Okay, so the leaves are changing, there’s a chill in the air, and you’re craving something… cozy, right? I totally get it! That’s where this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash comes in. Seriously, it’s like a warm hug in a bowl. The sweetness of the squash, the savory sausage, the perfectly cooked pasta – it’s fall perfection!

I actually made this for our family’s annual pumpkin carving party last year, and it was GONE in minutes. Even my picky nephew asked for seconds! This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is just that good. Trust me; you’re gonna love it!

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Why You’ll Love This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Seriously, you NEED this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash in your life! Why, you ask? Well…

It’s a super quick weeknight meal! I mean, who has time for complicated dinners during the week?
The sweet and savory combo? To die for! It’s like a party in your mouth.
Hello, seasonal ingredients! Butternut squash is basically autumn in vegetable form.
Easy to customize! Don’t like sausage? Swap it out! More on that later…
And honestly? It’s just so satisfying and comforting. Perfect for those chilly evenings!

Quick and Easy Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is seriously simple. Minimal prep, straightforward steps – you’ll be eating in no time!

A Flavorful Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Combination

The sweet squash, savory sausage, and those aromatic herbs? Wow! They come together to create a flavor explosion that’s just incredible!

Seasonal ingredients in Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Butternut squash is the star here, folks! It’s the perfect autumn harvest ingredient, adding a touch of sweetness and creaminess to this dish. For more information on seasonal produce, check out this seasonal produce guide.

Ingredients for Your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash. Don’t skimp on the good stuff!

1 pound Italian sausage, removed from its casing. I usually go for sweet Italian, but hot works too if you’re feeling spicy!
1 butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed into roughly 1-inch pieces. Honestly, the pre-cut stuff is fine if you’re in a rush!
1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
2 cloves garlic, minced. Don’t be shy with the garlic; it adds so much flavor!
1 teaspoon dried sage, crushed. Give it a good crush in your hand to release the oils – trust me!
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your taste). I like a little kick!
1/2 cup chicken broth, low sodium.
1/4 cup heavy cream. This makes it SO creamy!
1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are my faves!).
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste.
Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving. Is it even pasta without Parmesan?

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How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash on the table in no time. Don’t worry; I’ll walk you through it!

Preparing the Pasta for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

First things first: cook your pasta according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Make sure to save about 1/2 cup of that pasta water before you drain it! That starchy water is liquid gold; it’ll help create a creamy sauce later.

Cooking the Sausage and Squash for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Now, grab a large skillet or Dutch oven and brown the sausage over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once it’s browned, drain off any extra grease (we don’t need that!). Then, toss in the squash, onion, and garlic. Cook, stirring now and then, until the squash is nice and tender – about 10 to 15 minutes.

Combining Flavors for the Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Alright, time for the good stuff! Stir in the sage and red pepper flakes and cook for about a minute – until you can really smell that amazing fragrance. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, bring it to a simmer, and let it cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened up a bit. Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it all together, adding that reserved pasta water as needed to make a dreamy, creamy sauce. You might not need all of it, so add it gradually!

Serving Your Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Serve it up immediately with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. If you’re feeling fancy, a few fresh sage leaves on top look beautiful! Enjoy!

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Tips for the Best Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Want to take this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my favorite tricks!

Choosing the Right Sausage for Your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Sweet, mild, or hot Italian sausage? It’s totally up to you! Sweet sausage adds a touch of sweetness, while hot sausage brings the heat. I usually go with sweet, but hey, you do you!

Getting the Perfect Squash Texture for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Nobody wants mushy squash! Cook it until it’s tender but still has a little bite. You should be able to pierce it easily with a fork, but it shouldn’t fall apart.

Sauce Consistency Tips for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Is your sauce too thick? Add a splash of that reserved pasta water or a little extra broth to thin it out. Too thin? Let it simmer for a few more minutes to thicken up. Easy peasy!

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash Variations to Try

Okay, so you’ve made the basic Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash and loved it? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little crazy and try some variations! This recipe is super versatile, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Spicy Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Want to kick things up a notch? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper along with those red pepper flakes, or just go wild with the red pepper!

Vegetarian Autumn Squash Pasta

Ditch the sausage and load up on veggies! Roasted bell peppers and mushrooms would be amazing in this Autumn Squash Pasta. Trust me on this one! For more vegetarian inspiration, check out our recipes section.

Creamy Goat Cheese Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Stir in a few ounces of goat cheese at the end for a tangy, creamy twist. It melts right in and adds SO much flavor. My favorite part is those little creamy pockets of goat cheese!

FAQ About Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Got questions about this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash? I’ve got answers! These are the things folks usually ask me, so hopefully, this helps!

Can I make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash ahead of time?

You sure can! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to reheat, just pop it in the microwave or warm it up in a skillet on the stovetop. You might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce.

What kind of pasta is best for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Honestly, anything works! But I find that penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are the best because their shape really grabs onto that delicious sauce. Plus, they’re just fun to eat, right?

Can I use frozen squash in Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Yep! Just thaw it out completely and pat it dry before you add it to the skillet. Frozen squash tends to be a little wetter than fresh, so you might need to cook it a bit longer to get rid of the extra moisture.

Is Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash gluten-free?

Not as is, but it’s super easy to make it gluten-free! Just swap out the regular pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are so many great options out there these days!

Storing and Reheating Your Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash keeps really well. Just pop it in an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll be good for about 3-4 days, so you’ve got a few lunches sorted! When you’re ready to dive back in, microwave it or heat it up in a pan. If it seems dry, add a splash of broth or water. Easy peasy!

Nutritional Information for Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Okay, a quick note about the nutrition info! Keep in mind that the nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use. So, the numbers you see aren’t exact, just a general guide. I’m not a nutritionist, just a home cook!

Enjoyed This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash?

Did this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash knock your socks off? I sure hope so! If you loved it, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! Bonus points if you rate the recipe, too! And hey, sharing is caring – so spread the pasta love on social media!