Cozy Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage Recipe

My weekend culinary adventures often lead me to unexpected butternut squash goat cheese pasta combinations that surprise and delight.

Fresh ingredients dance together in a symphony of flavors waiting to be discovered.

Crisp autumn memories blend perfectly with this hearty meal that feels both comforting and elegant.

Sweet roasted squash mingles beautifully with tangy goat cheese, creating a robust profile that sparks excitement.

Savory sausage adds a robust depth that transforms an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

Seasonal produce becomes your secret weapon for crafting restaurant-worthy dishes at home.

Each forkful promises a delicious journey through rich, balanced textures that will make you the star of dinner.

Why You’ll Love Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta with Sausage

• This pasta dish adapts perfectly to individual tastes, allowing easy ingredient swaps like vegetarian sausage or different cheese varieties without compromising deliciousness.
• Roasting butternut squash creates incredible flavor development with minimal active cooking time, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal through simple oven technique.
• The entire recipe comes together in under 45 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving a satisfying, nutritious meal without complicated preparation steps.
• Butternut squash delivers powerful health benefits like vitamin A and fiber, while protein-rich sausage and creamy goat cheese create a balanced, wholesome dinner that doesn't sacrifice taste.

Ingredients Needed for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta

Main Ingredients:

Butternut Squash: Sweet and hearty vegetable that roasts beautifully and provides a creamy texture to the pasta dish. Choose a squash with firm, unblemished skin and heavy for its size.

Pasta: Backbone of the recipe providing a delicious base for the sauce. Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work best for catching the sauce.

Italian Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and protein to the dish. Opt for mild or spicy varieties based on personal preference.

Dairy and Cheese:

Goat Cheese: Creamy and tangy cheese that melts into a luxurious sauce. Soft and fresh goat cheese works best for smooth texture.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty depth to the final dish. Freshly grated provides the most robust flavor.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

Olive Oil: Essential for roasting squash and creating a smooth cooking base. Extra virgin olive oil recommended for best flavor.

Garlic: Provides aromatic depth and complexity to the sauce. Fresh garlic cloves will give the most intense flavor.

Thyme: Earthy herb that complements the butternut squash beautifully. Fresh thyme leaves preferred over dried.

Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spice to the dish. Adjust quantity based on spice preference.

Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance overall flavor profile.

Supporting Ingredients:

Chicken Broth: Helps create a silky, rich sauce and adds additional moisture. Low-sodium broth recommended for better control of saltiness.

Fresh Parsley or Sage: Optional garnish that adds fresh herbaceous notes to the final dish.

How to Make Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta

Step 1: Prepare Roasted Butternut Squash

• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh thyme leaves

Spread cubes on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 25-30 minutes until edges turn golden and squash becomes tender.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Cook until pasta reaches al dente texture. Before draining, scoop out one cup of pasta water and set aside.

Step 3: Brown Delicious Sausage

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until completely browned. Break sausage into small crumbles while cooking. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 4: Infuse Aromatic Garlic

Add minced garlic to the sausage pan. Sauté for one minute until fragrant and lightly golden.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Sauce

Add roasted butternut squash and chicken broth to the sausage mixture. Gently mash some squash cubes to create a creamy texture. Mix thoroughly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it seems too thick.

Step 7: Finish with Cheese Magic

• Goat cheese
• Parmesan cheese

Blend until cheese melts and creates a smooth, creamy coating. Season with red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or sage on top. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Butternut Squash Pasta Tips You Should Know

• Roast Squash Perfectly: Cut butternut squash into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even caramelization and consistent cooking throughout the roasting process.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water strategically to adjust sauce thickness, adding small amounts gradually to prevent making the dish too watery.
• Enhance Flavor Depth: Break sausage into smaller crumbles while cooking to distribute meat evenly and create more surface area for better flavor integration.
• Customize Cheese Options: Substitute goat cheese with ricotta or cream cheese for a milder flavor profile if you find goat cheese too tangy.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Add extra vegetables like spinach or kale during the final combining stage to increase nutrient content and create a more balanced meal.

