The scent of woodsmoke and falling leaves… that’s autumn for me. I remember my grandmother, bundled in a cozy sweater, stirring a massive pot on Sunday afternoons. It was always something comforting, something warm, something with squash and maybe a bit of sausage.
It smelled like home. This Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash – Easy to Cook! recipe is my homage to those cozy Sundays. It’s simple, it’s bursting with fall flavors, and it requires minimal effort. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual weekend gathering.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a comforting, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen? This recipe delivers exactly that. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:
- Fall Flavors Galore: We’re talking sweet squash, savory sausage, earthy sage, and a touch of warmth from nutmeg. It’s a flavor explosion!
- Super Easy to Cook: Seriously. This comes together in about 30 minutes. Even a beginner cook can nail this.
- One-Pot Wonder (Almost!): While we do cook the sausage separately, everything else comes together beautifully in one pot. Less cleanup? Yes, please!
- Customizable: Don’t like sage? Swap it for rosemary or thyme. Vegetarian? We’ll cover that too!
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit with family and friends.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Okay, let’s gather our autumnal treasures. Here’s everything you’ll need to make this Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash dish:
- Sausage: 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet, hot, or a mix – your preference!). Removed from casings.
- Squash: 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed into ½-inch pieces. Tip: Acorn squash works well too!
- Pasta: 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are excellent choices.)
- Onion: 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped.
- Garlic: 4 cloves garlic, minced.
- Chicken Broth: 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth. Vegetable broth is also a great option.
- Heavy Cream: ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version).
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup grated parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving.
- Fresh Sage: 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage. Dried sage (1 teaspoon) can be substituted.
- Nutmeg: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons.
- Salt & Pepper: To taste.
Let’s Cook! – Step-by-Step Instructions
Ready to create some autumnal magic? Follow these simple steps:
1. Cook the Sausage:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. This usually takes 7-10 minutes.
- Drain off any excess grease from the skillet. Set the sausage aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
- In the same skillet (no need to wash it!), add the olive oil.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Don’t let it burn!
3. Add the Squash and Broth:
- Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet.
- Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the squash is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, for about 15-20 minutes, or until the squash is tender.
4. Cook the Pasta:
- Add the pasta directly to the skillet with the squash and broth.
- Stir well to ensure the pasta is submerged.
- Cook according to the pasta package directions (usually 8-10 minutes), until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Important: If the broth dries up too quickly, add a little more.
5. The Finishing Touches:
- Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the cooked sausage, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, chopped sage, and nutmeg.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Tips, Variations, and Serving Suggestions
Now for the fun part – customizing this Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash to your liking!
- Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage entirely or use a plant-based sausage alternative. Consider adding a can of drained and rinsed chickpeas for extra protein and texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- Add Greens: Stir in a handful of baby spinach or kale during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
- Different Squash: Acorn squash, kabocha squash, or even delicata squash will work beautifully.
- Cheese, Please!: Feel free to add more parmesan cheese – no judgement here! A sprinkle of Pecorino Romano would also be delicious.
- Garnish: Serve with a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese, a few fresh sage leaves, and a drizzle of olive oil.
- Pairing: This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine (like Pinot Grigio) or a light-bodied red (like Beaujolais). You can also enjoy it a simple side salad.
(Optional) Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving – varies based on ingredients used)
- Calories: 550-650
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 60-70g
- Fiber: 8-10g
Cozy Up with this Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash!
There you have it – a simple, satisfying, and utterly delicious recipe that celebrates the flavors of fall. Don’t be intimidated by the list of ingredients; it all comes together surprisingly quickly! This Delicious Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash – Easy to Cook! is the perfect weeknight comfort food. Give it a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below. Happy cooking! 🍁🍝
