One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake is a delightful culinary creation that marries the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory richness of Italian sausage. This dish not only pleases the palate but also simplifies weeknight cooking by combining everything in just one pan. A perfect balance of flavors and textures awaits in every bite, making it a beloved recipe for families and gatherings alike.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty Level: Easy
Nutrition Information
- Calories per serving: Approximately 450
- Protein: 21 grams
- Carbohydrates: 52 grams
- Fat: 18 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 680 mg
Why Make This One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake
This One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake brings together hearty ingredients for a comforting and nutritious meal. The creamy, cheesy goodness envelopes the pasta and squash, creating a dish that’s not just filling but also offers a perfect blend of flavors. The convenience of using just one pan means less cleanup, making it a weeknight dinner hero. Moreover, butternut squash adds a touch of sweetness and significant nutritional benefits, such as vitamins A and C, making it a smart choice for health-conscious cooks.
How to Make One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake
Ingredients:
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Step 1: Preparation
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats, peel and cube the butternut squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic. Prepare your skillet or oven-safe pan for cooking.
Step 2: Sautéing the Sausage
In a large oven-safe skillet or pan, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until it’s fully cooked and crumbled. This should take about 5-7 minutes. The sausage should be golden brown and slightly crispy.
Step 3: Mixing the Ingredients
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until they are softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Then, stir in the cubed butternut squash, vegetable broth, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil.
Step 4: Baking
Once boiling, add the pasta, stirring to combine thoroughly. Cover the skillet with a lid or aluminum foil, and transfer it to the preheated oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash and pasta are tender.
Step 5: Finishing
Remove the pan from the oven and stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Return the dish to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For an extra golden top, you can set it under the broiler for a minute—just watch it closely!
Step 6: Garnishing
Once out of the oven, garnish the pasta bake with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the aromas filling your kitchen!
How to Serve One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake
This dish is perfect as a standalone meal but pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce. It’s an ideal choice for a cozy family dinner or a potluck gathering.
How to Store One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply place it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Expert Tips for Perfect One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake
- Choose Your Pasta Wisely: Short pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni hold onto the sauce better, making each bite flavorful.
- Variations: Feel free to substitute chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a healthier option. You can also add other vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Make it Creamy: For a creamier sauce, stir in a bit of cream or yogurt after baking.
- Spice it Up: If you enjoy a kick, add red pepper flakes to the sausage while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute sausage with plant-based sausage or skip it entirely and add more veggies like zucchini or bell peppers.
- Cheesy Addition: Incorporate ricotta cheese before baking for a richer texture or opt for a blend of different cheeses to customize the flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, frozen butternut squash works well. Just toss it into the skillet directly from the freezer, adjusting your cooking time slightly as it may take longer to tenderize.
2. Is there a gluten-free option for the pasta?
Absolutely! You can substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time often specified on the package for the best results.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare everything up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate it. When ready to eat, simply bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few more minutes to baking time.
4. What cheese can I use instead of mozzarella?
Feel free to use provolone, gouda, or even a dairy-free cheese if you prefer. They all melt well and will give a unique flavor to the dish.
5. How can I increase the protein in this recipe?
You can add cooked beans such as chickpeas or lentils to the bake. They complement the flavors beautifully while boosting the protein content.
Conclusion
One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with comforting flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and give this delightful dish a try. It might just become a new favorite in your home!
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One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake
- Total Time: 45
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
A delightful one-pan dish that combines roasted butternut squash with savory Italian sausage and creamy cheeses for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rigatoni)
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, chop the onion, and mince the garlic.
- In a large oven-safe skillet, brown the Italian sausage over medium heat until fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the butternut squash, vegetable broth, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add the pasta and stir. Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the squash and pasta are tender.
- Remove from the oven, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan, and return to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 30
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
