Quick Butternut Squash Pasta With Sausage

I love my pasta with all sorts of veggies, leafy greens, and sauce, but my girls are much more in the less-is-more camp. One loves broccoli and the other loves butternut squash, so this dish covers all my bases. And it’s perfect for when squash are plentiful at the market—or when you see those handy precut bags all ready to go. This recipe is quick and easy because inevitably cooking dinner also requires navigating the kitchen with a toddler attached to my legs, helping my 5-year-old with an art project, and attempting to say hello to my husband. This pasta recipe for toddlers is exactly the type of family meal we eat most nights. You can add broccoli florets or peas. You can also make this vegetarian if you’d prefer to skip the sausage. See the Notes at the bottom of the recipe for lots of options. (You may also like my Butternut Squash Apple Soup, Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese, Butternut Squash Baby Food, and Creamy Broccoli Pasta.)

Ingredients You Need

To make this butternut squash pasta recipe you’ll need the following ingredients on hand and ready to go. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.

Pasta: I like to use shell pasta in this recipe, but other shapes like rotini, penne, or another pasta of a similar size also work. Olive oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil to sauté the vegetables. You can also use butter if you prefer. Butternut squash: You can use either precut from the store or a whole butternut squash that you chop up. Fully cooked mild Italian sausage: Or you could use bulk raw sausage if you prefer. Broccoli florets or frozen peas: You can add either of these, optionally. Parmesan cheese: For serving.

TIP: You can top the pasta with additional Parmesan cheese, cracked black pepper, and even crushed red pepper if you like spice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the process involved in making this easy butternut squash pasta recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information. TIP: The pasta cooking water and cheese coats the pasta really nicely!

How to Store

Store leftover butternut squash pasta in an airtight container for 3-5 days in the fridge and warm to serve.

Best Tips for Success

Cut the sausage rounds in half to make them easier for toddlers to eat. Use any type of pasta your family prefers. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli florets. To make this vegetarian, trade in a drained and rinsed can of white beans or chickpeas. Find tips on how to cut butternut squash, or use a bag of precut squash from the produce section of your supermarket. Stir in 2 tablespoons butter after draining in Step 3 to add more richness and flavor if desired.

I’d love to hear your feedback on this recipe so please share any questions or comments below.