Quick & Easy One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake – Creamy, Cozy, and Ready in 30 Minutes

When comfort food meets simplicity, magic happens. This One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake is the kind of cozy dinner that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, but it comes together in about 30 minutes. Creamy, savory, and full of fall flavor, this easy pasta bake combines tender pasta, a rich butternut squash sauce, and golden bits of sausage for a hearty and delicious meal everyone will love.

It’s perfect for those nights when you want something comforting and satisfying but still wholesome and easy to prepare. Everything cooks in one pan, so there’s minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. The creamy sauce is made from pureed butternut squash and Parmesan cheese, giving you that luscious texture without being heavy.

What Is Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake

This pasta bake takes inspiration from classic baked pasta dishes but gives it a seasonal twist with sweet and creamy butternut squash. Instead of a tomato-based sauce, this recipe uses blended squash mixed with broth, cream, and cheese to create a silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta.

Italian sausage adds richness and spice, balancing the natural sweetness of the squash. Everything is cooked together, baked until bubbly, and finished with a layer of melted cheese. It’s simple, flavorful, and feels like the perfect mix of comfort and nutrition.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love how this dish is comforting yet light, creamy yet nutritious, and most importantly, incredibly easy to make. It’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and a great way to sneak in extra vegetables. The combination of savory sausage and creamy butternut squash sauce is irresistible.

It’s also flexible. You can use any pasta shape you like, substitute chicken sausage or turkey sausage for a lighter version, and even make it vegetarian by omitting the sausage. The sauce is naturally thick and rich, so it feels indulgent without using too much cream.

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour, all in a single pan.

How Does It Taste?

The sauce has a velvety smooth texture with a delicate sweetness from the roasted butternut squash. The sausage brings a savory punch, and the Parmesan adds a salty, nutty depth. When baked together, the flavors meld beautifully into a creamy, cheesy pasta that tastes like autumn in a bowl.

Each bite is warm, rich, and satisfying. The sweetness of the squash perfectly complements the spice and savoriness of the sausage, while the pasta adds heartiness. It’s comfort food that tastes fresh and full of flavor.

Health & Ingredient Benefits

Butternut squash is packed with vitamins A and C, fiber, and antioxidants, making it a nutrient-rich base for your pasta sauce. Using it in place of a heavy cream sauce adds a lighter, vegetable-forward twist without losing that creamy consistency.

Italian sausage adds protein and flavor, and using chicken or turkey sausage can make the dish leaner. Fresh herbs like parsley or sage boost flavor naturally. This one-pan meal is a delicious way to enjoy a balanced, cozy dinner that’s both nourishing and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pasta:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, removed from casing)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups butternut squash puree (homemade or canned)
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ pound rotini, penne, or fusilli pasta (uncooked)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Tools You’ll Need

• Large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Grater for cheese
• Oven mitts

Optional Substitutions & Additions

• Protein: Use chicken sausage, ground turkey, or omit meat entirely for a vegetarian option.
• Dairy-free: Replace cream with coconut milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives.
• Greens: Add spinach, kale, or peas for extra color and nutrition.
• Cheese: Try Gruyère, Fontina, or white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
• Herbs: Substitute parsley with sage, rosemary, or thyme for an earthy touch.

How to Make

1. Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook sausage: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it into small pieces with a spoon. Remove excess grease if needed.
3. Add garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add squash and liquids: Pour in the butternut squash puree, chicken broth, and cream. Stir until smooth. Add salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer.
5. Add pasta: Stir in the uncooked pasta, making sure it’s covered with liquid. Cover and simmer for about 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce is thickened.
6. Add cheese: Stir in half of the mozzarella and all the Parmesan until melted and creamy.
7. Bake: Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella on top and transfer the skillet to the oven. Bake uncovered for 10–15 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

What to Serve With

This pasta bake is hearty on its own but pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For drinks, try a chilled glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc. If you’re serving it for a family dinner, round out the meal with a simple dessert like apple crisp or chocolate chip cookies.

Why It’s Perfect for Weeknights

This dish is designed for busy evenings when you need something filling, wholesome, and fast. It’s a true one-pan wonder with minimal cleanup. The butternut squash puree makes the sauce rich and creamy without needing to make a separate roux or bake for hours.

You can even make it ahead and bake it right before serving, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. It reheats beautifully and tastes just as delicious the next day.

Tips for Success

• Use canned butternut squash puree for convenience or roast fresh squash for deeper flavor.
• Make sure your pasta is just covered by liquid for even cooking.
• Don’t overbake; the sauce should stay creamy and not dry out.
• Add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan on top for a beautiful golden crust.
• For a vegetarian version, omit sausage and use vegetable broth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using too much liquid: The sauce should be creamy, not watery. Measure your broth and cream carefully.
• Overcooking the pasta: Keep an eye on it as it cooks in the sauce to prevent it from becoming mushy.
• Skipping the cheese layer: The melted top gives that classic baked pasta finish.
• Not seasoning enough: Taste as you go and adjust salt and pepper before baking.

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth to keep it moist.

To freeze, cool the baked pasta completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to a freezer-safe dish. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes. Cook and puree it before adding to the sauce, or use pre-made frozen puree for convenience.

Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely. Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or shells all work well.

Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Just omit the sausage and use vegetable broth.

Can I use non-dairy milk instead of cream?
Yes. Unsweetened coconut milk or oat milk creates a rich, creamy texture without dairy.

Nutritional Info (approximate per serving)

Calories: 420 | Fat: 21g | Carbs: 38g | Protein: 20g | Fiber: 4g | Sodium: 780mg

Conclusion

This One Pan Butternut Squash & Sausage Pasta Bake is creamy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights when you crave comfort food with a wholesome twist. The creamy squash sauce pairs perfectly with the savory sausage and pasta, creating a dish that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to make.

It’s hearty enough for a family dinner, elegant enough for guests, and versatile enough for any night of the week. With minimal prep and just one pan, this recipe delivers the ultimate cozy pasta experience in every bite.

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October 31, 2025 by Melissa