Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
Introduction
This Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is a comforting and flavorful meal that combines tender roasted butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and rich tomato sauce. It’s an easy dish perfect for weeknight dinners and warms you up with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
- Step 2: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Pour in the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Add the dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 15 minutes.
- Step 5: About 10 minutes before the sauce is ready, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta well.
- Step 6: Add the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet with the sauce. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use spicy Italian sausage if you want a bit more heat, or mild for a gentler flavor.
- Try using different pasta shapes like rigatoni or farfalle to change up the texture.
- For extra creaminess, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of ricotta before serving.
- Roast the squash the day before to save time on busy evenings.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use ground beef instead of Italian sausage?
Yes, ground beef or turkey can be substituted, though Italian sausage adds more seasoning and flavor to the dish.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure the sausage does not contain any gluten additives.
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Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful Sausage Pasta Squash recipe featuring roasted butternut squash combined with Italian sausage and a rich tomato sauce, tossed with your favorite pasta and topped with Parmesan cheese. This comforting dish is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner with a delicious balance of savory sausage, tender squash, and classic Italian herbs.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Butternut Squash
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Sausage Tomato Sauce
- 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Pasta and Garnish
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the squash in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Cook the Sausage and Vegetables: While the squash roasts, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess grease. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Tomato Sauce: Into the skillet, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least 15 minutes to meld the flavors. For an even richer sauce, simmer longer if time allows.
- Cook the Pasta: About 10 minutes before the sauce is ready, cook the pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta thoroughly.
- Combine and Serve: Add the cooked pasta, roasted butternut squash, and grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet with the sausage tomato sauce. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- You can use sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your heat preference.
- Be sure to roast the squash until tender to add a sweet and caramelized flavor to balance the savory sauce.
- Draining excess grease from sausage helps reduce the fat content of the dish.
- Feel free to substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: Sausage pasta, butternut squash, roasted squash pasta, Italian sausage pasta, easy Italian dinner, sausage tomato sauce, fall pasta recipe
