Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta Hearty and Comforting Dish

October 7, 2025April 13, 2025 by Hazel

Craving a warm, filling meal this autumn? Look no further than my Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta! This hearty dish combines savory Italian sausage and sweet butternut squash, creating a comforting blend that’s perfect for chilly evenings. Packed with flavor and easy to make, it’s great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Ready to dive into a bowl of pure comfort? Let’s get cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

Seasonal Flavors: This recipe beautifully captures the essence of autumn with its warm, comforting flavors of butternut squash and sage, making it perfect for cozy nights.
Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, allowing you to enjoy a homemade meal without a lot of effort.
Hearty and Satisfying: The combination of pasta, sausage, and a creamy sauce makes this dish hearty enough to satisfy even the hungriest of appetites.
Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or using different types of pasta, making it a flexible option for any palate.

Ingredients

To make Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta, you will need:

8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried)
1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
2 tbsp olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The pasta serves as the base, giving it heartiness. The Italian sausage brings rich flavor, while the butternut squash adds sweetness and texture. The onion and garlic provide a savory depth, and the herbs bring fresh notes that brighten the dish. The broth and cream create a luscious sauce, binding everything together. Salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese round off the flavors, making each bite satisfying. Olive oil adds richness, and parsley gives a pop of color on top.

With these ingredients, you can create a warm and cozy meal that celebrates autumn flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cooking the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta, like penne or rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water can help adjust the sauce later.

Preparing the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of Italian sausage with the casings removed. Break it up using a spatula. Cook the sausage until it turns brown and is fully cooked, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.

Sautéing the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Next, add 1 diced medium onion and 2 cups of cubed butternut squash. Cook these for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the squash becomes tender. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of fresh sage, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Cook for another minute until you smell the herbs.

Combining All Ingredients

Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together nicely.

Making the Dish Creamy

Lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together. If the mixture looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Final Touches and Serving

Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting the Texture

Cooking pasta al dente: Always cook your pasta until it’s just firm. This keeps it from getting mushy. Use the package instructions, but check a minute early.
Adjusting the creaminess: If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This keeps it creamy without being heavy. Stir well to blend everything together.

Enhancing Flavor

Using fresh vs. dried herbs: Fresh herbs give a bright taste. For this dish, use fresh sage and thyme when you can. If you only have dried, use less. Dried herbs are stronger.
Recommended seasoning tips: Taste as you cook. Add salt and pepper in small amounts. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out.

Cheesy Options

Types of cheese for topping: Parmesan is a great choice. It melts well and adds a salty kick. You can also use pecorino for a sharper taste.
Techniques for mixing in cheese: Add cheese while the sauce is warm. This helps it melt smoothly. Stir it in after you’ve added the cream for the best results.

Pro Tips

Choose the Right Pasta: For this recipe, using a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni helps hold onto the creamy sauce and enhances the overall texture of the dish.
Perfectly Cooked Sausage: Make sure to break up the sausage into small pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and a better distribution of flavor throughout the pasta.
Customize Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and reserved pasta water based on your desired creaminess. Adding more pasta water can help if the sauce becomes too thick.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh sage and thyme can elevate the flavor profile of the dish. If using dried herbs, remember they are more concentrated, so use less.

Variations

Ingredient Swaps

You can change the protein in this dish. Use chicken or turkey instead of sausage. This switch still gives you that hearty flavor. You can also try different squash. Acorn or spaghetti squash works well too. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach boosts nutrition and color.

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk instead of cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy.

Flavor Additions

To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. This gives your pasta a nice kick. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables. Kale or Brussels sprouts add crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs too!

Storage Info

Leftover Storage

Store any leftover Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta in the fridge. Use a clean, airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cool the pasta before putting it away. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. I prefer glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal tightly and make for easy reheating later on.

Reheating Methods

You can reheat the pasta in the oven or microwave. For oven reheating, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming.

The microwave is quicker but can change the texture. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot.

Freezing Options

Yes, you can freeze Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta. It’s best to freeze it in single-serving portions. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn.

When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently using your preferred method. If it looks dry, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. Enjoy your delicious pasta even after a few weeks!

FAQs

How long does it take to make Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta?

This dish takes about 35 minutes to make. You will spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the dish takes about 20 minutes. This makes it a quick meal for busy days.

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can use different pasta shapes! I recommend using penne or rigatoni for this dish. They hold the sauce well. You can also try bowtie or farfalle for fun shapes. Whatever pasta you choose, just cook it until al dente.

What can I serve with this dish?

Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta pairs well with several side dishes. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is also a great choice for dipping in the sauce. If you want something warm, roasted Brussels sprouts complement the flavors nicely.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave. You can enjoy a hearty meal anytime!

In this blog post, we explored how to make Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta. We discussed choosing ingredients like Italian sausage, butternut squash, and fresh herbs. I provided clear step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking. You also learned useful tips for enhancing flavors and creating variations.

