Name: Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta with Sage and Sausage Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 15 ounces cubed butternut squash (about 2 full cups or 1 small butternut squash-worth); 1 bunch fresh sage leaves (about 3 tablespoons packed); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 pound Italian sausage (hot or mild); 2 bulbs-worth garlic cloves; 10½ ounces goat cheese; 1 cup heavy cream (or another dairy-free milk); 12 ounces fusilli pasta

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If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful meal that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and herbal notes, look no further than the Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta with Sage and Sausage Recipe. This dish is a celebration of fall flavors, bringing together tender roasted butternut squash, tangy goat cheese, fragrant sage, and spicy Italian sausage, all tossed into perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ideal for sharing with family or impressing friends at your next dinner gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white baking dish filled with a creamy, light yellow mixture that covers pieces of cooked meat. The sauce looks smooth with a few small lumps and has some brown and orange spots where the meat peeks through. The edges of the dish have some baked-on sauce with browned bits, showing the dish was cooked in the oven. The baking dish is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients might seem simple, but each plays an essential role in building the layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so unforgettable. From the sweetness of roasted butternut squash to the creamy richness of goat cheese and the aromatic punch of fresh sage, every component adds its own magic.

Butternut squash, 15 ounces cubed: Offers a natural sweetness and creamy texture once roasted, creating the dish’s heart.
Fresh sage leaves, 1 bunch (about 3 tablespoons packed): Brings a woodsy, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the sausage and squash.
Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: Adds richness and helps roast the squash beautifully to bring out caramelization.
Salt, 1 teaspoon: Elevates all the other flavors and balances the dish.
Ground black pepper, ½ teaspoon: Adds a subtle heat and depth.
Red pepper flakes, ½ teaspoon: Brings a mild kick to brighten up the rich flavors.
Italian sausage, 1 pound: Whether hot or mild, it provides a savory, meaty element that contrasts beautifully with the creamy goat cheese.
Goat cheese, 10½ ounces: Delivers a tangy creaminess that melts into a luscious sauce.
Garlic cloves, from 2 bulbs: Gives the dish a punchy, aromatic foundation.
Heavy cream, 1 cup: Creates a silky sauce that brings everything together; can be substituted with dairy-free milk if preferred.
Fusilli pasta, 12 ounces: Twisty noodles that hold the sauce and bits of squash perfectly, making every bite so satisfying.

How to Make Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta with Sage and Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash and Sage

Start by tossing the cubed butternut squash and fresh sage leaves with half of the olive oil, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a 9×13 casserole dish. This simple seasoning sets the stage for the roasting, allowing the natural sweetness of the squash to be enhanced and the sage to infuse its fragrant flavor during cooking.

Step 2: Add Sausage, Goat Cheese, and Garlic

Next, nestle small pieces of Italian sausage throughout the casserole. Place the entire log of goat cheese in the center, and scatter garlic cloves evenly around the dish. Pull some sage leaves so they rest on top, drizzle with the remaining olive oil, and sprinkle a bit more salt. This arrangement ensures each element cooks evenly, and the flavors meld beautifully during baking.

Step 3: Roast at 375°F

Bake the casserole at 375°F for about 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the goat cheese is bubbly and irresistibly creamy, and the sausage has crisped up nicely. The butternut squash will be tender and lightly caramelized, giving off a warm, inviting aroma that will make your kitchen the coziest place to be.

Step 4: Cook the Fusilli Pasta

While the squash and sausage finish roasting, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions. The twists and curves of fusilli are perfect for catching the rich sauce created from the roasted squash and goat cheese.

Step 5: Remove and Reserve Crispy Sage Leaves

Once the casserole is done, carefully lift out the now crispy sage leaves. These will be used as a fresh, crunchy garnish that adds the perfect herbal note and texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

Step 6: Create the Creamy Sauce

Add the heavy cream directly into the casserole dish and stir gently to combine all the roasted goodness into a silky sauce. The cream ties the tangy goat cheese, savory sausage, and sweet squash into one harmonious blend.

Step 7: Combine Pasta and Serve

Toss the cooked fusilli into the sauce, mixing well so every piece is generously coated. Finish by sprinkling the reserved crispy sage leaves and an optional extra pinch of red pepper flakes for a little more heat. Serve immediately and prepare to enjoy every luscious forkful!

How to Serve Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta with Sage and Sausage Recipe

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with creamy pasta. The pasta is spiral-shaped and mixed evenly with a thick, light yellow sauce. There are dark green crispy leaves scattered on top along with small red flakes that add color contrast. The sauce coats each pasta piece, giving the dish a smooth texture with bits of cooked mushrooms mixed in. The dish rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of simple garnishes! Freshly ground black pepper and an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes elevate the dish’s warmth, while a few crispy sage leaves add a delightful crunch and herbal aroma. You can also add toasted pine nuts for an additional nutty texture that complements the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta shines as the centerpiece, but pairing it with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette helps balance the creaminess. Roasted Brussels sprouts or garlic sautéed spinach are also wonderful partners, bringing a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the rich flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta family-style in a large, rustic bowl to encourage sharing and conversation. For a dinner party, plate individual servings with a sprig of fresh sage on top and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil for a professional touch. Miniature butternut squash halves roasted and filled with the pasta make an adorable and edible presentation that wins hearts and appetites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will deepen overnight, making the next day’s meal just as delicious. Just keep the crispy sage separate if you want to preserve its crunch.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To maintain texture, avoid freezing the crispy sage garnish; add fresh sage when reheating, if desired. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of cream or water to bring back the sauce’s silky consistency. Avoid microwaving on high heat as it may dry out the dish or cause the goat cheese to separate. Sprinkle fresh crispy sage before serving to restore that lovely herbal crunch.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage makes a leaner alternative while still delivering great flavor. Just make sure to choose a well-seasoned variety to keep that delicious savory punch in the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Replace the goat cheese with a dairy-free cheese alternative and use a plant-based cream or milk substitute like coconut cream or oat milk. Keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile slightly, but the dish remains tasty and comforting.

What type of pasta works best besides fusilli?

Twisty, curly, or ridged pasta shapes like rotini, cavatappi, or gemelli are ideal as they hold the sauce well. However, you can also use penne or rigatoni if those are what you have on hand—just avoid very thin varieties like angel hair, which might get lost in the sauce.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and roast the butternut squash, sausage, and goat cheese mixture a day ahead, then refrigerate it. When ready to eat, reheat the mixture gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta and cream to serve.

How spicy is this dish?

The heat level is mild to moderate, thanks to the red pepper flakes and the sausage choice. You can easily adjust the spiciness by adding more or less red pepper flakes or choosing mild vs. hot Italian sausage to suit your taste.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try the Butternut Squash and Goat Cheese Pasta with Sage and Sausage Recipe, it will quickly become a beloved staple in your kitchen. It’s comfort food with elegance, simplicity with wonderful depth, and a perfect way to celebrate seasonal flavors in one unforgettable dish. So, gather those ingredients and give it a go—you won’t regret it!