Roasted Butternut Squash And Sage Sausage Pasta
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Diet: Not specified
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 1 lb rigatoni or penne pasta
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed butternut squash on a large baking sheet. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly. Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized on the edges.
- Boil the Pasta: While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Before draining, carefully scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
- Brown the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the Italian sausage and cook, breaking it into small pieces with a wooden spoon, until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Sauté the Sage and Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and chopped sage to the skillet with the sausage. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the sage is slightly crisp. If you like a bit of heat, add the red pepper flakes during this step.
- Combine and Toss: Add the roasted butternut squash and the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sausage mixture. Pour in half of the reserved pasta water and the Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together gently over low heat, adding more pasta water if needed to create a light sauce that coats the noodles. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.