This dish is not just tasty; it’s versatile. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy making this warm and hearty pasta meal anytim

$To make Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta, you will need: - 8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni) - 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed - 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed - 1 medium onion, diced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried) - 1 tsp fresh thyme, chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried) - 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth - 1/2 cup heavy cream - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving) - 2 tbsp olive oil - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The pasta serves as the base, giving it heartiness. The Italian sausage brings rich flavor, while the butternut squash adds sweetness and texture. The onion and garlic provide a savory depth, and the herbs bring fresh notes that brighten the dish. The broth and cream create a luscious sauce, binding everything together. Salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese round off the flavors, making each bite satisfying. Olive oil adds richness, and parsley gives a pop of color on top. With these ingredients, you can create a warm and cozy meal that celebrates autumn flavors. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Bring it to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz of your chosen pasta, like penne or rigatoni. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta but save 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water can help adjust the sauce later. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of Italian sausage with the casings removed. Break it up using a spatula. Cook the sausage until it turns brown and is fully cooked, which takes about 5-7 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Next, add 1 diced medium onion and 2 cups of cubed butternut squash. Cook these for about 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the squash becomes tender. Then, add 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon of fresh sage, and 1 teaspoon of fresh thyme. Cook for another minute until you smell the herbs. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Pour in 1/2 cup of vegetable or chicken broth. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes. This helps all the flavors blend together nicely. Lower the heat and add 1/2 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together. If the mixture looks too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Now, add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir in 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the pasta in shallow bowls. For a beautiful finish, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley on top. - Cooking pasta al dente: Always cook your pasta until it's just firm. This keeps it from getting mushy. Use the package instructions, but check a minute early. - Adjusting the creaminess: If your sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water. This keeps it creamy without being heavy. Stir well to blend everything together. - Using fresh vs. dried herbs: Fresh herbs give a bright taste. For this dish, use fresh sage and thyme when you can. If you only have dried, use less. Dried herbs are stronger. - Recommended seasoning tips: Taste as you cook. Add salt and pepper in small amounts. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out. - Types of cheese for topping: Parmesan is a great choice. It melts well and adds a salty kick. You can also use pecorino for a sharper taste. - Techniques for mixing in cheese: Add cheese while the sauce is warm. This helps it melt smoothly. Stir it in after you’ve added the cream for the best results. Pro Tips Choose the Right Pasta: For this recipe, using a sturdy pasta like penne or rigatoni helps hold onto the creamy sauce and enhances the overall texture of the dish. Perfectly Cooked Sausage: Make sure to break up the sausage into small pieces while cooking to ensure even browning and a better distribution of flavor throughout the pasta. Customize Creaminess: Adjust the amount of heavy cream and reserved pasta water based on your desired creaminess. Adding more pasta water can help if the sauce becomes too thick. Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh sage and thyme can elevate the flavor profile of the dish. If using dried herbs, remember they are more concentrated, so use less. {{image_2}} You can change the protein in this dish. Use chicken or turkey instead of sausage. This switch still gives you that hearty flavor. You can also try different squash. Acorn or spaghetti squash works well too. Adding vegetables like bell peppers or spinach boosts nutrition and color. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer tasty choices. For a dairy-free version, try coconut milk instead of cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. To spice things up, add red pepper flakes. This gives your pasta a nice kick. You can also mix in seasonal vegetables. Kale or Brussels sprouts add crunch and flavor. Don’t be afraid to experiment with herbs too! Store any leftover Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta in the fridge. Use a clean, airtight container. This keeps the dish fresh for up to three days. Make sure to cool the pasta before putting it away. This helps avoid condensation inside the container. I prefer glass or BPA-free plastic containers. They seal tightly and make for easy reheating later on. You can reheat the pasta in the oven or microwave. For oven reheating, place the pasta in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat at 350°F for about 20 minutes. Stir halfway through for even warming. The microwave is quicker but can change the texture. Place the pasta in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between until hot. Yes, you can freeze Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta. It’s best to freeze it in single-serving portions. This makes it easy to thaw only what you need. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you're ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Reheat it gently using your preferred method. If it looks dry, add a splash of broth or cream to bring back the creaminess. Enjoy your delicious pasta even after a few weeks! This dish takes about 35 minutes to make. You will spend 15 minutes prepping the ingredients. Cooking the dish takes about 20 minutes. This makes it a quick meal for busy days. Yes, you can use different pasta shapes! I recommend using penne or rigatoni for this dish. They hold the sauce well. You can also try bowtie or farfalle for fun shapes. Whatever pasta you choose, just cook it until al dente. Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta pairs well with several side dishes. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is also a great choice for dipping in the sauce. If you want something warm, roasted Brussels sprouts complement the flavors nicely. Absolutely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge. It keeps well for up to three days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave. You can enjoy a hearty meal anytime! In this blog post, we explored how to make Autumn Sausage Squash Pasta. We discussed choosing ingredients like Italian sausage, butternut squash, and fresh herbs. I provided clear step-by-step instructions to guide you through cooking. You also learned useful tips for enhancing flavors and creating variations. This dish is not just tasty; it's versatile. Remember, you can adjust ingredients to suit your taste. Enjoy making this warm and hearty pasta meal anytime!$