🍂 Cozy & Easy! Autumn Beef Sausage Pasta with Roasted Squash – Your New Fall Favorite!

Introduction

As the leaves change colors and the air grows crisper, our taste buds start to crave hearty, comforting dishes that warm the soul. This Autumn Beef Sausage Pasta with Roasted Squash is the perfect recipe to usher in the fall season. It’s a masterclass in ease, flavor, and creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s sure to become a new favorite. The combination of juicy beef sausage, al dente pasta, and tender roasted squash, all tied together with a rich and tangy sauce, is a match made in heaven. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for a truly impressive result.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory, sweet, and tangy, using ingredients that are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: With a simple and straightforward cooking process, this dish can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend meals.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: Despite its ease of preparation, this recipe yields a truly impressive result, with a deliciously complex flavor profile and a visually appealing presentation that’s sure to impress friends and family.

Ingredients

• 12 oz beef sausage, sliced
• 8 oz pasta of your choice (e.g. penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Step 2: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, cook the sliced beef sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Add the chicken broth, grated Parmesan cheese, and chopped fresh sage to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly thickened.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked pasta, roasted squash, and browned sausage to the skillet, tossing everything together to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Serve the Autumn Beef Sausage Pasta with Roasted Squash hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or thyme, and enjoy!

Handy Tips

• To add some extra flavor to your dish, try using different types of sausage, such as sweet Italian sausage or spicy chorizo.
• If you can’t find butternut squash, you can substitute it with other types of winter squash, such as acorn or delicata.
• To make this recipe more substantial, try adding some sautéed spinach or kale to the skillet with the onion and garlic.

Heat Control

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p WHEN cooking the beef sausage, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the size of your sausage slices. To ensure the sausage is cooked to a safe internal temperature, use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of at least 160°F (71°C).

Crunch Factor

The roasted butternut squash adds a lovely tender and caramelized element to the dish, while the cooked pasta provides a satisfying al dente texture. To add some crunch to your Autumn Beef Sausage Pasta with Roasted Squash, try topping it with some toasted pumpkin seeds or chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or thyme.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make this recipe more efficient, try cooking the pasta and roasting the squash at the same time, while you cook the sausage and sauce in the skillet.
• To add some extra richness to your sauce, try adding a tablespoon or two of heavy cream or half-and-half towards the end of the cooking time.
• To make cleanup easier, try using a large skillet with a non-stick surface, and make sure to wipe it clean with a paper towel as you go to prevent any stuck-on food.

Storage Tips

• This recipe makes 4 servings, and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To reheat, simply microwave the pasta for 1-2 minutes, or until warmed through, and serve.
• If you want to freeze this recipe, try portioning it out into individual servings and freezing for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and microwave until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you want to give this recipe as a gift, try portioning it out into individual servings and packaging in a decorative jar or container. You could also include some crusty bread or a green salad on the side, and package everything in a cute basket or bag with a ribbon and a gift tag.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of sausage, such as sweet Italian sausage or spicy chorizo, to add some extra flavor to your dish.
• Add some sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers to the skillet with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
• Substitute the butternut squash with other types of winter squash, such as acorn or delicata, for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• If your sauce is too thick, try adding a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
• If your sausage is not browning properly, try increasing the heat or adding a bit more oil to the skillet.
• If your squash is not roasting properly, try increasing the oven temperature or cooking time, and make sure to toss the squash halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, this recipe can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply portion it out into individual servings and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Is it gluten-free? This recipe contains pasta, which typically contains gluten. However, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, this recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cooking time as needed, and make sure to use a large enough skillet and baking sheet to accommodate the increased quantity.

Conclusion

This Autumn Beef Sausage Pasta with Roasted Squash is a true showstopper, with its rich and tangy sauce, tender roasted squash, and hearty beef sausage. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and make this recipe your own! Try substituting different types of sausage or squash, or adding your own favorite herbs and spices to make it truly unique. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, or on social media using the hashtag #autumnbeefsausagetypasta. Happy cooking!