If you’re searching for a dish that wraps warmth, comfort, and a punch of autumnal flavor into every bite, the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This recipe brilliantly blends tender chunks of roasted butternut squash with savory sausage, silky noodles, and a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s perfectly spiced. It’s a dish that balances hearty and wholesome, making it ideal for cozy dinners that everyone will ask for again and again. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or craving a soul-soothing solo meal, this pasta recipe brings together simple ingredients in a way that feels both elegant and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, bringing a mix of texture, flavor, and color to the bowl. From the sweetness of the butternut squash to the savory sausage and the fresh brightness of kale, these essentials come together effortlessly to create something truly special.
- Extra virgin olive oil (3 tablespoons, divided): Helps brown the sausage and sauté the veggies, adding a fruity richness to the dish.
- Ground turkey or chicken sausage (1 pound): Choose your favorite flavor; it adds juicy, savory depth without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Butternut squash (1 small, peeled and cubed): Roasting this sweet, nutty vegetable gives the pasta its signature creamy texture and brilliant orange hue.
- Red onion (1, thinly sliced): Adds a mild, slightly sweet bite that caramelizes beautifully when sautéed.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon, divided): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all layers of flavor.
- Ground black pepper (¼ teaspoon): Provides a gentle spice lift without overwhelming the palate.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the dish with warmth and aromatic depth that gets everyone’s mouth watering.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complements the sweetness of the squash perfectly.
- Cayenne pepper (â…› teaspoon): A whisper of heat to balance sweetness and creamy richness.
- Low-sodium chicken broth (1 can, 14.5 ounces): Creates the base of the sauce, keeping it light but flavorful.
- Half-and-half (½ cup): Brings luscious creaminess without making the sauce too heavy.
- Frozen egg noodles (12 ounces): These tender, eggy noodles soak up the sauce and add a comforting chew.
- Kale (1 medium bunch, stemmed and chopped): Adds vibrant color along with a boost of nutrition and a satisfying bite.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (½ cup): Sprinkled on top, it melts slightly into the warm pasta lending a nutty, savory finish.
- Fresh sage (1 tablespoon, chopped): Offers an earthy, aromatic touch that lifts the entire dish to a new level.
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 sausage and cook it until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. This step develops fantastic flavor from caramelization, so don’t rush it. Once done, transfer the sausage to a bowl and set it aside while you prepare the veggies.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining olive oil to the same skillet. Toss in the cubed butternut squash, sliced red onion, half the salt, and the black pepper. Cook everything until the squash is tender and starts to show golden edges. This gentle cooking softens the squash and lets its natural sweetness shine. Then, stir in the minced garlic, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper and cook just until fragrant—this fragrant spice blend adds warmth and complexity without stealing the spotlight.
Step 3: Wilt Kale and Simmer
Next, add the chopped kale right on top of the veggies, pour in the chicken broth, and cover immediately. Simmer the mixture for about 4 minutes, allowing the kale to soften without losing its lovely green color. This quick steaming step infuses the greens seamlessly into the dish while keeping their texture vibrant.
Step 4: Cook the Noodles
Now gently stir in the frozen egg noodles and half-and-half. Pop the lid on and simmer until the noodles are tender and fully cooked through—usually about 6 to 8 minutes. Be sure to give everything a good stir halfway through so the noodles don’t stick and evenly absorb that creamy broth.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Remove your skillet from heat and fold in the cooked sausage along with the freshly grated Parmesan and chopped sage. Taste and add extra salt if needed. The cheese melts into the warm pasta, creating a luscious, nutty finish, while the sage adds an earthy brightness. Serve this comforting masterpiece steaming hot for maximum delight.
How to Serve Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate your Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe to restaurant-quality. I adore adding a few extra shavings of Parmesan cheese for that salty pop and a sprinkle of fresh chopped sage or even some toasted pine nuts for crunch. A drizzle of good quality olive oil right before serving also amps up the flavor and gives the dish a pretty, glossy finish.
Side Dishes
This pasta has so much heartiness it can stand alone, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or a side of roasted Brussels sprouts really rounds out the meal. A warm crusty bread also works wonders here, perfect for mopping up every last bit of the creamy sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, a glass of light-bodied white wine or even a sparkling cider makes for a delightful accompaniment.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist and party-friendly presentation, serve the Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe in small ramekins or mini cocottes, sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a sage leaf. If you’re hosting a casual dinner, layering it in a large, rustic serving bowl with herbs scattered on top invites everyone to dig in family-style. This dish also pairs beautifully with seasonal garnishes like toasted pumpkin seeds or a bright herb salad for color contrast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe keeps really well in the fridge for up to four days. Make sure to store leftovers in an airtight container to keep the flavors fresh and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
If you want to save some for longer, freezing is an option. Portion the pasta into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Because the noodles are delicate, the texture might be slightly softer after thawing, but the flavors remain rich and comforting.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stove over low heat with a splash of broth or half-and-half to loosen the sauce. Stir often to prevent sticking and heat evenly. Avoid using a microwave when possible for best texture, but if you do, add a little liquid and cover loosely.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of sausage for this recipe?
Absolutely! While turkey or chicken sausage works nicely for a lighter dish, you can definitely swap in pork or beef sausage depending on your taste preferences. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before combining it with the other ingredients.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Omit the sausage and add extra kale or mushrooms for umami flavor. You can also use a plant-based sausage alternative to keep that meaty texture and savoriness intact.
What kind of noodles work best for this recipe?
Frozen egg noodles are traditional here and absorb the sauce beautifully, but you can substitute with cooked pasta shapes like penne or rotini if you prefer. Fresh pasta also works well; just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
Definitely! You can brown the sausage and chop the vegetables ahead of time to speed up cooking. Even the butternut squash and onion can be sautéed ahead and stored in the fridge, ready to combine when you’re ready to finish the dish.
What do I do if the sauce is too thick or too thin?
If your sauce feels thick, stir in a splash of chicken broth or half-and-half to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. This flexibility helps you get the sauce to just the right creamy consistency.
Final Thoughts
This Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It delivers comfort and elegance without complicated steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or leisurely weekend dinners. I can’t recommend enough giving this recipe a try—you’ll be surprised how such simple ingredients come together to create something so hearty, flavorful, and utterly delicious. Happy cooking!
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
A hearty and comforting Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta recipe featuring tender roasted butternut squash, savory ground turkey or chicken sausage, and nutritious kale tossed with egg noodles in a creamy, spiced sauce. This dish combines warm fall flavors with a creamy texture, perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Sausage
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 1 pound ground turkey or chicken sausage (any flavor)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 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
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- â…› teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 medium bunch kale (about 8 ounces), stemmed and chopped (about 4 cups)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
Liquids & Dairy
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can low-sodium chicken broth
- ½ cup half-and-half
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 ounces frozen egg noodles
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, breaking it apart, until it is browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the cubed butternut squash, thinly sliced red onion, ½ teaspoon of kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the squash is tender and golden, approximately 8-10 minutes. Add the minced garlic, ground nutmeg, and cayenne pepper; cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Wilt Kale and Simmer: Add the chopped kale to the skillet and pour in the low-sodium chicken broth. Immediately cover the skillet and let it simmer for 4 minutes to wilt the kale and allow flavors to meld.
- Cook Noodles: Stir in the frozen egg noodles and half-and-half. Cover again and simmer gently, stirring once halfway through cooking, until the noodles are tender and the kale is fully cooked, about 7-9 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the cooked sausage. Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed. Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, flavorful pasta dish.
Notes
- You can substitute the ground turkey or chicken sausage with pork sausage if preferred.
- Frozen egg noodles work well and save time, but fresh pasta can also be used.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute half-and-half and Parmesan with plant-based alternatives.
- If you want more heat, add extra cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes during cooking.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