Store and Reheat Instructions for Butternut Squash Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping pasta and sauce together.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or pasta water to restore moisture and prevent drying out.
• Heat in short 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly and maintain sauce consistency.
• While possible, cream-based sauces and pasta may slightly separate when frozen, so fresh consumption is recommended for best texture and flavor.

What Complements This Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Dish

• Choose a medium-bodied white wine like Viognier that complements the creamy goat cheese and balances the richness of sausage with its crisp, aromatic profile.
• Select an amber ale or wheat beer with subtle malt flavors that harmonize with the roasted butternut squash and cut through the creamy pasta texture.
• Prepare a crisp arugula salad with toasted pine nuts and light lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast to the hearty pasta dish.
• Sprinkle fresh chopped sage or thyme over the pasta to enhance the roasted squash flavors and add a bright, herbaceous note to the overall meal.

Variations on the Butternut Squash Pasta Theme

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace sausage with roasted chickpeas or cremini mushrooms for a hearty plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use chickpea, quinoa, or brown rice pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter, vegetable-based version of the dish.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Use nutritional yeast or cashew cream instead of goat cheese and Parmesan to create a creamy, dairy-free sauce that maintains rich flavor.

FAQs for Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta Fans

• Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute butternut squash with acorn squash, kabocha, or even pumpkin for similar results.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure your sausage is gluten-free.

• What kind of sausage works best?

Italian sausage or spicy pork sausage are excellent choices. Turkey sausage can also be a leaner alternative.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Replace sausage with mushrooms or plant-based sausage, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a vegetarian version.

Butternut Squash Goat Cheese Pasta With Sausage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Creamy butternut squash goat cheese pasta with sausage delivers comfort and elegance in one delightful dish. Hearty Italian sausage mingles with silky squash and tangy goat cheese, creating a memorable meal that satisfies your craving for warmth and flavor.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables and Squash:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and diced (about 4 cups or 960 milliliters)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Meat:

• 1 pound (450 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed

Pasta and Cheese:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fusilli)
• 4 ounces (115 grams) goat cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional for serving)

Seasonings and Oils:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon 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)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), preparing a baking sheet for the butternut squash cubes.
2. Coat the butternut squash with olive oil, thyme, salt, and pepper, ensuring each piece is evenly seasoned.
3. Spread the seasoned squash cubes on the baking sheet in a single layer, allowing space between pieces for even roasting.
4. Roast the squash for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan midway to achieve uniform caramelization and tenderness.
5. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, maintaining a slight firmness.
6. Before draining the pasta, carefully reserve one cup of the starchy cooking liquid for later use.
7. In a large skillet, brown the sausage over medium heat, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles and eliminating excess grease.
8. Add minced garlic to the sausage, sautéing for one minute to release its aromatic qualities.
9. Incorporate the roasted butternut squash and chicken broth into the sausage mixture, gently mashing some squash to create a rich, creamy texture.
10. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing thoroughly and using reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency.
11. Introduce goat cheese and Parmesan, stirring until they melt and create a smooth, velvety sauce.
12. Season the dish with red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
13. Finish by garnishing with fresh parsley or sage, adding a vibrant touch of color and herbaceous flavor.
14. Serve immediately, with optional extra Parmesan sprinkled on top for added richness.

Notes

• Enhance squash caramelization by cutting cubes into uniform sizes to ensure even roasting and deeper flavor development.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular pasta with zucchini noodles or chickpea pasta for dietary alternatives.
• Balance the richness of goat cheese and sausage by adding a splash of acid like lemon juice or white wine vinegar to brighten the overall dish.
• Prevent pasta from becoming dry by reserving pasta water and adding gradually to maintain a silky, creamy sauce consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 61 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg