Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Featured in: Cozy Fall Recipes

This comforting autumn dish combines tender bow tie pasta with smoky sausage, roasted butternut squash, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness while the garlic butter sauce ties all the flavors beautifully. The sausage adds a savory depth, balanced by fresh thyme garnish. Simple prep and easy steps make it a perfect weeknight meal celebrating fall produce.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 16:31:00 GMT
One-pan autumn sausage pasta squash with browned sausage, tender squash, and crispy Brussels sprouts. Save
One-pan autumn sausage pasta squash with browned sausage, tender squash, and crispy Brussels sprouts. | pumpkinhearth.com

A cozy, flavorful one-skillet meal featuring bow tie pasta tossed with smoked sausage, roasted butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts in a rich garlic butter sauce—a perfect celebration of falls best ingredients.

This dish combines comfort and ease I enjoy cooking during the cooler months.

Ingredients

  • Butternut squash: 3 cups peeled, seeded, cubed
  • Olive oil: 1 tbsp for butternut squash, 2 tbsp for Brussels sprouts, 1 tbsp for pasta dish
  • Salt and pepper: to taste for butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and pasta dish
  • Brussels sprouts: 340 g trimmed and halved
  • Bow tie pasta: 225 g (farfalle)
  • Cooked smoked sausage: 340 g (Cajun, andouille, or regular), sliced into coins
  • Garlic: 5 cloves minced
  • Butter: 2 tbsp
  • Smoked paprika: ¼ tsp
  • Fresh thyme leaves: for garnish

Instructions

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper Spread on one baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes or until tender and lightly caramelized.
Step 3:
Toss the halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper Spread on the second baking sheet and roast for 20–30 minutes stirring halfway until crispy and browned.
Step 4:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 5:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tbsp olive oil Add the sliced smoked sausage and cook until browned on both sides, about 5–7 minutes Remove sausage and set aside.
Step 6:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute Add the butter and let it melt.
Step 7:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the garlic butter Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce.
Step 8:
Add roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme leaves to the skillet Gently mix until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 9:
Taste and adjust seasoning Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
Fragrant garlic butter coats this autumn sausage pasta squash, a colorful and comforting fall dinner. Save
Fragrant garlic butter coats this autumn sausage pasta squash, a colorful and comforting fall dinner. | pumpkinhearth.com

This recipe has become a family favorite for cozy weeknight dinners we enjoy together.

Serving Suggestions

Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir.

Storage

Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 550 Calories, 29 g Total Fat, 52 g Carbohydrates, 21 g Protein.

A complete autumn sausage pasta squash meal featuring pasta, roasted vegetables, and smoky sausage in a skillet. Save
A complete autumn sausage pasta squash meal featuring pasta, roasted vegetables, and smoky sausage in a skillet. | pumpkinhearth.com

This dish is simple yet impressive, perfect for sharing warm moments.

Recipe Q&A

How should I roast the butternut squash for best flavor?

Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Can I substitute the smoked sausage with another protein?

Yes, plant-based sausage or cooked chicken can be used for variation while keeping the dish hearty.

What type of pasta works best in this dish?

Bow tie (farfalle) is ideal due to its shape holding sauce and roasted vegetables well.

How can I keep the roasted Brussels sprouts crispy?

Roast halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper at 200°C, stirring halfway to ensure even browning and crispness.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Yes, reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and bind ingredients together smoothly.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage is gluten-free to adapt this dish accordingly.

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

One-skillet autumn dish with bow tie pasta, smoked sausage, roasted squash, and Brussels sprouts in garlic butter.

Prep duration
15 min
Time to cook
40 min
Time required
55 min
Created by Sarah Coleman


Skill required Easy

Cuisine origin American

Portions 4 Serves

Dietary info None specified

What you'll need

Vegetables

01 3 cups peeled, seeded, cubed butternut squash
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 Salt, to taste
04 Black pepper, to taste
05 12 ounces trimmed and halved Brussels sprouts
06 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

01 8 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta

Proteins

01 12 ounces cooked smoked sausage, sliced into coins

Sauce & Seasoning

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 5 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
04 Salt, to taste
05 Black pepper, to taste
06 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
07 Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Preheat oven and prepare baking sheets: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast butternut squash: Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on one baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.

Step 03

Roast Brussels sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on second baking sheet and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp and browned.

Step 04

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

Step 05

Brown sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add sliced smoked sausage and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning until browned on both sides. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 06

Prepare garlic butter sauce: In same skillet, sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add butter and allow to melt.

Step 07

Combine pasta with sauce: Add cooked pasta to skillet, tossing to coat in garlic butter. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen sauce as needed.

Step 08

Incorporate roasted vegetables and sausage: Add roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme leaves to skillet. Gently combine and heat through.

Step 09

Finalize seasoning and serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Serve warm, garnished with extra fresh thyme if desired.

Gear Needed

  • Large pot
  • Two baking sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Large skillet
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting board
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy warning

Read over each ingredient for allergies and check with your doctor when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (pasta) and dairy (butter).
  • Sausage may contain soy, milk, or gluten; verify labels if sensitive.

Nutrition details per portion

This is for reference only. Contact your healthcare provider about any concerns.
  • Calorie count: 550
  • Fat content: 29 g
  • Carbohydrate: 52 g
  • Proteins: 21 g