If you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish beautifully marries the sweet earthiness of roasted butternut squash and the crispy, savory bite of Brussels sprouts with hearty smoked sausage and tender bow tie pasta. Every forkful bursts with cozy, seasonal flavors, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a festive autumn gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, wholesome ingredients come together to create a dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting. Each one contributes essential flavors and textures that make this recipe stand out—rich sausage, sweet squash, crispy sprouts, and buttery garlic goodness.
- Butternut squash (3 cups, peeled and cubed): Adds a natural sweetness and smooth texture that complements savory elements perfectly.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp + 2 tbsp + 1 tbsp): Helps to roast the veggies and brown the sausage, infusing the dish with a subtle fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all layers of flavor.
- Brussels sprouts (340 g, trimmed and halved): Roasted until golden and crisp, they bring a nutty, slightly bitter contrast that balances the dish.
- Bow tie pasta (225 g): Holds sauces beautifully and adds a familiar, comforting base.
- Cooked smoked sausage (340 g, sliced): Use your favorite smoked variety for a savory, smoky depth.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Gives a punch of aromatic flavor that ties everything together.
- Butter (2 tbsp): Enriches the sauce with creamy smoothness and mollifies the spices.
- Smoked paprika (¼ tsp): Adds a hint of smoky warmth and color to the mix.
- Fresh thyme leaves: A fragrant herb that lifts the whole dish with subtle herbal notes.
How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare for Roasting
Start by heating your oven to 200°C (400°F). This ensures it’s hot enough for the butternut squash and Brussels sprouts to caramelize beautifully, unlocking their natural sweetness and creating those irresistible crispy edges.
Step 2: Roast the Butternut Squash
Toss the cubed butternut squash with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread it out evenly on a parchment-lined baking sheet so each piece gets enough heat and air circulation to roast perfectly. Roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender with just a hint of caramelization on the edges—that’s where the magic is.
Step 3: Roast the Brussels Sprouts
While the squash roasts, prepare your Brussels sprouts by trimming and halving them. Coat evenly with two tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange them on another parchment-lined tray. Roast these until they are golden brown and wonderfully crispy, about 20 to 30 minutes, checking occasionally to avoid burning.
Step 4: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to the package, aiming for al dente so it maintains a satisfying bite and doesn’t get mushy. Drain the pasta but save a bit of the pasta water for the sauce if you want to loosen it later.
Step 5: Brown the Smoked Sausage
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the smoked sausage slices and cook until they are nicely browned on both sides. This step intensifies the sausage’s smoky flavor and adds a lovely caramelized crust. Remove and set aside for later.
Step 6: Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and cook just until fragrant, about one minute—don’t let it burn! Add the butter and let it melt completely, creating a luscious base for your pasta that’s packed with flavor.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Garlic Butter and Season
Add the cooked pasta back to the skillet and toss it gently in the garlic butter, letting all the strands get coated. Season well with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of smoked paprika to enhance the smoky, savory vibe of the dish.
Step 8: Mix in Roasted Veggies, Sausage, and Herbs
Finally, fold in the beautifully roasted butternut squash and Brussels sprouts along with the browned sausage pieces and fresh thyme leaves. Gently mix everything until warmed through and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed—you want every bite to be perfectly balanced and bursting with autumn flavor.
How to Serve Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano on top for an extra hint of salty, umami richness. A few extra thyme sprigs or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and a mild kick that wakes up the palate beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this pasta with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette to balance the richness, or serve alongside crusty garlic bread to soak up any leftover buttery sauce. Roasted nuts or a simple apple slaw can also bring a refreshing crunch and sweetness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe family-style in a big rustic bowl so everyone can dig in together. Alternatively, portion it into warm pasta bowls and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers for a touch of elegance and seasonal charm.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for a delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
This Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe freezes well—just package in freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be kept frozen for up to 2 months. To avoid sogginess, consider slightly undercooking the pasta initially.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, and add a splash of water or broth if the pasta seems dry. Microwaving works too but warming in a skillet helps maintain that lovely texture and vibrant flavor.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bow tie pasta holds the flavors and ingredients nicely, penne, rigatoni, or even fusilli would work just as well and provide different textures to enjoy.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can replace the smoked sausage with plant-based sausage or smoked tofu to keep that smoky flavor without the meat. Roasting veggies with smoked paprika also enhances the depth.
What type of smoked sausage works best?
Andouille or Cajun smoked sausage adds great flavor and spice, but any cooked smoked sausage you prefer will work perfectly—choose your favorite type for a personal touch.
Can I prepare any parts of this dish in advance?
Definitely. Roasting the squash and Brussels sprouts a day ahead saves time on busy evenings. Keep them refrigerated and add them to the pasta right before serving.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mildly spiced, mainly from smoked paprika and the sausage you choose. You can adjust the heat by adding red pepper flakes or choosing a spicier sausage if you prefer a bolder flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe is the kind of meal that feels like a celebration of fall in every bite. It’s cozy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a perfect go-to when you want something both comforting and impressive. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll quickly become one of your seasonal favorites too!
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Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Autumn Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts is a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for cozy fall dinners. Tender roasted butternut squash and crispy Brussels sprouts combine beautifully with smoky sausage and al dente bow tie pasta, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce accented by smoked paprika and fresh thyme. This vibrant, comforting meal is easy to prepare and delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Roasted Vegetables
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for squash)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for squash)
- 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for Brussels sprouts)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for Brussels sprouts)
Other Ingredients
- 225 g bow tie pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sausage cooking)
- 340 g cooked smoked sausage (Cajun, andouille, or regular smoked sausage), sliced into coins
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme leaves, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to prepare for roasting the vegetables.
- Roast Butternut Squash: Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Roast Brussels Sprouts: Trim and halve the Brussels sprouts, then toss them with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on another parchment paper-lined baking sheet and roast for 20-30 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water for later if needed.
- Brown Sausage: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Butter: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add butter and let it melt completely.
- Toss Pasta with Garlic Butter: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet with the garlic butter. Toss well to coat. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika to your taste.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet. Gently mix everything together until well combined and warmed through. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Notes
- You can substitute the smoked sausage with your preferred type of cooked sausage such as kielbasa or chorizo for different flavor profiles.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with the smoked paprika.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it seems dry when tossing all ingredients.
- Fresh thyme can be substituted with rosemary or sage according to taste preference.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or smoked tofu instead.
