Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash: 25-Min Fall Dinner Magic

Name: Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed (½-inch pieces); 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 1 teaspoon salt, divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided; 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved; 225 g bow tie pasta (or other short pasta); 340 g cooked smoked sausage (cajun, andouille, or regular), sliced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons butter; ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves; Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something magical about fall flavors, isn’t there? The crisp air, the cozy sweaters, and the comforting meals that warm you from the inside out. That’s exactly why this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash recipe is here to save your weeknight dinners. It’s hearty, quick, and oh-so-delicious—like wrapping yourself in a warm blanket of smoky sausage, sweet squash, and tender pasta. And the best part? It comes together in about 25 minutes, which means more time for you to enjoy that pumpkin-spice latte while binge-watching your favorite show.

Why You’ll Love This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Weeknight Friendly: 25 minutes from start to finish. Yes, please!
Flavor Packed: Smoky sausage, sweet roasted butternut squash, and earthy Brussels sprouts.
Comfort Food Done Right: Creamy pasta tossed with seasonal flavors that scream fall.
Family Approved: Even picky eaters will dig into this bowl of cozy goodness.

Ingredients You’ll Need

3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, cubed (about ½-inch pieces)
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
225 g bow tie pasta (or any short pasta you love)
340 g cooked smoked sausage (cajun, andouille, or regular), sliced
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves

How to Make Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Cooking this dish is like a little fall symphony in your kitchen—every step builds on the last, layering flavor until you’ve got a pasta dish that feels both indulgent and wholesome. Here’s how it comes together:

Step 1: Roast the butternut squash.

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, and a dash of pepper. Spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 15–20 minutes. You’re looking for tender bites with golden edges that taste like candy in vegetable form.

Step 2: Give those Brussels sprouts their moment.

Halve the sprouts, toss with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast alongside the squash (or on a separate pan if things feel crowded). In 20–30 minutes, you’ll have little green gems that are crispy on the outside, buttery-soft inside, and slightly sweet.

Step 3: Get the pasta boiling.

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil (the water should taste like the ocean). Cook your bow ties until al dente, then don’t forget the golden rule: save about ½ cup of that starchy pasta water before draining—it’s liquid gold for building a silky sauce.

Step 4: Brown the sausage.

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sausage slices and let them sear until beautifully browned on both sides. This step infuses the pan with savory, smoky flavor that’ll carry through the whole dish. Remove the sausage and set aside.

Step 5: Build the flavor base.

In the same skillet (don’t wash it—you want all those tasty brown bits!), sauté the garlic for 30–60 seconds. Add the butter, let it melt into a luscious pool, then stir in the cooked pasta along with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. The aroma at this point? Pure autumn magic.

Step 6: Bring it all together.

Now for the grand finale: add the roasted squash, Brussels sprouts, and sausage back into the skillet. Splash in about ¼ cup of that reserved pasta water and toss everything gently until the sauce clings to the pasta like a cozy sweater. Adjust with more pasta water if needed for creaminess. Finish with a shower of fresh thyme leaves, and you’re ready to serve.

Dish it up warm, maybe with a sprinkle of Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy, and watch as everyone around the table falls in love with this fall-inspired pasta bowl.

Tips for the Best Pasta Night

Pasta Water = Liquid Gold. Don’t skip this step—it transforms your pasta into a silky, creamy dream.
Mix Up the Sausage. Cajun brings a little spice, andouille adds smoky depth, while classic smoked sausage keeps it mild.
Make It Ahead. Roast the veggies earlier in the day and just reheat before tossing everything together at dinner time.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This dish was born on one of those weeks—you know, the kind where every day feels like a juggling act of work, errands, and “Mom, what’s for dinner?” Instead of panicking, I tossed together what I had on hand: squash, sprouts, pasta, and sausage. The result? My family devoured it, and I had a new fall favorite in my back pocket. Sometimes, the best meals come from moments of chaos.

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash with roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and smoked sausage tossed with bow tie pasta and Parmesan. — This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is loaded with roasted veggies, smoky sausage, and pasta—your go-to cozy dinner for busy fall nights.

FAQs About Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Can I substitute the pasta?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shells all work beautifully. Use whatever your pantry (or picky kids) prefer.

Can I use frozen squash or sprouts?

Yes! Just add a few extra minutes of roasting time to cook off the extra moisture.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water or broth to revive that creamy texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Sure! Just swap the sausage for chickpeas or a plant-based sausage alternative.

Cozy Up With Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

If you’re craving a meal that tastes like fall in a bowl, this Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is calling your name. It’s smoky, sweet, creamy, and utterly satisfying—all without keeping you chained to the kitchen. So the next time you need a quick dinner that feels special, let this recipe be your go-to. Trust me, your house will smell like a cozy hug from grandma the second that squash starts roasting.

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this dish, you’ll want to add these comfort-packed recipes to your meal plan too:

Warm up with a bowl of Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup for another hearty, sausage-forward favorite.
For a creamy, veggie-packed dinner, try my Crockpot Chicken Broccoli Alfredo—perfect for busy nights.
Keep the fall vibes going with Wholesome Crockpot Beef Stew, a recipe that makes your house smell heavenly.
Or, impress your family with a cheesy pasta twist like Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini.

These recipes pair beautifully with the flavors of autumn and will keep your dinner table cozy, comforting, and stress-free.