Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy autumn meal! Imagine tender sausage, sweet butternut squash, and vibrant kale, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles in a creamy sauce. This recipe is easy to make and comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a fantastic option for busy weeknights or when you’re craving a comforting and satisfying dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Aromatic: The combination of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, and earthy kale creates a delicious and well-balanced dish. The addition of nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and sage adds a warm and comforting flavor.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is simple to follow and requires minimal ingredients, making it perfect for beginner cooks or busy weeknights.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup! Everything cooks together in one skillet or Dutch oven, saving you time and effort.
• Versatile: You can easily customize this dish by using your favorite type of sausage or adding different vegetables, such as mushrooms or bell peppers.

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Ingredients

• Extra virgin olive oil: Used to cook the sausage and vegetables.
• Ground turkey or chicken sausage: Use your favorite flavor of sausage. Italian sausage or apple chicken sausage are great options.
• Butternut squash: Peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced and adds a savory base and sweetness.
• Kosher salt and black pepper: Season the dish to perfection.
• Garlic: Minced and adds a fragrant and savory punch.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm and slightly sweet spice note.
• Cayenne pepper: Adds a touch of heat (adjust to your preference).
• Chicken broth: Adds flavor and moisture to the dish. Use low-sodium or no-sodium broth for better control over the saltiness.
• Half-and-half: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
• Frozen egg noodles: Use your favorite type of egg noodles.
• Kale: Stemmed and chopped, it adds a healthy dose of greens and a slightly bitter flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Freshly shredded and adds a salty and umami flavor to the dish.
• Fresh sage: Chopped and adds a fragrant and earthy flavor.

Note: For exact measurements, see the recipe card below!

How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the butternut squash, sliced red onion, ½ teaspoon of salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and golden, about 8 minutes. Add the minced garlic, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, and the remaining ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for 1 additional minute, or until the garlic is softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Wilt the Kale

Add the chopped kale to the skillet, pour in the chicken broth, and immediately cover the pot. Simmer over medium heat for 4 minutes, or until the kale is slightly wilted.

Step 4: Cook the Noodles

Stir in the frozen egg noodles and half-and-half, then cover the pot again. Simmer until the noodles are cooked through and the kale is tender, about 5 minutes more, stirring once halfway through.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the cooked sausage. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped sage. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, if needed. Serve hot and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use high-quality sausage: Choose your favorite type of sausage for this recipe, such as Italian sausage, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When browning the sausage, make sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will prevent the sausage from browning properly.
• Adjust the spice level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, depending on how spicy you want the dish.
• Use fresh herbs: Fresh sage adds a wonderful aroma and flavor to the dish. If you don’t have fresh sage, you can substitute with dried sage, but use about half the amount.
• Make ahead: You can cook the sausage and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sausage and vegetables, then proceed with the recipe as directed.

How to Serve

This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions:

• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the richness of the dish.
• Crusty Bread: Serve with crusty bread for dipping and sopping up the extra sauce.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Offer additional grated Parmesan cheese at the table for those who like an extra cheesy kick.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can also prepare components ahead of time or store leftovers for later.

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! Other pasta shapes that would work well in this recipe include penne, rigatoni, or farfalle.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can! Omit the sausage and use a plant-based sausage substitute or add more vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers.

3. Can I use butternut squash puree instead of cubed butternut squash?
Yes, you can! If using butternut squash puree, add it to the skillet along with the garlic and spices.

4. Can I add other seasonings to the dish?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite seasonings, such as dried herbs, spices, or grated Parmesan cheese.

This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is a flavorful and comforting way to enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal. With its easy preparation, versatile ingredients, and one-pan convenience, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!

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