Cozy Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage Recipe

When autumn’s crisp breeze sweeps through, nothing compares to a hearty butternut squash goat cheese pasta that warms the soul.

Savory sausage adds depth to this rustic dish, creating layers of rich, comforting flavors.

Each bite marries creamy goat cheese with sweet roasted squash and perfectly seasoned meat.

The combination feels like a cozy embrace on a chilly evening.

Seasonal ingredients transform a simple pasta into an extraordinary meal that celebrates fall’s bounty.

Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese elevate this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Step into a culinary journey that promises pure comfort and deliciousness.

How to Prepare Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• Preheat Oven and Prepare Squash

Crank up the oven to a sizzling 400F. Dice the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes, drizzle with olive oil, and sprinkle with thyme, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet for a golden roast.

• Roast the Squash to Perfection

Pop the squash into the oven and let it transform for 25-30 minutes. You’re looking for tender, caramelized edges that promise deep, rich flavor.

• Cook the Pasta

While the squash is getting gorgeous, boil your pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. Snag a cup of pasta water before draining – this liquid gold will help create a silky sauce later.

• Brown the Sausage

In a large skillet, break down the sausage into delicious crumbles. Cook until it’s beautifully browned and fully cooked, letting those meaty flavors develop.

• Create the Creamy Sauce

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance in the pan for a minute. Add the roasted squash and chicken broth, gently mashing some squash to create a luscious, creamy base.

• Bring It All Together

Introduce the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything until well combined. Sprinkle in goat cheese and let it melt into a dreamy sauce. Adjust with pasta water if needed.

• Final Touches

Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve piping hot, inviting everyone to dig in and enjoy.

Flavor Boosts for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage Cooking Tips & Variations
• Squash Swapping: Replace butternut squash with other roasted winter squashes like acorn or delicata for similar creamy textures and flavor profiles.
• Vegetarian Twist: Swap sausage with plant-based sausage crumbles or roasted mushrooms to create a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Roast squash and cook sausage in advance, then quickly assemble the dish when ready to serve, cutting down total preparation time.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute goat cheese with nutritional yeast or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that still provides creamy, tangy elements.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to increase or decrease heat intensity, making the dish adaptable to different spice preferences.

Serving Ideas for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Serve this pasta in large, shallow bowls that showcase the vibrant colors of roasted squash and golden sausage crumbles, creating a warm, inviting meal perfect for gathering loved ones around the table.
• Seasonal Side Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp mixed green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta and add freshness to the hearty main course.
• Wine Pairing Pleasure: Complement the robust flavors with a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Beaujolais, which will enhance the butternut squash and sausage's subtle sweetness without overpowering the delicate goat cheese.
• Leftover Magic Transformation: Repurpose any remaining pasta by turning it into a delightful frittata the next day, mixing the pasta with beaten eggs and baking until golden for a quick and delicious breakfast or brunch option.

Storage Advice for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• Smart Storage Solutions
• Fridge Fresh Keeper: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated pasta stays delicious for 3-4 days when properly sealed.
• Freezer Friendly Fix: Portion and freeze individual servings in freezer-safe containers. Enjoy within 2 months for best quality, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating Revival: Warm pasta gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain creamy texture.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare roasted squash and cooked sausage separately up to 2 days in advance. Assemble final dish just before serving to keep ingredients vibrant and textures perfect.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 550 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• Butternut Squash: Sweet autumn veggie that adds creamy texture and rich flavor, choose firm squash with deep orange color and no soft spots.
• Olive Oil: Helps caramelize squash and adds smooth richness, select extra virgin for best taste.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasoning agents that enhance overall dish's depth and balance.
• Thyme: Earthy herb that complements squash's sweetness, use fresh for maximum aromatic impact.

• Italian Sausage: Provides hearty protein and spicy undertones, choose fresh ground sausage with good fat content for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky sauce base and adds subtle savory notes, opt for low-sodium version to control saltiness.

• Pasta: Carries other ingredients, select short pasta like rotini or penne that captures sauce well.
• Garlic: Adds robust aromatic base, use fresh minced for most intense flavor profile.
• Goat Cheese: Brings tangy creaminess, select soft fresh variety for best melting texture.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty depth and texture, grate fresh for most vibrant taste.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle heat, adjust quantity based on spice preference.
• Fresh Parsley or Sage: Adds bright herbal finish, chop just before serving for maximum freshness.

Tools to Cook Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• Large baking sheet: Essential for roasting butternut squash evenly and creating caramelized edges.
• Large skillet: Perfect for cooking sausage and creating the pasta sauce.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping butternut squash and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Crucial for dicing squash and mincing garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and breaking up sausage while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helpful for seasoning ingredients accurately.
• Colander: Used for draining cooked pasta.
• Large pot: Necessary for boiling and cooking pasta.

Rustic Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta With Sausage Recipe

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4.9 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Butternut squash goat cheese pasta with sausage blends rustic Italian flavors into a comforting autumn dish. Rich seasonal ingredients create a harmonious balance of creamy goat cheese, savory sausage, and sweet roasted squash that satisfies complex palate preferences.

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Ingredients

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• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 12 oz (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 4 cups or 960 milliliters)
• 4 oz (115 grams) goat cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ½ cup (120 milliliters) reserved pasta water (as needed)
• Fresh sage or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and arrange a baking sheet for roasting butternut squash with thyme, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roasting Squash: Distribute seasoned squash cubes in a single layer, ensuring space between pieces for even caramelization. Roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating midway to achieve uniform tenderness.
3. Pasta Cooking: Simultaneously boil salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve one cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
4. Sausage Base: Brown sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking into uniform crumbles. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly to release aromatic qualities.
5. Sauce Development: Combine roasted butternut squash and chicken broth with sausage, gently mashing some squash to create a rich, creamy texture. Integrate cooked pasta, using reserved water to adjust sauce consistency.
6. Cheese Incorporation: Fold in goat cheese and Parmesan, stirring until they melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper to taste.
7. Final Touch: Garnish with fresh parsley or sage for vibrant color and herbaceous flavor. Serve immediately, optionally sprinkling extra Parmesan on top for added richness.

Notes

• Customize Roasting Technique: Ensure butternut squash cubes are uniformly sized for even caramelization and prevent burning, creating a perfect golden-brown exterior with soft interior.
• Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy pasta water as a secret weapon for creating silky, clingy sauce that helps cheese melt smoothly and binds ingredients perfectly without drying out.
• Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality, flavorful sausage with moderate fat content to enhance overall dish richness and prevent greasiness while delivering deep, robust taste.
• Cheese Melting Hack: Allow goat cheese and Parmesan to gently melt off heat to maintain creamy texture and prevent cheese from becoming grainy or separating during final mixing stage.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg