to gently mash it right in the pan—this is what gives the iconic creamy texture of the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe. Stir in the heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and chopped sage for a deliciously rich, flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Return the browned sausage to the skillet, mixing it into the sauce so every bite gets that balanced savory-sweet kick. Add the pasta, splash in reserved pasta water as needed, and toss it all to coat the noodles. Finally, finish with a tablespoon of butter and a flurry of extra Parmesan. Dinner is ready!
How to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh sage, a generous dusting of Parmesan, or a pinch of red pepper flakes makes every bowl feel extra special. If you want a pop of green, heap a little fresh parsley on top right before serving for color and a subtle herbal lift.
Side Dishes
This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is hearty enough to shine solo, but it also pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette or a side of warm, crusty bread to soak up all that creamy sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed greens make the meal even more satisfying and nutritious!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style in a big, shallow bowl for a rustic fall feast, or pile it high in individual pasta bowls for an easy but impressive dinner-party touch. For something even more unique, try serving the pasta in hollowed-out roasted squash halves—it’ll look stunning on a holiday table and double down on those autumn vibes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep like a dream! Simply transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay delicious for up to three days, making it an ideal make-ahead meal for busy weeknights or next-day lunches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this pasta freezes quite well. Place cooled servings in freezer-safe containers and store for up to two months. When freezing, let the pasta and sauce cool completely and consider adding a splash of broth or cream after thawing to refresh the texture.
Reheating
Reheating is a breeze. Warm leftovers on the stove over medium-low heat or in the microwave, stirring in a bit of extra cream, broth, or water to loosen up the sauce and keep it creamy. Add a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and sage before serving for a just-made feel.
FAQs
Can I make this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the sausage and swap in your favorite plant-based protein, such as cooked lentils or vegan sausage. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken, and you’ll have a comforting, creamy vegetarian pasta the whole family can enjoy.
What pasta shapes work best in this recipe?
Penne and rigatoni are traditional favorites because their sturdy shapes catch all the creamy sauce, but feel free to experiment—fusilli, cavatappi, or even shells would work beautifully in the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe.
Can I use pre-cut butternut squash?
You sure can! Pre-cut squash is a fantastic time-saver, making this dish even simpler on busy nights. Just double-check that the pieces are roughly even in size for even cooking.
Is it possible to make this gluten free?
Definitely. Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage and broth are certified gluten free. The rest of the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe remains unchanged and just as delicious.
How spicy is the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe?
The dish is mildly spiced, thanks to the Italian sausage and a hint of red pepper flakes. If you prefer it completely mild, skip the red pepper flakes, or dial up the heat if you love a little more kick!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited about this dish as I am! Few meals will warm you up and win you over like the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe. Gather your ingredients, get that skillet sizzling, and let this creamy, cozy pasta become a new favorite at your table.
Print
Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta recipe. Creamy butternut squash sauce paired with savory Italian sausage creates a delightful pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 3 cups peeled and cubed butternut squash
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: In a large pot of salted water, cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sauté the sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage in olive oil until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In the same skillet, sauté onion, garlic, and butternut squash with seasonings. Add chicken broth, simmer until squash is tender, then mash slightly for a creamy texture.
- Finish the dish: Stir in cream, Parmesan, sage, and cooked sausage. Combine with pasta, adding reserved pasta water as needed. Finish with butter and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- You can use pre-cut butternut squash to save time.
- For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.
- Add spinach or kale for extra greens.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 65mg
