Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash – Cozy, Hearty & Delicious
Warm up with this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash! Tender roasted squash combined with savory sausage, pasta, and cozy fall spices makes a hearty, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or seasonal gatherings. Easy, flavorful, and full of autumn vibes – a family favorite!
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Large pot
- Skillet or sauté pan
- Mixing bowl
- Tongs or spatula
- Colander
Ingredients
- 1 lb sausage (smoked, Italian, or spicy andouille)
- 2 cups diced squash (butternut, acorn, or delicata)
- 8 oz short pasta (penne, bow tie, fusilli)
- 1½ cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 1 cup spinach or bagged greens
- ½ onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp butter or light cream
- ½ tsp thyme
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: grated parmesan, red pepper flakes, toasted breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes until caramelized and tender.
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
- Sauté sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned. Add sliced onions and minced garlic; cook until fragrant and softened.
- Combine pasta, roasted veggies, and sausage in a large mixing bowl or skillet. Add spinach and stir until wilted.
- Add butter or light cream and reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Stir gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Season with thyme, salt, and pepper to taste. Optional: sprinkle with grated parmesan or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs or toasted breadcrumbs for added texture.
Notes
- Use pre-cut squash and bagged greens to save time.
- Gluten-free? Use GF pasta and check sausage ingredients.
- Dairy-free? Swap butter for olive oil or plant-based alternatives.
- Vegetarian? Use chickpeas or plant-based sausage.
- Low-carb? Substitute pasta with spaghetti squash or zucchini noodles.
- Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to restore moisture.
- Freeze without greens for best texture—add fresh when reheating.