This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for cozy evenings, blending sweet roasted squash, savory sausage, and creamy Parmesan into every forkful. Imagine tossing perfectly al dente pasta with a silky, golden sauce and just a hint of spice—it’s a dreamy celebration of fall flavors, bursting with color and warmth. This dish has quickly become one of my absolute favorites to share with friends and family, and I’m so excited to walk you through every step so you can enjoy it at home, too!

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this pasta is how a handful of simple, grocery store staples can join forces to create restaurant-worthy magic. Each ingredient is here for a reason—bringing its own unique flavor, texture, or pop of color to make this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe completely irresistible.

Pasta (12 oz, penne or rigatoni): Pasta shapes with nooks and crannies, like penne or rigatoni, are perfect for catching all the creamy sauce.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adds a rich base flavor and helps brown the sausage beautifully.
Italian sausage (1 pound, mild or spicy): The star protein—choose spicy for a kick, or mild for a cozier flavor.
Butternut squash (3 cups, peeled and cubed): Brings sweetness and a creamy texture, turning the sauce golden and velvety.
Yellow onion (1 small, diced): Provides aromatic depth and a gentle sweetness.
Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with irresistible savory notes.
Dried sage (1/2 teaspoon): Complements the squash and sausage with earthy, woodsy flavor.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Adds a touch of heat—feel free to adjust based on your preference.
Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Deglazes the pan and helps the squash cook to tender perfection.
Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates a rich, luscious sauce that clings to the pasta.
Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and bringing out every flavor.
Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce for a nutty, salty finish.
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Adds freshness and a pop of color to your Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe.

How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your chosen pasta and cook until it’s just al dente, following the package’s instructions. Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of pasta water—trust me, this can be the secret weapon to help loosen your sauce if needed later. Set the pasta aside and get ready for the flavor magic!

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, crumbling it with a spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle until fully cooked through and deeply browned—this caramelization means extra flavor. Once done, transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside, but leave any delicious bits in the pan; they’ll infuse the entire dish.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet (no need to wash!), add the diced onion and let it soften for 2 to 3 minutes. Now toss in the garlic, cubed butternut squash, dried sage, and, if you like a little warmth, red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let it cook for about 5 minutes, giving the vegetables a head start on their journey to silky softness.

Step 4: Simmer the Squash

Pour in the chicken broth, then cover the skillet and let everything simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes. The butternut squash will become fork-tender and nearly melt into the sauce, taking on all those savory, herby notes. This is where the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe really comes alive!

Step 5: Creamy Sauce & Combining Ingredients

Turn the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce turns velvety and luxurious. Return the cooked sausage to the pan and let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes, so all those flavors can mingle and marry.

Step 6: Toss With Pasta and Finish

Add the cooked pasta directly to the skillet, tossing to coat every nook and cranny in that golden sauce. If things seem a bit thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your preferred consistency. Now, season everything to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle over a handful of grated Parmesan, toss once more, and finish with a shower of fresh parsley. Your Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is ready to wow!

How to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the finishing touches—garnishes lift the whole experience! A final flourish of chopped fresh parsley brings vibrant color and fresh flavor, while extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled over the top adds just the right hit of salty richness. For a special touch, a little finely grated lemon zest can really wake up the flavors.

Side Dishes

This dish is utterly satisfying on its own, but I love pairing it with a bright green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil or a basket of warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce. Roasted Brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans make elegant veggie partners, rounding out your Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe with extra texture and color.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a dramatic twirl and a big spoonful of extra sauce. If you want to get really cozy, nestle the entire finished dish right in the skillet set in the middle of the table—everyone can help themselves and enjoy every last bite. For a family-style gathering, a colorful serving platter makes the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe feel like the star of the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors grow even richer after a rest, making this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe a fantastic option for meal prep or next-day lunches. Just be sure to cool the pasta to room temperature first for best storage results.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce in this dish can be sensitive to freezing, you can store portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For the best texture, allow the pasta to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Keep in mind that the sauce might separate slightly after freezing, but a quick stir will bring it back together!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave using short intervals. If the sauce seems thick, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen it and restore that creamy consistency. Always stir well and heat just until warmed through, so the pasta stays tender and the sauce stays luscious.

FAQs

Can I make this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the Italian sausage for your favorite plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You’ll still get that amazing flavor and creamy texture—just in a veggie-friendly way.

Can I use a different type Main Course

Yes, while butternut squash has the perfect sweetness and texture, you can substitute with acorn squash or even sweet potatoes in a pinch. Just aim for similar-sized cubes to ensure even cooking and a smooth, velvety sauce.

Is there a lighter version of this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe?

For a lighter spin, you can swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, and choose turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. The flavors stay vibrant, but you shave off a few calories and fat grams for a weeknight-friendly meal.

Can I prepare the butternut squash ahead of time?

Definitely! Peel and cube the squash up to 3 days in advance and store it in the fridge. You can also roast it prior to adding, which brings an extra layer of caramelized sweetness to your Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick?

If the sauce tightens up—or when reheating leftovers—simply stir in a little reserved pasta water, milk, or chicken broth. This will restore the creamy consistency and keep every bite tender and luscious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that brings bold fall flavors to your table, this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is the answer. Give it a try—you might just discover a new favorite to share with those you love. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every spoonful!

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta recipe. Creamy, savory, and packed with wholesome ingredients, this dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
1 small yellow onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon dried sage
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain.
Sear the sausage: Brown sausage in a skillet, then set aside.
Saute: Cook onion, garlic, butternut squash, sage, and red pepper flakes.
Simmer: Add chicken broth, cover, and cook until squash is tender.
Finish the sauce: Stir in cream, add back the sausage, then combine with pasta.
Season and serve: Season with salt, pepper, top with Parmesan and parsley.

Notes

You can roast the butternut squash for added depth of flavor before adding it to the skillet.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or use turkey sausage.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American