Autumn Dinner with Sausage and Pasta – A Cozy, Flavor-Packed Meal
As the air turns crisp and the leaves start to fall, it’s the perfect time to indulge in hearty, comforting meals that celebrate the flavors of the season. This Autumn Dinner with Sausage and Pasta is a warm, satisfying dish that combines savory sausage, roasted vegetables, and tender pasta for an irresistibly cozy and nourishing meal.
Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a meal to share with loved ones, this one-pan pasta dish is a perfect choice. With rich caramelized butternut squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, and savory sausage tossed with farfalle pasta, each bite is bursting with autumn flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Packed with Fall Flavors – Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, and sausage create a perfect autumn blend.
✔ Easy & One-Pan Friendly – Roasting the veggies and sausage together simplifies prep and cleanup.
✔ Well-Balanced Meal – Loaded with protein, healthy carbs, and fiber.
✔ Customizable – Swap ingredients based on your preferences or dietary needs.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Stores well for delicious leftovers.
Ingredients for Autumn Sausage and Pasta
This easy-to-make dish requires simple ingredients that come together for an incredible flavor explosion.
For the Roasted Vegetables & Sausage:
- 2 cups butternut squash, diced
- 1½ cups Brussels sprouts, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 teaspoon fresh thyme)
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- 12 ounces smoked sausage (or Italian sausage), sliced into rounds
For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
- 2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth or reserved pasta water
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (for brightness)
- Fresh parsley or thyme for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Roast the Vegetables and Sausage
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss butternut squash and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and red pepper flakes on a large baking sheet.
- Spread them out evenly and roast for 20 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and add the sliced sausage to the same baking sheet. Toss everything together and roast for another 15 minutes, until the veggies are caramelized and the sausage is crispy.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- While the veggies and sausage roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the farfalle pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 3: Bring Everything Together
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth or reserved pasta water and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the roasted vegetables and sausage, tossing everything together.
- Add the cooked pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until well coated.
- Finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest for a pop of brightness.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Transfer to plates or bowls.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme.
- Serve hot, with extra Parmesan on top if desired.
- Pair with crusty bread or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Flavor Variations & Substitutions
This recipe is highly adaptable, so feel free to switch things up!
Make It Vegetarian
✔ Swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or roasted chickpeas.
✔ Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
Use Different Pasta
✔ Try penne, rigatoni, orecchiette, or even whole wheat pasta.
Switch Up the Veggies
✔ Instead of Brussels sprouts, use zucchini, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
✔ Sweet potatoes or acorn squash can replace butternut squash.
Make It Creamier
✔ Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream or a dollop of mascarpone cheese for a luscious texture.
How to Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
What to Serve with Autumn Sausage and Pasta
This hearty dish pairs beautifully with simple sides:
✔ Garlic Bread or Crusty Baguette – Perfect for soaking up the flavors.
✔ Roasted Vegetables – If you want an extra serving of greens.
✔ Crisp Green Salad – A fresh contrast to the rich flavors.
✔ White Wine or Apple Cider – Complements the cozy autumnal taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the roasted vegetables and sausage a day in advance and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.
2. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash works well, but it might need a few extra minutes of roasting.
3. Is this dish spicy?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a slight kick, but you can omit them if you prefer a mild version.
4. Can I make this a one-pan meal?
Yes! Cook the pasta first, then use the same pot to sauté the sausage and vegetables before combining everything.
5. What’s the best sausage for this dish?
You can use: ✔ Smoked sausage for deep, smoky flavors.
✔ Italian sausage (mild or spicy) for a classic taste.
✔ Chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Final Thoughts
This Autumn Dinner with Sausage and Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal that blends savory, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors into one delicious dish. It’s a hearty, well-balanced meal that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a cozy night in.
With its golden roasted vegetables, crispy sausage, and tender pasta tossed in a light garlic butter sauce, this dish is a fall favorite that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
So, grab your butternut squash, sausage, and pasta, and let’s get cooking—your perfect autumn meal is waiting!