Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Hi there, food lover! 👋
Ready to welcome the cozy vibes of fall with a dish that’s both hearty and comforting? 🍂✨ This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash brings together the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the savory flavor of Italian sausage, and the richness of creamy pasta — all in one warm bowl that feels like a hug from the season itself. ❤️

The earthy aroma of sage and garlic fills the kitchen as you cook, while the golden squash adds a velvety touch to every bite. It’s a traditional comfort food with an elegant twist — the kind of meal that makes you want to gather everyone around the table and savor the simple joy of good food. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or just treating yourself to something nourishing, this dish will leave your heart and belly full. 🥰

So grab your apron, light that cinnamon candle, and let’s dive into this golden bowl of autumn magic! 🍁

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Ingredients

For the roasted squash:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp dried thyme

For the pasta:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, as you prefer)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or pasta water)
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1 tbsp fresh sage or 1 tsp dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A handful of spinach or kale (optional, for color and nutrients)

For garnish:

• Extra Parmesan cheese
• Crushed red pepper flakes 🌶️
• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Step-by-Step Directions

1. Roast the butternut squash.
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender and golden. 🍠
2. Cook the pasta.
   While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
3. Cook the sausage.
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil (if needed) over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through — about 8–10 minutes. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté aromatics.
   In the same skillet, sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft, then add garlic and cook for another 1 minute until fragrant. 🍳
5. Create the sauce.
   Add roasted squash to the skillet with onion and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and cream. Stir gently, mashing some squash cubes with a spoon to create a creamy texture while leaving a few chunks for bite. Add nutmeg, sage, and salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine everything.
   Return the sausage to the skillet and toss in the cooked pasta. Gradually add a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce until it clings beautifully to the noodles.
7. Finish with Parmesan.
   Stir in Parmesan cheese and spinach (if using). Mix until creamy and well combined.
8. Serve and garnish.
   Dish into bowls, top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, and chopped parsley. Serve hot and enjoy that heavenly autumn aroma! 🍁🍝

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Nutritional Information

⏰ Prep Time: 15 minutes
🔥 Cooking Time: 30 minutes
⏳ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍽️ Servings: 4

⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 kcal
🥩 Protein: 24g
🥦 Carbohydrates: 52g
🥑 Fat: 18g
🍬 Sugar: 6g
🧂 Sodium: 580mg
🌿 Fiber: 6g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 6g

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#comfortfood #autumnrecipes #pastalovers #butternutsquash #cozymeals #homemadegoodness #italianinspired #fallfavorites

Bon appétit and happy cooking! 👩🍳🍽️