A comforting and vibrant dish that brings together the flavors of fall in just 25 minutes, perfect for family gatherings.

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The first signs of fall are a magical time for me. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to dance in shades of amber and gold, I think of cozy evenings spent in the kitchen. There, the warmth of the oven fills the room, mingling with the rich aroma of herbs and roasted vegetables. This is where the heart of home truly lies, especially when I prepare a dish like Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite. It’s not just a meal; it’s a tradition, a vibrant blend of flavors that encapsulates the essence of the season. As I chop butternut squash, memories swirl around me like fallen leaves—laughter, stories, and the thought of gathering around the table with loved ones.

Why Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite Belongs in Your Kitchen Story

There is a special comfort in cooking a dish that evokes family traditions. Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash brings together the elements of fall into one delightful recipe. It’s easy to prepare and is an embodiment of warmth, inviting everyone to the table.

This dish is more than just a combination of ingredients; it represents togetherness. Growing up, I remember my grandmother standing by the stove, her laughter mingling with the sizzling sounds of sausage and garlic. This recipe echoes those memories, inviting you to create your own stories as you savor the layered flavors.

Sharing a meal like this fosters connections. It breezes into conversations, filling the home with comfort and satisfaction. A dish that is cooked joyfully creates a ripple effect; it nurtures and shares love—something we all need, especially during the cooler months when we gather to stay warm together.

How This Recipe Comes Together

“Every time I stir this pot, it smells just like Sunday at home.”

Imagine standing in your kitchen, the vibrant orange of fresh butternut squash adding warmth to your countertop. The scent of roasting vegetables mixes with the savory notes of sausage, coloring the air with anticipation.

You will begin by gathering your ingredients. This comes together quickly—an essential quality as the days grow shorter and busier. Picture your kitchen transforming into a haven of beautiful colors and aromas. The textures of roasted squash and crisp Brussels sprouts come together with the tender bow tie pasta, uniting everything with the succulent smokiness of sausage.

Gathering the Ingredients

To create this beautiful dish, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
• 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper to taste
• 225 g bow tie pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 340 g cooked smoked sausage (Cajun, andouille, or regular smoked sausage)
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Fresh thyme leaves, to taste

As you gather these ingredients, consider using fresh thyme; it adds a hint of earthiness that makes this dish sing. The combination of the sweet squash and tangy Brussels sprouts creates a harmonious balance that delights the palate.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (about 400°F). The warmth begins to envelop your kitchen, setting the stage for delightful aromas.

2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. Lay the pieces in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Roast for about 15 to 20 minutes until tender and caramelized. Be watchful for a golden hue; it brings out the sweetness.

3. Meanwhile, prepare the Brussels sprouts. Trim and halve them, tossing with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the squash has roasted, add the Brussels sprouts to another parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for an additional 20 to 30 minutes until they are tender and browned.

4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil while vegetables roast. Add the bow tie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of the pasta water. This liquid will help bring everything together later.

5. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Slice the smoked sausage into coins and cook until browned on both sides, about 5 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. The fragrance of the sausage will invite the whole family to find out what you’re cooking.

6. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt. Stir until everything melds together and becomes glossy.

7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter. Season with salt, pepper, and ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika for added depth.

8. Finally, fold in the roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cooked sausage. Mix gently to combine all the vibrant colors and textures. Adjust any seasonings as needed.

9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme to elevate the taste. Imagine the texture, the warmth, and the vibrant colors filling your plate, inviting everyone to take a seat.

Bringing Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash to the Table

Serving Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is as rewarding as making it. Picture your loved ones gathered around the table, imagining the rich, intoxicating aroma swirling around them. As the pasta is passed from hand to hand, the laughter and warmth begin to fill the room.

Pair the dish with a simple green salad or warm crusty bread to round out the meal. Perhaps a light vinaigrette will brighten the flavors and create a delightful balance. Encourage your family to share their stories as they savor every bite.

This dish has a way of bringing the family together, evoking warmth that transcends the dinner table. Each spoonful carries you to fall evenings—where good food combines with fond memories.

Keeping the Comfort Alive

After dinner, you may have some leftovers. The great news is that this dish not only stays delicious but also deepens in flavor the next day.

To store Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, simply transfer any leftovers to an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days.

When you are ready for your next serving, reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Adding a splash of the reserved pasta water can help resurrect its creamy texture.

Dalida’s Little Secrets

Here are a few tips I have picked up throughout the years while preparing this comforting dish:

1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and vegetables make a world of difference. The vibrant flavor of ripe butternut squash and crisp Brussels sprouts is key.

2. Experiment with Sausage: Don’t feel restricted to one type of sausage. Different smoked or even spicy sausages can change the character of the dish entirely.

3. Watch for Texture: Keep an eye on the vegetables while roasting. You want a tender body with some crispy edges for the perfect flavor balance.

4. Timing is Key: Start with the butternut squash, as it takes the longest to cook. Manage your cooking time so everything comes together harmoniously.

5. Reserve Pasta Water: This technique is a subtle touch that elevates the overall dish, adding both flavor and creaminess.

Family Twists on Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Variations on this classic recipe abound in my family. Some of my relatives prefer to add seasonal vegetables such as sweet potatoes or kale, creating an even heartier dish.

In others, they might mix in a handful of cranberries for a touch of sweetness, making it feel even more festive. There are twirls of different spices to reflect local cultures and those family traditions—everything from Italian herbs to Middle Eastern spices.

This is the beauty of this dish—it serves as a canvas, adaptable to the ingredients on hand or the flavors that resonate with your story.

FAQs About Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite

Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. You can substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it altogether. Make the dish even more vegetable-forward, and it will be just as delightful.

Can I use another type of pasta?
Of course! Feel free to swap the bow tie pasta for any pasta shape you have on hand. Just remember to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Is there an alternative to butternut squash?
Yes, acorn squash or pumpkin can work beautifully in this recipe, bringing a similar sweetness and texture.

A Final Thought

As you turn this recipe into a treasured family favorite, remember it is more than just a meal. Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Amazing 25-Min Fall Favorite invites you to embrace the season, nurtures bonds, and creates memories. The warmth of shared experiences and the joy of family traditions are captured in every bite.

May your kitchen be filled with laughter and comforting aromas, echoing the love passed down through generations. Let this dish be a part of your family’s story, enriching your lives with each gathering at the table.

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

A comforting and vibrant dish that brings together the flavors of fall in just 25 minutes, perfect for family gatherings.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 580

Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x?

Vegetables

• 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh thyme leaves to taste adds earthiness

Pasta

• 225 g bow tie pasta or substitute with any pasta shape

Sausage

• 340 g cooked smoked sausage (Cajun, andouille, or regular smoked sausage)

Flavorings

• 4 tablespoons olive oil 1 tbsp for squash, 2 tbsp for Brussels sprouts, and 1 tbsp for sautéing sausage
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper and lay on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.
3. Trim and halve Brussels sprouts, toss with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast alongside squash for an additional 20-30 minutes.
4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add bow tie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Slice and cook the smoked sausage until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove sausage from skillet.
2. In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add butter and stir until melted.
3. Add the drained pasta to the skillet, mixing to coat in garlic butter. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
4. Fold in roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and cooked sausage. Mix gently to combine.

Serving

1. Serve hot, garnished with fresh thyme.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 580kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 10gSodium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5g

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently, adding reserved pasta water to revive the dish’s texture.

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