Autumn Sausage and Butternut Squash Pasta with Brussels Sprouts Recipe
This hearty Autumn Dinner combines savory Italian sausage with tender bow-tie pasta, caramelized Brussels sprouts, and sweet butternut squash, all enriched with a creamy Parmesan-balsamic sauce and fragrant thyme. It’s a cozy, one-pan meal perfect for fall evenings, balancing rich flavors and seasonal vegetables in a satisfying stovetop dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage (sliced)
Vegetables
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts (halved)
- 2 cups butternut squash (cubed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
Pasta & Grains
- 12 oz bow-tie pasta
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 0.5 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
Dairy & Cheese
- 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
Herbs & Seasonings
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the sliced Italian sausage until cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. This step builds the base flavor for the dish.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add the halved Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash to the skillet, cooking for 8-10 minutes until the vegetables begin to caramelize and soften, enhancing their natural sweetness and texture.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it, which would add bitterness.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the bow-tie pasta, stirring to combine all ingredients evenly. This creates the cooking liquid needed for the pasta.
- Simmer Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer covered for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the liquid.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, and dried thyme. Mix until the sauce becomes thick and gooey, coating the pasta and vegetables luxuriously.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish the dish with fresh parsley to add a burst of color and fresh flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow the dish to rest for 2-3 minutes to let the sauce fully thicken before plating individual servings, ensuring optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, use hot Italian sausage instead of mild.
- To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the bow-tie pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
- If you prefer a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during simmering to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the skillet.
- Fresh thyme can be used instead of dried thyme for a brighter herbal flavor.
Keywords: Autumn dinner, Italian sausage pasta, butternut squash recipe, Brussels sprouts pasta, creamy pasta skillet, one-pan dinner
