If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that bursts with fall flavors and satisfies every bite, this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. With tender cubes of roasted butternut squash, hearty sausage, silky noodles, and a touch of warmth from spices like nutmeg and cayenne, this dish brings together vibrant color, rich taste, and a delightful texture all in one skillet. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want a delicious weeknight dinner, this recipe hits all the right notes for an unforgettable bowl of pasta goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together effortlessly in this recipe, each adding its own magic to the dish’s flavor, texture, and appearance. From the juicy sausage to the creamy half-and-half, every element has a role in making this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe truly special.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Using 3 tablespoons adds richness and helps sauté the sausage and vegetables beautifully.
- Ground turkey or chicken sausage: One pound provides a lean, flavorful protein base that complements the squash perfectly.
- Butternut squash: About 1 ¼ pounds cubed delivers a sweet, tender bite and gorgeous orange color.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a subtle sharpness and lovely caramelized texture.
- Kosher salt: Divided use ensures each element is properly seasoned.
- Ground black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of spice to balance the sweetness.
- Garlic: Three cloves minced infuse the dish with aromatic depth.
- Ground nutmeg: A pinch adds a warm, earthy undertone that enhances the squash.
- Cayenne pepper: Just a dash to give the dish a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: One 14.5-ounce can creates a flavorful cooking liquid and ties flavors together.
- Half-and-half: Half a cup enriches the pasta for a creamy, luscious finish.
- Frozen egg noodles: Twelve ounces provide soft, chewy pasta that holds up well with the sauce.
- Kale: One medium bunch adds vibrant green color and a nutritious boost.
- Parmesan cheese: Half a cup freshly grated for that salty, nutty topping you’ll love.
- Fresh sage: One tablespoon chopped, lending an herbal, fragrant finish to the dish.
How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. The browning gives the meat amazing flavor and texture. Once done, remove it from the pan and set it aside—this way, it won’t overcook while you work on the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss in the cubed butternut squash, thinly sliced red onion, half a teaspoon of kosher salt, and the ground black pepper. Cook them together until the squash is tender and starts turning golden—which brings out its sweet, nutty flavors. Then stir in the minced garlic, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Cook just until the garlic becomes fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 3: Wilt the Kale and Simmer
Now add the chopped kale to the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth and cover the pan immediately. Let everything simmer away for about 4 minutes. During this time, the kale wilts down perfectly, and the broth infuses the veggies with extra flavor, setting the stage for the creamy sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Next, stir in the frozen egg noodles and the half-and-half. Cover the skillet again and simmer until the noodles are tender and the kale is perfectly cooked—about 7 to 10 minutes. Give it a gentle stir once halfway through to ensure nothing sticks and every bite cooks evenly. The half-and-half creates a silky sauce that ties every ingredient together in perfect harmony.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
Finally, remove the pan from heat and fold the cooked sausage back in. Sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage on top. Give the dish a taste and add more salt if needed. Serve this warm, cozy pasta immediately for the most comforting experience—it’s the kind of meal you’ll want to share with everyone you love.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese really elevates this pasta, giving it a savory punch with every bite. Fresh sage leaves also add a wonderful herbal note that brightens the dish and makes it visually appetizing. If you want a little extra zing, a drizzle of good quality olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top works beautifully.
Side Dishes
The beauty of this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is it’s a hearty one-pot meal on its own, but if you want to round it out, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or some crusty bread to mop up every last bit of sauce. Roasted vegetables or garlic sautéed green beans make excellent, simple sides that won’t compete with the main dish.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with a sprig of fresh sage and a dusting of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy look. Another idea is to sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for crunch or add a drizzle of browned butter infused with sage to amplify those warm, cozy fall flavors even more. Presentation can be as charming and inviting as the dish tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, so leftovers might taste even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before reheating.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, cool the pasta completely and place it in freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the texture of the noodles might soften slightly after thawing, but the dish remains delicious and convenient for busy days.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to avoid sticking and ensure an even temperature. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While ground turkey or chicken sausage is recommended for its lean, mild flavor, you can use pork sausage or even a plant-based alternative according to your preference. Just adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Is it possible to use fresh noodles instead of frozen egg noodles?
Yes, fresh noodles work well too! Just reduce the simmering time since fresh noodles cook faster. Keep a close eye to avoid overcooking and turning them mushy.
How spicy is this dish with cayenne pepper?
The cayenne pepper is used sparingly, so the spice level is mild with just a gentle warmth that complements the sweetness of the squash. Feel free to omit it if you prefer no heat or increase slightly for more kick.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
You can substitute the sausage with hearty mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based sausage alternatives. Just remember to adjust seasoning and cooking times as needed to keep the dish balanced and flavorful.
What are some good wine pairings with Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe?
This pasta pairs wonderfully with medium-bodied white wines like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir. The creamy sauce and savory sausage flavors complement these wines beautifully without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience full of comforting textures and inviting flavors that feel like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re looking for a tasty weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, it’s a delightful way to celebrate seasonal produce and simple ingredients done right. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a permanent favorite in your kitchen!
Print
Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This hearty Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta combines tender in-season butternut squash with flavorful ground turkey or chicken sausage, kale, and creamy egg noodles for a comforting, well-balanced meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Meat and Oils
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken sausage (any flavor)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 small butternut squash (about 1 ¼ pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into ½-inch cubes (about 3 ½ cups)
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- 1 medium bunch kale (about 8 ounces), stemmed and chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Pantry Items and Dairy
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
- 12 ounces frozen egg noodles
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Brown Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground turkey or chicken sausage and cook until browned and thoroughly cooked through. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside to use later.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the skillet. Add the cubed butternut squash, thinly sliced red onion, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the butternut squash is tender and golden brown. Then add the minced garlic, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper, cooking everything until the garlic is fragrant.
- Wilt Kale and Simmer: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and immediately pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and allow it to simmer for 4 minutes, enabling the kale to wilt and absorb the flavors.
- Cook Noodles: Stir in the frozen egg noodles and half-and-half into the skillet. Cover again and simmer until the noodles are cooked through and the kale is tender, stirring once halfway through cooking to prevent sticking.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and gently fold the cooked sausage back into the pasta mixture. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage. Taste and add additional kosher salt if needed. Serve the pasta hot for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken or turkey sausage with your preferred sausage flavor for variety.
- Ensure the butternut squash is cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Use fresh kale for the best texture, but spinach can be substituted if desired.
- Frozen egg noodles do not need to be thawed before adding.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
