Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Featured in: Seasonal Fresh Picks

This autumn-inspired dish combines tender bow tie pasta with smoky sausage and roasted butternut squash. Brussels sprouts add a crispy, caramelized bite, all tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika and fresh thyme. Roasting the vegetables separately deepens their flavor and texture, while browning the sausage enhances its smokiness. This one-skillet meal delivers warmth and seasonal taste, perfect for an easy, autumnal main course that balances savory and sweet notes seamlessly.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 09:31:00 GMT
Golden-brown Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, perfectly combined with roasted butternut squash and crispy sprouts. Save
Golden-brown Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash, perfectly combined with roasted butternut squash and crispy sprouts. | freshyforks.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.

This dish has become a fall favorite in my household, bringing warmth and comfort with every bite.

Ingredients

  • 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
  • 225 g bow tie pasta: (farfalle)
  • 340 g cooked smoked sausage: Cajun, andouille, or regular, sliced into coins
  • 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

Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
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.
Step 4:
Meanwhile, 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.
Step 5:
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.
Step 6:
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the butter and let it melt.
Step 7:
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.
Step 8:
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.
Step 9:
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve warm, garnished with extra thyme if desired.
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This recipe always brings my family together around the table, sharing stories and laughter over warm comfort food.

Notes

For extra richness, add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. 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

Per serving: Calories 550, Total Fat 29 g, Carbohydrates 52 g, Protein 21 g.

Savory Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash with tender pasta, sausage, and colorful fall vegetables, ready to serve. Save
Savory Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash with tender pasta, sausage, and colorful fall vegetables, ready to serve. | freshyforks.com

This Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash is a quick way to enjoy seasonal flavors with minimal cleanup.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do you achieve crispy Brussels sprouts in this dish?

Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F for 20–30 minutes, stirring halfway for even caramelization.

Can I substitute smoked sausage with another protein?

Yes, you can use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or omit it for a vegetarian option and add plant-based sausage alternatives.

What is the best way to prevent the pasta from drying out?

Reserve half a cup of pasta water to add into the skillet when tossing; it helps loosen the sauce and keep pasta moist.

How does smoked paprika enhance this meal?

Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky depth that complements the sausage and roasted vegetables, enriching the garlic butter sauce.

Can this dish be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, it keeps well refrigerated up to three days and can be gently reheated in a skillet, adding a splash of water if needed.

Autumn Sausage Pasta Squash

Comforting pasta with smoked sausage, roasted squash, and Brussels sprouts in garlic butter sauce.

Prep time
15 minutes
Time to cook
40 minutes
Time required
55 minutes
Recipe by Freshyforks Lena Brooks


Skill level Easy

Cuisine American

Portions 4 Number of servings

Diet Details None specified

What You'll 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 and Seasoning

01 1 tablespoon olive oil
02 5 cloves garlic, minced
03 2 tablespoons butter
04 Salt and pepper, to taste
05 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish

Directions

Step 01

Prepare oven and roasting pans: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 02

Roast butternut squash: Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange on one baking sheet and roast for 15 to 20 minutes until tender and caramelized.

Step 03

Roast Brussels sprouts: Toss halved Brussels sprouts with 2 tablespoons olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on the second baking sheet and roast for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until crisp and browned.

Step 04

Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Add roasted vegetables and sausage: Incorporate roasted butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, browned sausage, and fresh thyme leaves into the skillet. Gently mix until ingredients are evenly heated and combined.

Step 09

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy info

Review ingredients for allergens. Reach out to medical experts if you're not sure.
  • Contains wheat (pasta) and dairy (butter). Sausage may contain soy, milk, or gluten; verify ingredient labels if sensitive. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free sausage.

Nutritional breakdown (each serving)

This nutritional data guides only—don't treat as medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 550
  • Lipids: 29 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 52 grams
  • Proteins: 21 grams