Oh, you guys, fall is *the* best. Seriously! Give me all the cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and, most importantly, all the unbelievably delicious comfort food. And when it comes to fall comfort food, nothing – and I mean *nothing* – beats a big bowl of creamy, dreamy pasta. That’s where my Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage comes in.
Seriously, this is the dish I crave the second the leaves start to change. It’s got the sweetness of roasted butternut squash, the savory kick of Italian sausage, and a sauce that’s so rich and velvety, you’ll want to lick the bowl clean. (Don’t worry, I won’t judge if you do!)
I first made this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage years ago when I was trying to impress a date (it worked!). Now, it’s a staple in my house, and I can’t wait to share my secrets with you!
Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Okay, so why *this* recipe? Trust me, there are a million pasta recipes out there, but this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage is special. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make! Here’s why you’ll be obsessed:
Quick and Easy Dinner
Let’s be real, weeknights are hectic. This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage comes together in under an hour, start to finish. Roasting the squash is mostly hands-off time, so you can get other stuff done while it’s in the oven. It’s a total lifesaver!
Creamy, Dreamy, and Delicious
Seriously, the sauce is *everything*. The roasted butternut squash gets all sweet and caramelized, and then you blend it with cream and parmesan? Wow! It’s rich, velvety, and coats every single strand of pasta perfectly. You won’t be able to stop eating it!
Perfect for Fall
Butternut squash is *the* flavor of fall, right? This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage just screams autumn. It’s the perfect dish to make when the weather gets chilly and you’re craving something comforting and seasonal. It’s basically fall in a bowl!
What You Need to Make Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage. Don’t worry, most of it’s pretty standard stuff!
- 1 pound butternut squash: Peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes. You can buy it pre-cut to save time, but I swear it tastes better when you do it yourself!
- 1 pound Italian sausage: Removed from its casing. I usually go for mild, but hot sausage is fantastic if you like a little kick!
- 1 medium onion: Chopped. Nothing fancy here, just a regular yellow onion will do.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced. Fresh garlic is a must, trust me!
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Low sodium is always a good call, so you can control the saltiness.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce super creamy and decadent!
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is always best, but the pre-grated stuff works in a pinch.
- 1 pound pasta: Any shape you like! I love using penne or rigatoni because the sauce really clings to them.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For roasting the squash and sautéing the veggies.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
- Fresh sage: For garnish. It adds a lovely aroma and a pop of color!
How to Make Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, ready to get cooking? Don’t worry, this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage is easier than it looks! Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a delicious dinner on the table in no time. I promise!
Preparing the Butternut Squash
First things first, let’s get that squash roasting! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with a tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, until it’s tender and slightly caramelized. My favorite part is when the edges get a little crispy!
Cooking the Sausage and Aromatics
While the squash is roasting, let’s tackle the sausage. In a large skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any excess grease (nobody wants greasy pasta!). Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic and cook until they’re softened, about 5 minutes. Your kitchen should be smelling amazing right about now!
Making the Butternut Squash Cream Sauce
Once the squash is roasted, add it to the skillet with the sausage and onions. Pour in the chicken broth and let it simmer for about 5 minutes, letting all those flavors meld together. Now for the good stuff! Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This is where the magic happens – the sauce will thicken up and become super creamy!
Combining Pasta and Sauce
By now, your pasta should be cooked al dente. Before you drain it, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water – this is liquid gold! Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Garnish with fresh sage and serve immediately. Mmm, perfection!
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Want to take your Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage to the next level? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make this dish absolutely perfect every single time. Trust me, these tips are game-changers!
Choosing the Right Sausage
Okay, sausage is a big deal here. Mild Italian sausage is my go-to because it lets the butternut squash flavor shine. But don’t be afraid to experiment! Hot Italian sausage adds a fantastic kick, and even sweet Italian sausage can be delicious. Just remember, the sausage you choose will really impact the overall flavor of the Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage, so pick wisely!
Adjusting the Sauce Consistency
The sauce should be creamy and coat the pasta beautifully, but sometimes it can be a little too thick or too thin. If it’s too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water – it’s starchy and helps to loosen things up. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to let it reduce and thicken naturally. You want it just right, Goldilocks style!
Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Variations
Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage, but what if you want to mix things up a little? No problem! This recipe is super versatile, and there are tons of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are a couple of my favorite twists:
Vegetarian Butternut Squash Pasta
Wanna skip the sausage? No prob! Just leave it out! To add some extra protein, toss in some chickpeas or white beans. They’ll soak up all that yummy sauce and make it super hearty. You could even add some roasted mushrooms for a meaty texture! For more vegetarian options, check out these recipes.
Spicy Butternut Squash Pasta
Feeling a little fiery? Me too! Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes while you’re cooking the onions and garlic. Or, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild. For a real kick, drizzle a little chili oil over the finished dish. Careful, it’s addictive!
Serving Suggestions for Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Alright, so you’ve got your amazing Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage ready to go, but what should you serve with it? I love a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the pasta. Or, some crusty bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? Yum! A Thanksgiving salad could also be a great pairing.
Storing and Reheating Your Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage is just as good the next day. Just pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave it until heated through, or warm it up in a skillet with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Easy peasy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common things people ask me about my Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage. Don’t be shy if you have more – just drop them in the comments below!
Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Okay, so, technically, yes, you *can* use frozen butternut squash. But honestly? I don’t really recommend it. Frozen squash tends to be a little waterlogged, and it won’t get that nice caramelized flavor that you get from roasting fresh squash. If you’re really in a pinch, go for it, but fresh is always best for this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage!
Can I make this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage ahead of time?
Good news! You totally can! The sauce actually tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld. Just make the sauce ahead of time, store it in the fridge, and then cook the pasta and toss it all together right before serving. Easy peasy!
What kind of pasta should I use?
Honestly, any pasta shape works great in this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage. I personally love using penne or rigatoni because their ridges really grab onto the creamy sauce. But farfalle (bowties), fusilli (spirals), or even good old-fashioned spaghetti would be delicious too! Use whatever you have on hand – it’ll be yummy no matter what!
Nutritional Information for Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m a home cook, not a nutritionist. The nutritional information for this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage can vary *a lot* depending on the specific ingredients you use (brands, cuts of sausage, etc.). So, I can’t give you an exact breakdown, and I sure don’t want to be responsible if you’re counting every calorie! Just keep in mind it’s an estimate, okay?
Enjoy Your Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage!
Alright, go make this Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage and tell me what you think! Leave a comment, rate the recipe, and share your pics on social media – I can’t wait to see them!
