Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta with Sage

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Creamy, savory, and infused with the earthy aroma of sage, this Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta is comfort food at its finest. Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a nutty browned butter sauce, paired with tender squash and spicy sausage—this dish is bound to become a great addition to your recipe rotation. Learn how to make the easiest Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta with Sage with step-by-step instructions fit for weeknight dinners or cozy meals with loved ones. For more cozy meal ideas, check out our collection of comfort food recipes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unbeatable Flavor: The sweet richness of butternut squash pairs elegantly with bold sage and the slight kick from hot Italian sausage.
• Reliability: Requires just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients for consistent, delicious results every time.
• Ease of Preparation: Straightforward and beginner-friendly with no complicated techniques. If you enjoy beginner-friendly recipes, take a look at this guide to simple pasta dishes.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: It’s creamy, hearty, and packed with flavors that both kids and adults love.

Ingredients Needed

• 1 pound cupped or tubed pasta, like orecchiette or penne
• 1 pound hot Italian sausage links
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for the pasta
• ¾ pound peeled butternut squash, cut into ½-inch cubes (about 2 cups)
• Salt and pepper
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 8 sage leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan, plus more for garnish

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Dietary substitutions: Swap hot Italian sausage for a plant-based sausage alternative for a vegetarian version. Use a dairy-free butter and vegan Parmesan substitute for lactose-free adaptations.

Alternative pastas: Bowtie pasta (farfalle) can replace orecchiette or penne without affecting the sauce’s consistency. Discover our ultimate guide to different pasta shapes for pairing ideas with sauces like this.

Flavor upgrades: Adding toasted chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can provide a delightful crunch and additional flavor. For an extra autumnal twist, you can incorporate pumpkin puree into the sauce.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Bowtie Pasta with Sage

Step 1: Prepare the Water and Sausage

Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Meanwhile, place the sausage in a sauté pan or skillet large enough to hold all the pasta. Cover the sausage with enough cold water to submerge them completely. Set the pan over medium-high heat. Remove the pan from the heat as soon as the water comes to a boil (this takes about 8–10 minutes).

Step 2: Slice and Sear the Sausage

Transfer the cooked sausage to a cutting board and slice it into ½-inch coins. Dry out the pan, then return it to the stove. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat until nearly smoking. Add the sausage slices and cook until they are deeply browned on both sides, flipping once (this takes about 5–7 minutes). Remove them to a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 3: Brown the Butternut Squash

Reduce the heat to medium and add the butternut squash to the pan with a pinch of salt. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally and scraping up the browned bits from the pan. The squash should be lightly caramelized but still hold its shape. Test its tenderness with a fork—it should yield easily but have a bit of resistance.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the squash is browning, add your pasta to the boiling water. Cook until al dente according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.

Step 5: Make the Browned Butter Sage Sauce

When the squash is golden and tender, add the butter and sage leaves to the pan. Heat just until the butter becomes foamy and develops a nutty aroma (about 1–2 minutes). Be careful not to let the butter burn. Then, remove the pan from heat and stir the sausage back into the pan.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the pan and toss everything together to coat evenly with the browned butter sauce. Return the pan to low heat if necessary to warm the pasta. Stir in the grated Parmesan and mix until melted. Pour in the reserved pasta water, a little at a time, to achieve a creamy consistency for the sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan if desired.

Substitutions for Dietary Restrictions

Making This Gluten-Free

Substitute your favorite gluten-free pasta made from ingredients like rice, lentils, or quinoa. Ensure your sausage and other ingredients are verified gluten-free.

Vegan Adaptations

Replace the hot Italian sausage with a vegan sausage alternative or diced tempeh. Swap the butter with high-quality olive oil and use a plant-based Parmesan substitute for creaminess.

Tips on Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration

Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag. Label and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of pasta water or butter to revive its creamy texture. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Pro Tips

• Reserve extra pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency as needed—it can save even the thickest of sauces.
• For maximum flavor, toast the sage leaves gently in the butter for just 30 seconds before removing the pan from heat.
• Dice the butternut squash into evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping Pasta Water: Without it, the sauce may turn out too thick or dry.
• Overcooking Squash: A perfect squash has a tender texture but holds its shape.
• Under-seasoning: Be generous with salt and pepper, especially for the squash and pasta water.

Serving & Storage

Serving Ideas

• Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese and freshly cracked pepper for an elegant finishing touch.
• Serve alongside garlic bread or roasted seasonal vegetables for a complete meal.
• Pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a warm mug of apple cider.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Pre-cook the sausage and dice the squash ahead of time to cut down on active cooking. Use the freezing and refrigeration tips above to prep meals in advance for busy weeknights or entertaining days.

FAQ

Can I freeze this pasta?

Yes! Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing in an airtight container or resealable bags in the freezer for up to 2 months. Reheat with a splash of water or butter to restore its creamy texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding pasta water to help loosen the sauce.

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