Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is the perfect dish for cozy fall evenings. This recipe brings together hearty flavors and seasonal ingredients into a delightful one-skillet meal. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or enjoying a quiet night at home, this dish offers rich flavors with minimal cleanup. Ready in just under an hour, it’s a satisfying way to embrace the season while keeping preparation quick and easy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: The combination of smoked sausage, roasted butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts creates a delightful medley of tastes.
• Quick Preparation: With a total time of 55 minutes, this dish allows you to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Seasonal Ingredients: Featuring autumn produce like butternut squash and Brussels sprouts, it’s perfect for celebrating the flavors of the season.
• One-Skillet Meal: Enjoy easy cleanup as all ingredients are cooked together in one skillet, making it convenient for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Options: You can easily substitute smoked sausage for vegetarian options like chickpeas or add greens like kale or spinach for added nutrition.

Tools and Preparation

To create this comforting Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, having the right tools will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Baking sheets
• Parchment paper
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Mixing bowl

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: Essential for sautéing ingredients and combining them effortlessly, ensuring even cooking.
• Baking sheets: Perfect for roasting vegetables evenly while allowing excess moisture to escape, resulting in crispy textures.
• Parchment paper: Makes cleanup easier by preventing sticking and allows for hassle-free transfer of roasted veggies.
• Pot for boiling pasta: A must-have for cooking pasta to al dente perfection while reserving water for sauce consistency.

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Ingredients

For the Roasted Vegetables

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for butternut squash)
• salt and pepper to taste (for butternut squash)
• 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for Brussels sprouts)
• salt and pepper to taste (for Brussels sprouts)

For the Pasta Dish

• 225 g bow tie pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for pasta dish)
• 340 g cooked smoked sausage (cajun, andouille, or regular smoked sausage)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• salt and pepper to taste (for pasta dish)
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• fresh thyme leaves

How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures that your vegetables roast perfectly.

Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash

1. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Spread it in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
3. Roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes until tender.

Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts

1. Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts.
2. Toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread on another parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes until crispy.

Step 4: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta while reserving some of the pasta water.

Step 5: Sauté the Smoked Sausage

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
2. Slice smoked sausage into coins and cook until browned on both sides.
3. Remove sausage from skillet and set aside.

Step 6: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet used for sausage, cook minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Add butter until melted.
3. Add cooked pasta to the skillet; toss to coat with garlic butter sauce.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.

Step 7: Combine All Ingredients

1. Add roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, cooked sausage, and fresh thyme to the skillet.
2. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
3. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.

This hearty Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is sure to warm your heart during chilly evenings! Enjoy!

How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Serving Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is all about enhancing its rich flavors and cozy textures. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and brightness.
• Grated Parmesan: For those who enjoy cheese, a light dusting of grated Parmesan offers a creamy contrast.

Pair with a Simple Salad

• Mixed Greens: A side of mixed greens with a light vinaigrette can balance the richness of the pasta dish.
• Caesar Salad: This classic salad adds a crunchy texture that complements the meal perfectly.

Add a Bread Element

• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread serves as an excellent accompaniment for scooping up pasta.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm dinner rolls can soak up any extra sauce left on your plate.

Offer a Beverage Option

• Sparkling Water: A refreshing sparkling water can cleanse the palate between bites.
• Herbal Tea: A warm cup of herbal tea complements the autumn flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

To make your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash even more delightful, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and spices; they enhance every flavor in the dish.
• Use seasonal veggies: Incorporate seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach for added nutrition and color.
• Adjust cooking times: Ensure that both the squash and Brussels sprouts are perfectly roasted by keeping an eye on them while cooking.
• Mix textures: For added crunch, consider topping your dish with toasted nuts or seeds just before serving.
• Stir gently: When mixing everything in the skillet, stir gently to keep the pasta from breaking apart and to maintain texture.

Best Side Dishes for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Pairing side dishes with your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes, and zucchini drizzled with olive oil.
2. Brussels Sprout Slaw: Shredded Brussels sprouts mixed with apples and walnuts for a crunchy contrast.
3. Quinoa Salad: Lightly flavored quinoa tossed with cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette for freshness.
4. Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Fluffy mashed potatoes made with plant-based butter for a comforting addition.
5. Sautéed Greens: Quick sautéed spinach or kale in garlic-infused olive oil enhances nutrition and flavor.
6. Cornbread Muffins: Sweet cornbread muffins provide a slightly sweet touch that pairs nicely with savory pasta dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash can be a breeze, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Skipping the seasoning: Failing to season your vegetables can leave your dish bland. Always add salt and pepper at each stage of cooking.
• Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the bow tie pasta too long will result in a mushy texture. Follow package instructions for al dente results.
• Not roasting vegetables properly: If you overcrowd the baking sheet, vegetables won’t roast evenly. Use separate sheets and spread them out in a single layer.
• Ignoring the resting time: Letting the dish sit after cooking allows flavors to meld. Don’t rush to serve; give it a few minutes.
• Forgetting to reserve pasta water: The reserved pasta water is great for adjusting sauce consistency. Always save a cup before draining.

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• item Consume within 3-4 days for best flavor and texture.

Freezing Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

• item Allow the dish to cool completely before freezing.
• item Use freezer-safe containers or bags, removing as much air as possible.
• item It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

• item Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake covered for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• item Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.
• item Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or water in a skillet over medium heat, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a hearty dish featuring bow tie pasta, roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and smoked sausage, all tossed in a garlic butter sauce.

Can I make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute smoked sausage with chickpeas or your favorite plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version that still packs flavor.

How can I customize Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Feel free to add seasonal vegetables like kale or spinach. You can also use different pasta shapes according to your preference.

How do I ensure my squash is perfectly roasted?

Cut the squash into uniform pieces and spread them out on the baking sheet without overcrowding. This ensures even roasting and caramelization.

Can I prepare Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can roast the vegetables and cook the pasta ahead of time. Combine everything just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is not only delicious but also versatile enough to adapt to various tastes. Whether you prefer it with chicken sausage or want to throw in extra veggies, this recipe invites creativity. Try it out this fall and enjoy cozy dinners with family or friends!