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Home » Cuisines » American » Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

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This recipe for roasted butternut squash pasta with sausage is a wonderful change-up from traditional spaghetti and meatballs. It might even become a family favorite.  There is a delicious balance of creamy, savory and spicy flavors that will have you reaching for a second helping.

We used spicy Italian sausage, our homemade butternut pasta sauce, and convenient dried pasta noodles. If you feel adventurous, you can make your own pasta.

Overhead view of a serving of Butternut Squash Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage

Butternut squash is so versatile and really easy to work with. Roasting the squash brings out the sweet, nutty flavor and it goes well in sweet or savory recipes. Try it in our Thai Butternut Squash Soup or creamy Butternut Squash Risotto. We even add butternut squash in salads and on pastry like our fall crostata.

Here is Why This Recipe Works

  • The spicy Italian sausage goes well with the sweetness of the butternut sauce and makes the meal hearty and filling.
  • Using dried pasta makes this an easy and quick weeknight meal. Especially if you already have some butternut sauce made in advance.
  • It is a versatile recipe. Add spices and herbs to your liking. Or make it vegetarian by substituting the Italian sausage for plant-based sausage links.
A dish of Butternut Squash Pasta with spicy Italian Sausage

Ingredients Needed For This Recipe:

This recipe is easy to make, and it all starts with our homemade butternut squash pasta sauce. The spicy Italian sausage pairs perfectly with the creamy sweetness of the butternut sauce that coats the pasta. It is a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Here’s the ingredient list you will need to make this butternut pasta recipe. Please scroll to the bottom of the post for the full details in the recipe card.

  • Uncooked spaghetti or pasta
  • Olive oil
  • Italian spicy sausage links
  • Butternut squash Pasta Sauce
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • White or black ground pepper
  • Butter
  • Fresh thyme leaves 
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish

Four spicy sausage links in a skillet, tongs turning one link

How to Make Roasted Butternut Squash Pasta

Keep a batch of roasted butternut squash pasta sauce available in your fridge or freezer, and you will have this dinner on the table in short order. 

Here is a brief overview of making this squash pasta with sausage. Check out our recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full instructions. 

  1. Boil the pasta.
  2. Pan-fry the sausage links in a skillet, remove and keep warm.
  3. Heat the pre-made pasta sauce in the skillet with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir in the butter and thyme leaves.
  5. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat evenly.
  6. Serve in shallow bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme sprigs.
Butternut Squash Pasta sauce in Ball canning jars

Tip: For extra flavor, heat the sauce in the same pan that you cooked the sausage. The butternut sauce will pick up the flavors from the bits of sausage that get left behind in the skillet.

butternut squash Pasta Sauce being poured into skillet

Tips For Recipe Success:

  • Cook the pasta to the al-dente stage, do not overcook.
  • Reserve a portion of the pasta water to thin the pasta sauce to proper consistency.
  • Use a large skillet so there is plenty of surface to toss the pasta with the sauce.
  • Choose high quality spicy Italian sausage.
  • Be conservative with the red pepper flakes, just a pinch.
  • Heat the butternut squash sauce slowly over medium heat or low heat, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t scorch.
  • Toss the pasta well to coat evenly with the sauce.
spaghetti in butternut squash pasta sauce, sausage links in back ground

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best type of pasta to use with this sauce?

Any type of long noodle pasta such as spaghetti, bucatini, linguine, or fettuccine works well with this recipe.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta.  Be careful not to over-cook it as gluten-free pasta cooks quicker than regular wheat pasta.

Can I use a non-spicy kind of sausage?

Yes, you can substitute sweet Italian sausage, chicken sausage links, or even ground beef for the spicy Italian sausage links.

Spaghetti tossed with butternut squash pasta sauce

Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love:

Our Emmer and Squash Risotto is made with whole grain risotto. The nutty whole grain compliments the chestnut-like flavor of the kuri squash. Serve it with a fried goat cheese salad.

Our Mixed Green Salad with Blood Orange is a perfect start to any meal. Serve it with a black truffle pasta or duck pasta.

This ultra-creamy Roasted Butternut Soup is delicious any time of the year. Serve it with a slice of crusty Dutch oven bread.

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A dish of Butternut Squash Pasta with spicy Italian Sausage

Butternut Squash Pasta with Spicy Italian Sausage

Making a delicious and healthy pasta dish doesn't have to be hard. This butternut squash pasta with spicy Italian sausage is easy to make.  There is a delicious balance of sweet, savory and spicy flavors.
We used our homemade, creamy, butternut squash pasta sauce! Plan ahead to make the sauce (it will require an hour to roast the squash).
5 from 2 votes
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Additional Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Calories: 798kcal
Author: Pat Nyswonger

Ingredients

  • 8 oz. dry spaghetti
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil divided
  • 4 Italian spicy sausage links
  • 1 onion finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 cups of prepared Butternut Pasta Sauce plan an hour in advance to make the sauce
  • 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2-3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon white or black ground pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh thyme sprigs and leaves for garnish

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the spaghetti.  Cook according to manufacturer's’ instructions to al dente.  Just before draining the pasta, scoop out 1 cup of pasta water and reserve.  Drain the pasta, return to the cooking pot and toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, cover and keep warm.
  • While the pasta is cooking, add two tablespoons of olive oil to a large skillet set over medium heat.  Add the sausage links and cook, turning to brown them on all sides, about 8-10 minutes.  Remove from the skillet to a plate and reserve.
  • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the accumulated fat in the skillet and cook until the onion is soft, 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the butternut pasta sauce, red pepper flakes, cumin, lemon juice, salt and pepper.  Cook over medium heat, adding reserved pasta water in 1/4 cup portions until the sauce thins out enough that it stops sputtering. Stir in the butter and the thyme leaves.  Add the drained pasta, tossing to coat evenly. 
  • Divide the pasta into shallow pasta bowls and add a sausage link to each serving.  Garnish with additional thyme leaves and thyme sprigs.  Serve immediately

Notes

  • Options other than sausage are beef, turkey or chicken sausages.
  • This would also be good with shrimp substituted for the sausages.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 798kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 60g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 50g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 693mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 4g

Pat Nyswonger

Pat is a wife, mom of four adult children, and grandmother to seventeen beautiful children. She is a self-taught home cook and loves creating delicious meals for her family and friends. Her kitchen is the hub of activity in her home, and she loves to entertain.

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angiesrecipes

Friday 23rd of September 2022

My favourite winter squash! I just bought 2 huge one :-) Your pasta looks delightful. angiesrecipes

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