Print

Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta Recipe Easy Cozy Dinner with Sage Brown Butter

butternut squash sausage pasta - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy and comforting pasta dish combining sweet butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and a fragrant sage brown butter sauce. Perfect for fall and winter dinners, this recipe is quick, easy, and full of warm flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced into ½-inch cubes
  • 12 ounces Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 12 ounces pasta (rigatoni or penne; gluten-free if needed)
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 10 fresh sage leaves
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss diced butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Spread in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized, flipping halfway through.
  2. While the squash roasts, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  3. In a large skillet over medium heat, crumble and brown the sausage for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked and browned. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan.
  4. Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet. Melt and gently brown the butter, swirling frequently, until golden and nutty (about 3-4 minutes).
  5. Add fresh sage leaves to the brown butter and fry until crisp, about 1-2 minutes. Remove sage with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  6. Add shallots and garlic to the browned butter and sauté gently for 2-3 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
  7. Return sausage to the skillet, then add roasted squash. Stir to combine and coat with brown butter sauce.
  8. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. Add reserved pasta water a splash at a time if sauce feels dry. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  9. Serve hot, topped with crispy sage leaves and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Watch the butter carefully while browning to avoid burning; the aroma is your best guide. Roast squash until tender but still holding shape for texture contrast. Fresh sage leaves add the best flavor and texture but dried sage can be used in a pinch. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based alternative and omit or replace Parmesan with vegan cheese. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check sausage ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash pasta, sausage pasta, sage brown butter, cozy dinner, fall recipe, easy pasta recipe, comforting meal

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/butternut-squash-sausage-pasta-recipe-easy-cozy-dinner-with-sage-brown-butter/