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Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta

Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta for Fall Comfort

This Cozy Butternut Squash Sausage Pasta is a comforting fall dish featuring creamy textures, hearty sausage, and sweet butternut squash.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 500

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 1 pound Rigatoni Pasta You can use penne or ziti if you prefer something different.
For the Sauté
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Used for sautéing the ingredients.
  • 3 cups Butternut Squash About 3 cups diced; substitute with pumpkin if you like.
  • 1 medium Red Onion Adds natural sweetness; yellow onion works as a good alternative.
  • 1 pound Spicy Italian Sausage Brings a delightful heat; feel free to swap for sweet Italian sausage for a milder flavor.
For the Flavors
  • 4 cloves Garlic Minced for a robust base.
  • 1 bunch Swiss Chard A nutritious addition with a pop of color; kale or spinach can be used instead.
  • 0.5 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
For the Sauce
  • 0.5 cup Creme Fraiche Provides creaminess; sour cream mixed with lemon juice can be a substitute if needed.
  • 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese Grated, plus more for serving; Pecorino Romano is also a good option.
  • Salt Essential for enhancing the overall taste.
  • Black Pepper Essential for enhancing the overall taste.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • large skillet
  • colander

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Carefully add 1 pound of rigatoni pasta, cooking for about 10-12 minutes or until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander.
  2. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 3 cups of diced butternut squash and 1 diced red onion, stirring occasionally for 8-10 minutes, until the squash is tender and the onions are translucent.
  3. Push the sautéed vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add 1 pound of spicy Italian sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
  4. Incorporate 4 minced cloves of garlic, 1 bunch of chopped Swiss chard, and 0.5 teaspoon of red chili flakes. Stir together and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Pour the reserved pasta water into the skillet, scraping any browned bits. Mix in 0.5 cup of creme fraiche and 0.5 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until creamy.
  6. Toss the drained rigatoni into the skillet, mixing with the sauce until completely coated. Heat through for about 1-2 minutes, then serve hot, topped with additional grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 56gProtein: 20gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 1200IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 200mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Ensure you cook the rigatoni just until al dente. Overcooked pasta can lead to a mushy texture. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently with a splash of reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.

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