Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Featured in: Simple Comfort Plates

This autumn-inspired meal blends roasted butternut squash and crispy Brussels sprouts with browned smoked sausage and tender bow tie pasta. The ingredients come together in a flavorful garlic butter sauce accented with smoked paprika and fresh thyme. Roasting the vegetables enhances their natural sweetness and adds texture, while the sausage brings a smoky depth. Easy to prepare and perfect for cozy gatherings or weeknight dinners, this dish balances hearty proteins with seasonal produce in a single skillet.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 14:03:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash with roasted vegetables and savory sausage. Pin it
A steaming bowl of Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash with roasted vegetables and savory sausage. | freshymeals.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.

I first made this dish on a chilly autumn evening and it quickly became a family favorite for its comforting flavors and easy preparation.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 3 cups butternut squash peeled seeded cubed, 1 tbsp olive oil (for butternut squash), Salt and pepper to taste (for butternut squash), 340 g Brussels sprouts trimmed and halved, 2 tbsp olive oil (for Brussels sprouts), Salt and pepper to taste (for Brussels sprouts)
  • Pasta: 225 g bow tie pasta (farfalle)
  • Proteins: 340 g cooked smoked sausage (Cajun andouille or regular) sliced into coins
  • Sauce & Seasoning: 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta dish), 5 cloves garlic minced, 2 tbsp butter, Salt and pepper to taste (for pasta dish), ¼ tsp smoked paprika, Fresh thyme leaves for garnish

Instructions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Roast Butternut Squash:
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.
Roast Brussels Sprouts:
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.
Cook Pasta:
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.
Cook Sausage:
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.
Sauté Garlic and Melt Butter:
In the same skillet add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant about 1 minute. Add the butter and let it melt.
Toss Pasta:
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.
Combine and Heat Through:
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.
Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm garnished with extra thyme if desired.
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| freshymeals.com

This recipe brings the family together every fall as we share stories over this warm and hearty meal.

Notes

For a vegetarian version omit sausage or substitute with plant based sausage. Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra richness. Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red such as Pinot Noir. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (pasta) and dairy (butter). Sausage may contain additional allergens (soy milk or gluten) check ingredient labels if sensitive. For gluten free use gluten free pasta and confirm sausage is gluten free.

Nutritional Information

Calories 550 Total Fat 29 g Carbohydrates 52 g Protein 21 g per serving.

Golden butternut squash chunks and bow tie pasta blend in this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash. Pin it
Golden butternut squash chunks and bow tie pasta blend in this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash. | freshymeals.com

Serve this dish hot straight from the skillet for best flavor and texture.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute the smoked sausage with a vegetarian option?

Yes, plant-based sausage alternatives work well to keep the smoky flavor without meat. Adjust cooking time as needed since vegetarian options may cook faster.

How do I achieve crispy Brussels sprouts when roasting?

Ensure Brussels sprouts are halved and spread out evenly on the baking sheet. Roast at 200°C (400°F), stirring halfway through to promote even browning and crispiness.

What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Bow tie pasta (farfalle) holds the sauce well with its shape, but other medium-short pastas like penne or rotini can be good substitutes.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can roast the vegetables and cook the pasta in advance. Store separately and combine just before serving to maintain texture.

How do I keep the garlic butter sauce from becoming greasy?

Use measured amounts of butter and olive oil, and add reserved pasta water gradually to create a smooth, balanced sauce without excess oiliness.

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Savory smoked sausage with roasted squash and Brussels sprouts tossed with bow tie pasta in rich garlic butter sauce.

How long to prep
15 min
Time to cook
40 min
Overall time
55 min
Recipe by Freshymeals Lily Carter

Dish category Simple Comfort Plates

Skill level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 4 Serving size

Dietary details None specified

What you need

Vegetables

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

Pasta

01 8 ounces bow tie pasta (farfalle)

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 butter
04 Salt and pepper, to taste
05 ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Steps to follow

Step 01

Prepare oven and roasting trays: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast butternut squash: Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly 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 the second baking sheet; roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crispy and browned.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Sauté garlic and melt butter: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add butter and allow to melt completely.

Step 07

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

Step 08

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

Step 09

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm garnished with additional thyme leaves as desired.

Tools you’ll need

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

Allergy info

Always check each ingredient for allergens and talk to a professional if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (pasta) and dairy (butter).
  • Sausage may contain soy, milk, or gluten; verify ingredients if sensitive.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Nutrition details are for reference only, not a substitute for health advice.
  • Calories per serving: 550
  • Fat content: 29 g
  • Carbohydrates: 52 g
  • Protein amount: 21 g