If you’re craving a luscious, comforting dish that perfectly blends creamy, savory, and subtly sweet flavors, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe might just become your new go-to. This dish combines tender roasted butternut squash blended into a velvety sauce with the rich, spicy punch of Italian sausage, all tossed with al dente pasta for a bowl full of cozy deliciousness. It’s a harmony of texture and taste that feels indulgent yet surprisingly straightforward to make, ideal for both weeknight dinners and weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building that perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the sweetness of the butternut squash to the earthiness of fresh sage, each element enhances the dish in a simple yet essential way.
- Butternut squash: Provides natural sweetness and creamy texture when roasted and pureed.
- Pasta (penne or rigatoni): Sturdy shapes that hold the sauce beautifully for a satisfying bite.
- Italian sausage: Adds a savory, robust flavor that cuts through the creaminess.
- Onion: Builds a gentle sweetness and depth during sautéing.
- Garlic: Brings aromatic warmth to the sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable broth: Helps thin the sauce while adding subtle umami notes.
- Heavy cream: Delivers the signature rich and silky consistency.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Balances creaminess with nutty saltiness.
- Olive oil: Essential for roasting and sautéing, enriching flavor and texture.
- Fresh sage: Offers herbal brightness that complements squash perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: To season and enhance all flavors.
- Optional red pepper flakes: For those who love a little heat to contrast the creaminess.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by choosing a butternut squash that feels heavy and has a matte beige color. Peel it carefully with a sharp vegetable peeler, then slice it in half lengthwise to scoop out the seeds. Cut the flesh into roughly 1-inch cubes to ensure even roasting. Toss these cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper before spreading them on a baking sheet. Roast in a 400°F oven until tender and caramelized, about 25 minutes. Roasting is a game-changer here—it intensifies the squash’s natural sweetness and adds a subtle nuttiness, which gives your sauce beautiful depth. If you’re pressed for time, boiling is an option, but roasting is where the magic happens.
Step 2: Cook the Italian Sausage
While the squash is roasting, tackle the sausage. Remove the casings if using links, then brown the meat over medium heat in a large skillet. As it cooks, break it into bite-sized pieces with your spatula. Browning not only cooks the sausage but also develops a rich, savory crust that contributes tons of flavor to the dish. Once cooked through, set it aside and drain any excess fat so the dish doesn’t get greasy.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce
Using the same skillet keeps all those wonderful flavors in play. Sauté diced onion until translucent, then add minced garlic for just a minute until fragrant. Next, toss in the roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, and heavy cream. At this point, use an immersion blender to puree everything until silky smooth—if you don’t have one, carefully use a standard blender. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage; the cheese melts into the sauce, giving it a luscious finish, while sage adds an earthy brightness that cuts through the richness. Season with salt and pepper. The sauce should be thick enough to cling to the pasta but still pourable. If it feels too thick, a splash more broth will loosen it up; if too thin, simmer a bit to reduce.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta and Combine Everything
Cook your chosen pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente to maintain a pleasing bite. Save a cup of pasta water before draining in case you need to thin the sauce. Mix the pasta, creamy butternut squash sauce, and cooked sausage in the pot, tossing everything together gently. Add reserved pasta water little by little to achieve the perfect saucy texture that coats each bite flawlessly. Taste and adjust seasoning one last time. This final step pulls everything together for that irresistible Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe experience that you’ll want to make again and again.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top adds a nutty richness that fans adore. Fresh sage leaves or a light dusting of cracked black pepper enhances the aroma and visual appeal. For a touch of sparkle and heat, scatter some red pepper flakes over the plate. These small garnishes elevate the dish from comforting to memorable.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with crisp green salads dressed in lemon vinaigrette to brighten the meal and balance its richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed spinach offer a touch of earthiness and crunch. A crusty bread or garlic bread rounds out the plate perfectly, sop up all that luscious sauce left behind.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy dinner party, serve this pasta in shallow white bowls to highlight its creamy orange hue. You can also layer the sauce, sausage, and pasta in a trifle-style glass for a fun twist at casual gatherings. For an elegant touch, drizzle quality extra virgin olive oil over the top just before serving and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain freshness. The flavors tend to meld even more after resting, making for incredible next-day meals.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if you want to save portions for a later time. Freeze in suitable containers, separating the pasta and sauce if possible to avoid mushiness. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from breaking. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens up too much. Using a microwave is fine too, but cover the dish and stir halfway through for even warming.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni are perfect because they hold the sauce well, you can swap in rigatoni, farfalle, or even fusilli. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Is there a vegetarian version of the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe?
Yes! You can replace the Italian sausage with plant-based sausage or simply omit it and add sautéed mushrooms or caramelized smoked paprika tofu for a similar savory punch that complements the creamy squash sauce beautifully.
What’s the best way to peel butternut squash?
Use a sharp vegetable peeler to remove the tough outer skin before cutting. If the squash is particularly hard, microwaving it for a minute or two can soften it slightly, making peeling easier.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made up to two days ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, gently reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta and sausage for quick assembly.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Incorporate red pepper flakes either into the sauce while cooking or sprinkle on top during serving. You can also use spicy Italian sausage to add more heat without altering the core flavors dramatically.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe that makes it an instant favorite for any season. Its comforting creaminess paired with the warmth of sausage and subtle herbaceous notes creates a dish that feels like a hug on a plate. I encourage you to try making it—you’ll be rewarded with a homemade meal that feels both indulgent and lovingly wholesome. Once you do, it just might become a staple in your recipe collection too!
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Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy butternut squash pasta with Italian sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted squash with savory sausage and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it features tender pasta coated in a smooth, herb-infused sauce enriched with sage and garlic.
Ingredients
Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni work well)
Sausage
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, depending on preference)
Sauce
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage (chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
- Preparing the Butternut Squash: Choose a squash that feels heavy and has a matte beige color. Peel the skin using a sharp vegetable peeler, cut it in half lengthwise, and scoop out the seeds. Cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes, then toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until tender. Alternatively, boil for 10-15 minutes if short on time.
- Cooking the Sausage: Remove casings if using link sausage. Brown the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once fully cooked, remove from heat, drain any excess fat, and set aside.
- Making the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet used for the sausage, sauté diced onion until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute. Add the roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped sage. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if too thick or simmering to reduce if too thin.
- Cooking the Pasta: Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Combining Everything: Return the drained pasta to the pot, add the butternut squash sauce and cooked sausage. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Notes
- Roasting the squash enhances its natural sweetness, but boiling is a quicker alternative.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for lighter or vegetarian options.
- If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the sauce mixture to a standard blender carefully.
- Reserve some pasta water to help loosen the sauce and help it coat the pasta evenly.
- Optional red pepper flakes add a nice spicy kick without overpowering the dish.
