Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Warm up your fall evenings with this comforting Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe. Featuring savory sausage, roasted butternut squash, and al dente pasta, this dish perfectly marries hearty and seasonal flavors. It’s an easy-to-cook meal, ideal for Thanksgiving gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Your family will love the delightful combination of textures while you enjoy the simplicity of preparation!

Created by

Rosie Mitchell

Last updated on 2025-11-26T13:43:56.733Z

This recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing warmth and joy to our dinner table during the fall season.

Why Butternut Squash?

Butternut squash is not only a delicious addition to any dish, but it's also packed with nutritional benefits. This vibrant vegetable is rich in vitamins A and C, which are essential for maintaining healthy skin and vision. Its natural sweetness pairs beautifully with savory ingredients, making it a perfect candidate for autumn recipes like this one. Incorporating butternut squash into your meals can help enhance overall health and provide your family with a hearty, wholesome dining experience.

Moreover, butternut squash is incredibly versatile. It can be roasted, mashed, or even blended into soups. In this recipe, roasting enhances its flavors, adding a caramelized touch that brings warmth and depth to the dish. This nutrient-dense squash not only boosts the nutritional profile but also balances the savory sausage's richness, creating a delicious medley of taste and texture.

Savor the Flavors of Fall

Autumn brings a bounty of seasonal produce that enhances any dish. The combination of warm spices, roasted vegetables, and comforting ingredients creates a sense of coziness that’s perfect for chilly evenings. This fall-inspired sausage pasta harmonizes flavors from the harvest, ensuring that every bite is a celebration of the season. As the days grow shorter and colder, this dish serves as a reminder of the comfort foods that bring us together.

Incorporating seasonal ingredients not only supports local farmers but also ensures the freshest quality in your meals. By utilizing ingredients like butternut squash and fresh spinach, you're building meals that are not only delicious but also eco-friendly. These choices contribute to sustainable eating habits while allowing you to enjoy the unique flavors of autumn.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is incredibly versatile, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a family Thanksgiving dinner or simply enjoying a cozy weekday meal, this dish is sure to impress. Its balance of hearty sausage and roasted vegetables will satisfy even the pickiest of eaters, ensuring no one leaves the table hungry.

Additionally, this recipe can easily be adapted to accommodate dietary preferences. Consider swapping out the Italian sausage for a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian-friendly version, or try adding other seasonal vegetables such as kale or Brussels sprouts. The flexibility of this dish allows you to cater to a range of tastes while still maintaining its comforting essence.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before you start cooking!

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne or fusilli)
1 lb Italian sausage
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, diced
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp sage
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Once you have everything, you're ready to start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps for a delicious outcome.

Cook the Pasta

Boil water in a pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Roast the Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and sage. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender.

Cook the Sausage

In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat until browned. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant.

Combine Ingredients

Add the roasted butternut squash, spinach, and cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to combine and heat through.

Serve

Serve warm, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

Enjoy your meal!

Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients

This recipe is not just about flavor; it's also about nutrition. The pasta serves as a great source of carbohydrates, providing energy to fuel your day. When paired with the protein found in Italian sausage, it makes a well-rounded meal that keeps you full longer. Furthermore, the spinach contributes essential iron and folate, promoting healthy blood circulation and overall wellness.

Parmesan cheese, while often seen as indulgent, adds a rich flavor profile without the need for excessive amounts. In moderation, it's a fantastic source of calcium, contributing to strong bones and teeth. The blend of these ingredients not only creates a delicious dish but also provides a harmonious balance of nutrients that support a healthy lifestyle.

Tips for Preparation

To make your cooking process even smoother, consider prepping your ingredients ahead of time. Cubing the butternut squash and chopping the onion and garlic before you start cooking can save you valuable time. You can even roast the squash in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days—just reheat it when it's time to combine the ingredients.

Using a large skillet is essential, especially when mixing the ingredients together. A wide surface area allows for even heating and ensures the flavors meld beautifully. If you don't have a large skillet, consider using a Dutch oven. This will not only accommodate all the ingredients but also allow for easy stirring and mixing.

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers from this hearty meal, you're in luck! This recipe stores extremely well, making it a perfect choice for meal prepping. Store your pasta squash in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it should last up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove until warmed through.

For longer storage, consider freezing individual portions. This is a great way to always have a comforting meal on hand. Just be sure to let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, and enjoy it within three months for the best flavor and texture. Reheat from frozen by thawing overnight in the refrigerator or directly in the microwave.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to substitute with your favorite pasta shape!

→ Is there a vegetarian version?

You can replace the sausage with a plant-based sausage or other veggies.