Description
This Delicious Autumn Beef Sausage Pasta features tender roasted butternut squash and caramelized Brussels sprouts paired with savory smoked beef sausage and al dente bow tie pasta. Finished with fragrant garlic, smoked paprika, butter, and fresh thyme, this hearty dish brings warm fall flavors together for a satisfying meal perfect for cozy dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Roasted Vegetables
- 3 cups butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 340 g Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 225 g bow tie pasta
- Salt for pasta water
Beef Sausage and Aromatics
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 340 g cooked smoked beef sausage, sliced or chopped
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh thyme leaves, for garnish and cooking
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prep and Roast Vegetables: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, toss Brussels sprouts with 2 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread both vegetables evenly on baking sheets and roast for 20-30 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
- Cook Pasta: While the vegetables are roasting, bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook 225g bow tie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and set aside.
- Cook Beef Sausage and Aromatics: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cooked smoked beef sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and fresh thyme leaves, cooking gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant without burning the garlic.
- Combine and Finish: Add the roasted butternut squash, roasted Brussels sprouts, and drained pasta to the skillet with the beef sausage mixture. Stir in 2 tbsp unsalted butter. Toss gently to combine all ingredients well. If the mixture seems dry, add a splash of the reserved starchy pasta water to achieve the desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Serve generous portions immediately, garnished with additional fresh thyme leaves to enhance flavor and aroma.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the beef sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms.
- Use smoked paprika to add a subtle smoky flavor; regular paprika can be used if unavailable, but it won’t have the same depth.
- Reserve pasta water as it helps bind the sauce to the pasta and adds moisture.
- Roasting vegetables intensifies their sweetness and adds caramelized texture, but you can steam them for a quicker alternative.
- Adjust seasoning as needed since the sausage and butter add saltiness.
