🎉 Introduction
When autumn rolls in, it brings along crisp air, colorful leaves, and a craving for hearty comfort food. Delicious Autumn Chicken Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts is the ultimate dish to cozy up with on those chilly evenings. This recipe combines smoky chicken sausage, roasted Brussels sprouts, creamy butternut squash, and perfectly cooked bow tie pasta for a filling, seasonal, and family-friendly dinner.
The beauty of this dish lies in how it balances textures and flavors: the smokiness of the sausage, the caramelized sweetness of squash, the crunch of Brussels sprouts, and the comforting chewiness of pasta. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough to serve when hosting friends and family.
This pasta bowl is not only packed with autumnal flavors but also offers plenty of nutrition—vegetables rich in vitamins, lean protein from the chicken sausage, and wholesome pasta to keep you satisfied. Let’s dive into how to make this cozy fall recipe step by step.
🧰 Equipment Needed
To prepare this autumn chicken sausage pasta, you’ll need:
- A large skillet or sauté pan
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A sharp chef’s knife
- A cutting board
- A baking sheet for roasting vegetables
- A mixing spoon or spatula
- A colander for draining pasta
Optional but helpful:
- A garlic press for mincing cloves
- A vegetable peeler for peeling butternut squash
- Tongs to toss pasta with sausage and veggies
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this recipe (serves 4):
Protein:
- 340 g chicken smoked sausage (sliced into bite-sized pieces)
Vegetables:
- 340 g Brussels sprouts (trimmed and halved)
- 3 cups butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed)
- 5 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Pasta & Grains:
- 225 g bow tie pasta (farfalle)
Seasonings:
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Oils & Fats:
- 4 tbsp olive oil (divided)
- 2 tbsp butter
👩🍳 Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash in 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente (about 10–12 minutes).
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Sausage
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides (5–6 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Add the roasted vegetables to the skillet with the sausage.
- Toss in the drained pasta and 2 tbsp butter.
- Stir until everything is coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
- Transfer to bowls, garnish with extra thyme if desired, and serve warm.
🍽️ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not ideal due to pasta texture, but you can freeze the sausage and roasted veggies separately.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
🥄 Variations
- Cheesy Twist: Add grated Parmesan or mozzarella for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage and add roasted mushrooms for a hearty alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free bow tie pasta or substitute with quinoa.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or use spicy chicken sausage.
- Greens Boost: Toss in spinach or kale at the end for more nutrients.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use turkey sausage instead of chicken sausage?
Yes, turkey sausage works just as well for this recipe.
2. Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, peeling is recommended since the skin is tough and chewy.
3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the vegetables and cook the sausage in advance, then reheat and toss with pasta when ready.
4. What pasta shape works best?
Bow tie pasta (farfalle) works well, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are also great.
5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter.
6. How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of butter for a healthier twist.
7. Can I roast the garlic with the vegetables?
Absolutely! Roasting garlic adds a sweeter, mellow flavor.
8. What herbs pair well besides thyme?
Rosemary, sage, or parsley also complement autumn flavors beautifully.
9. Can I add a sauce?
Yes, a light cream sauce or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze works wonderfully.
10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The mild chicken sausage and sweet roasted squash make it appealing for kids.
🏁 Conclusion
This Delicious Autumn Chicken Sausage Pasta with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts is a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for cozy fall nights. It’s easy to make, balanced in flavor, and adaptable to fit your family’s preferences. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a wholesome, seasonal dish that feels gourmet yet approachable.
So grab that squash, roast those sprouts, and let the comfort of autumn fill your kitchen.
Delicious Autumn Chicken Sausage Pasta with Roasted Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts – Easy to Cook!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Toss the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash in 2 tbsp olive oil.
- Season with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme leaves.
- Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until caramelized and tender.
- While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bow tie pasta and cook until al dente (about 10–12 minutes).
- Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the sliced chicken sausage and cook until browned on both sides (5–6 minutes).
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the roasted vegetables to the skillet with the sausage.
- Toss in the drained pasta and 2 tbsp butter.
- Stir until everything is coated, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Transfer to bowls, garnish with extra thyme if desired, and serve warm.
Notes
Yes, turkey sausage works just as well for this recipe. 2. Do I need to peel the butternut squash?
Yes, peeling is recommended since the skin is tough and chewy. 3. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can roast the vegetables and cook the sausage in advance, then reheat and toss with pasta when ready. 4. What pasta shape works best?
Bow tie pasta (farfalle) works well, but penne, fusilli, or rigatoni are also great. 5. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, simply omit the butter or replace it with a dairy-free alternative like olive oil or vegan butter. 6. How can I make this recipe lighter?
Use whole wheat pasta and reduce the amount of butter for a healthier twist. 7. Can I roast the garlic with the vegetables?
Absolutely! Roasting garlic adds a sweeter, mellow flavor. 8. What herbs pair well besides thyme?
Rosemary, sage, or parsley also complement autumn flavors beautifully. 9. Can I add a sauce?
Yes, a light cream sauce or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze works wonderfully. 10. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! The mild chicken sausage and sweet roasted squash make it appealing for kids. 🏁 Conclusion This Delicious Autumn Chicken Sausage Pasta with Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts is a warm hug in a bowl—perfect for cozy fall nights. It’s easy to make, balanced in flavor, and adaptable to fit your family’s preferences. With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a wholesome, seasonal dish that feels gourmet yet approachable. So grab that squash, roast those sprouts, and let the comfort of autumn fill your kitchen.
