Creamy, savory, and full of cozy autumn flavor, this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe quickly became my go-to comfort meal the moment I tried it. With perfectly cooked pasta, sweet and nutty butternut squash, savory sausage, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, every bite is a celebration of fall’s best flavors. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just want a restaurant-worthy dinner at home, this dish has all the elements you need for a memorable meal.

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What I love about this recipe is how each ingredient plays a starring role. From sausage that adds boldness, to butternut squash that brings natural sweetness and brilliant color, every element is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to bring the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe to life:

Pasta: I usually reach for penne or rigatoni—they hold the creamy sauce perfectly and are super satisfying in every bite.
Olive Oil: Just a touch helps brown the sausage and sauté the vegetables for extra flavor.
Italian Sausage: Choose between mild or spicy depending on your vibe; sausage adds the meaty richness that makes this dish hearty.
Butternut Squash: Cubed small for even cooking, it gets tender and sweet, absorbing all those savory sausage juices.
Yellow Onion: Lends subtle sweetness and depth as it sautés—don’t skip it!
Garlic: Three fresh cloves add fragrant warmth that infuses into the entire sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that round out all the flavors.
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): A pinch wakes up the flavors with gentle heat—add more if you like a little kick.
Chicken Broth: Helps the squash cook quickly and boosts the sauce’s savory foundation.
Heavy Cream: Creates that luscious, velvety sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty goodness for layers of flavor in every forkful.
Fresh Sage: Earthy and aromatic, sage brings the whole Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe together—don’t skip or substitute if you can help it!
Chopped Parsley: Optional, but perfect for brightening up the finished dish with fresh, herby notes.

How to Make Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your favorite pasta in salty water until just al dente. This is key for ensuring the noodles stay pleasantly firm even after you toss them in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to welcome all those rich, savory flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While your pasta boils away, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon into crumbles. Sauté until the sausage is cooked through and deeply browned, which gives you irresistible crunchy bits. Scoop it out with a slotted spoon and let it rest in a bowl while you move on.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies and Cook the Squash

To the same pan (with all its tasty sausage drippings), add the diced onion and let it cook until soft and aromatic. Toss in the diced butternut squash with a sprinkle of salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want a hint of heat). Stir occasionally as the squash softens. Just before the squash is fully tender, add the garlic and cook for an extra minute to boost the aroma and flavor.

Step 4: Simmer Everything Together

Pour in the chicken broth so the squash cooks through and gets ultra-tender. Cover the skillet and let it simmer until the squash yields easily to a fork—about 5 to 7 minutes.

Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce and Combine

Now, stir in the heavy cream and return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Let everything mingle on low heat for about 2 minutes—the cream should bubble just slightly as it thickens and pulls all the flavors together. Gently fold in your cooked pasta, grated Parmesan, and fresh sage. Toss everything well so the sauce coats every bite, and finish by garnishing with parsley and a shower of extra Parmesan.

How to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A flourish of freshly chopped parsley livens up the plate and adds a pop of green, while a sprinkle of extra Parmesan ensures every portion is impossibly cheesy and irresistible. If you love herbs, a few more fresh sage leaves (whole or torn) look gorgeous and echo the flavors in the dish.

Side Dishes

This pasta is truly a star on its own, but it’s even better with simple sides. Try it with a crisp green salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts for more fall flair. Warm, crusty bread is practically required for mopping up any luscious sauce left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, serve the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe in a large, shallow platter topped with extra sage and Parmesan. Or, make individual portions in wide bowls and crown each serving with a playful nest of fried sage leaves. If you’re hosting a buffet, keep it warm in a Dutch oven with a sprinkle of herbs so everyone can help themselves.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this creamy pasta keep beautifully in the fridge. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy again, you’ll be rewarded with flavors that meld together even more overnight.

Freezing

If you want to stash away a portion for later, freeze the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe in a tightly sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just know that the sauce may separate a touch once thawed, but a quick toss on the stove will bring it back to life.

Reheating

To reheat, warm single servings in the microwave, stirring halfway through, or revive larger amounts on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of extra cream or broth. This keeps the pasta creamy and delicious, as if it were freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cut butternut squash to save time?

Absolutely! Pre-cut squash is a game-changer for busy nights. Just check the size of the cubes—smaller pieces cook more evenly and quickly, which is exactly what you want for this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe.

What pasta shapes work best?

Short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the rich, creamy sauce in every nook and cranny. If you’re feeling adventurous, try orecchiette or shells for a fun twist.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply leave out the sausage and use plant-based sausage or extra veggies like mushrooms for a hearty, satisfying vegetarian spin. Swap the chicken broth for veggie broth, and you’ll still have a fantastic Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe—with a vegetarian twist!

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. You’ll still get a creamy sauce with a slightly lighter finish—perfect if you want something a bit less rich but still packed with flavor.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Yes! You can prep the squash and onions ahead, and even cook the sausage in advance. When you’re ready to serve, just bring everything together according to the steps. It makes entertaining (or weeknight dinners) extra easy.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to try this Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe in your own kitchen! It’s everything I want in a fall pasta: colorful, comforting, and so easy to pull together. Give it a whirl and let it become your new favorite, too.

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the savory richness of Italian sausage. This creamy and satisfying pasta is perfect for fall dinners or any time you crave a hearty meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your choice)

Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
3 cups butternut squash (peeled and diced into small cubes)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage or 1/2 teaspoon dried sage

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
Cook the sausage: Brown sausage in olive oil, then remove and set aside.
Sauté vegetables: Cook onion, butternut squash, garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
Add broth and simmer: Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer until squash is tender.
Finish the sauce: Stir in cream, sausage, Parmesan, and sage, then add pasta and combine.
Garnish and serve: Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.