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If you’re on the hunt for a comforting meal that combines silky textures with bold flavors, this Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe is exactly what your dinner table needs. Picture tender, roasted butternut squash blended into a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to al dente pasta, punctuated by savory, browned sausage and fragrant sage. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet balanced and is guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any mealtime gathering.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple yet powerful ingredients is all it takes to make this dish shine. Each component plays a vital role, from the sweetness of roasted butternut squash to the hearty punch of Italian sausage, ensuring every bite is rich, creamy, and satisfying.
- Butternut squash (1 medium, peeled and cubed): Roasted to bring out natural sweetness and creamy texture in the sauce.
- Pasta (1 pound, penne or rigatoni): Sturdy shapes that hold the sauce beautifully.
- Italian sausage (1 pound, sweet or spicy): Adds savory depth and a perfect contrast to the squash’s mild flavor.
- Onion (1, diced): Builds a flavorful foundation when sautéed.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Packs a fragrant kick that complements every other ingredient.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (1 cup): Helps blend and thin the sauce while adding subtle savory notes.
- Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Creates that signature creamy richness in the pasta sauce.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup): Offers salty tang and umami depth.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons): Used for roasting squash and sautéing veggies, it enhances flavor and texture.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): Infuses an earthy, aromatic flair that ties flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and balancing all flavors.
- Optional: red pepper flakes: Add a gentle heat boost if you want a little extra excitement.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by selecting a butternut squash that feels hefty and has a matte beige skin for peak sweetness. After peeling and cubing it into bite-sized pieces, toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in a 400°F oven for about 25 minutes until tender and caramelized. This roasting step is key because it transforms the squash’s flavor, unlocking richness that you won’t get if simply boiled.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the squash roasts, take your Italian sausage and remove the casing if necessary. Brown it in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks so it’s nicely crumbled. Once fully cooked, drain off any excess fat and set the sausage aside. The sausage offers a savory counterpoint to the sweetness of the squash sauce, so choosing between sweet, mild, or spicy sausage lets you customize the dish perfectly.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet you used for the sausage, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for just a minute until fragrant. This simple step infuses the dish with foundational flavor and ties the sausage, squash, and pasta together.
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Add the roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth — this creates that silky, luscious sauce that coats every bite. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage, then season with salt and pepper. The result should be a sauce thick enough to cling to your pasta but still fluid; add more broth if needed, or simmer gently to thicken it up.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta and Combine
Prepare your pasta according to package directions, cooking it al dente in salted water. Before draining, reserve a cup of the pasta water — it’s a neat trick that helps you adjust sauce consistency later. Toss the pasta back into the pot then add the creamy butternut squash sauce and the cooked sausage. Mix everything together, adding pasta water spoonful by spoonful until the perfect coating is achieved. Taste and tweak salt or pepper as needed: your cozy dinner is now ready!
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan and a few fresh sage leaves lend a burst of crunch and herbal brightness on top. For heat lovers, a dusting of red pepper flakes can add a tantalizing kick without overpowering the creamy texture.
Side Dishes
This dish stands out beautifully alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables for a balanced meal. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a wonderful way to scoop up every last bit of the velvety sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta family-style in a large vibrant bowl, letting everyone pile their plates high and share the warmth. For a more formal dinner, portion the pasta neatly with a garnish of sage and sausage crumbles atop each plate. You can even pack leftovers in individual containers for an elegant meal prep option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a convenient and delicious second meal.
Freezing
While this pasta freezes well, it’s best to freeze it without the sausage mixed in to maintain texture. Package the sauce and cooked pasta in a freezer-safe container, and add freshly browned sausage when reheating for the best flavor and consistency.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much. This ensures the pasta remains creamy and luscious just like when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is traditional and adds a lot of flavor, you can substitute chicken sausage, spicy chorizo, or even plant-based sausages to suit your dietary preferences or flavor cravings.
Is it necessary to roast the butternut squash?
Roasting is highly recommended because it enhances sweetness and flavor, giving the sauce a depth you won’t get with boiling alone. However, if pressed for time, boiling is a workable alternative that still yields good results.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the sausage and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas can provide the savory protein element that sausage usually contributes.
What pasta shapes work best?
Penne and rigatoni are perfect as their ridges and hollow centers capture the creamy sauce well. But feel free to choose your favorite pasta shape to personalize the dish.
How can I add more spice to the recipe?
Add red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce or sprinkle them on top as a garnish for a subtle heat. Alternatively, choosing a spicy Italian sausage will give your pasta a pleasantly fiery kick.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that manages to be both comforting and elegant. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. Dive in and enjoy the wonderful harmony of flavors and textures — your taste buds will thank you!
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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 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta with Sausage recipe combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory depth of Italian sausage, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce enhanced with fresh sage and Parmesan cheese. Perfectly comforting and flavorful, this dish is ideal for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering.
Ingredients
Squash and Roasting
- 1 medium butternut squash (peeled and cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy)
- 1 onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Sauce
- 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 firm butternut squash that feels heavy for its size and has a matte beige color. Peel the squash using a sharp vegetable peeler and cut it in half lengthwise. Remove the seeds and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Toss the cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast them on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 25 minutes until tender and caramelized. Alternatively, boil the cubes for 10-15 minutes if short on time.
- Preparing the Sausage: Remove casings if using link sausage. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage while breaking it into smaller pieces. Cook until no longer pink inside, then remove from skillet and set aside. Drain excess fat from the pan if needed.
- Making the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion until translucent and soft. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the roasted butternut squash, chicken or vegetable broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Using an immersion blender, puree the mixture until smooth; if you don’t have an immersion blender, carefully transfer the mixture to a traditional blender and blend until creamy. Return the puree to the skillet and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Adjust sauce consistency by adding broth if too thick, or simmering gently to thicken if too thin.
- Cooking the Pasta: Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Combining the Dish: Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the creamy butternut squash sauce and cooked sausage. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a smooth, saucy consistency that coats the pasta well. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes if desired.
Notes
- Roasting butternut squash intensifies its natural sweetness and flavor compared to boiling.
- Removing sausage casings results in crumbled texture and better integration into the pasta.
- You can substitute chicken sausage or plant-based sausage for a lighter or vegetarian option.
- Using reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the pasta, creating a silkier texture.
- Fresh sage adds a lovely herbaceous note, but dried sage can be used in smaller amounts if fresh is unavailable.
- Adjust the spice level by adding red pepper flakes to taste.
