There’s something special about a one-pot dish, especially one that combines the rich, savory flavors of sausage with the sweet earthiness of butternut squash. This Sausage Butternut Squash Skillet is my go-to fall recipe, and it’s incredibly easy to make. In under 40 minutes, you can have a delicious, hearty meal that’s full of flavor and warmth—perfect for cozy dinners with the family or a casual dinner party. I’ve made this so many times, and I always find myself sneaking a few extra bites while the skillet is still on the stove!
Why You’ll Love It
This recipe has quickly become a staple in my kitchen, and I bet it will in yours too. It’s packed with seasonal ingredients like butternut squash, apples, and Italian sausage—ingredients that just scream fall! I especially love how the sweetness of the apples complements the savory sausage and the richness of the squash. It’s one of those dishes that fills your house with the most amazing aroma, making everyone eager to dig in as soon as it’s done. Plus, the fact that it’s all cooked in one skillet means less cleanup, which is a win in my book!
Tips and Tricks
When I’m cooking this dish, I usually choose a cast-iron skillet because it gives such an even cook and that perfect caramelization. If you don’t have one, a regular skillet will work just fine, but a well-seasoned cast-iron really brings out the best in this recipe. A few of my key tips:
- Sausage Choice: If you’re not a fan of spicy Italian sausage, feel free to swap it for something milder like kielbasa or chicken sausage. I’ve made it with chicken sausage, and the flavor is still wonderful. Just make sure to brown it well to get that savory depth.
- Butternut Squash Prep: I find that peeling and cubing the squash before cooking helps it cook evenly. You could even roast it ahead of time if you’re short on time. Roasting it brings out a slightly caramelized sweetness that’s amazing.
- Broth Options: The type of broth you use will impact the flavor. I love using chicken broth, but vegetable broth works great for a vegetarian twist, especially if you’re swapping the sausage for plant-based options.
Make-Ahead Tips
This skillet is the perfect dish for meal prep. I often make a big batch at the start of the week, and it reheats beautifully. You can roast the squash ahead of time, or even fully prepare the dish and store it in the fridge for a couple of days. It’ll taste just as good (if not better!) when reheated. If you’re planning to make it ahead, just be sure to add the apples in right before serving so they don’t lose their fresh crunch.
Serving Suggestions
There’s a lot of flexibility when it comes to how you serve this dish. On a cozy night, I like to keep it simple with a side of roasted carrots or a fresh green salad to balance out the rich flavors. If I’m entertaining, I might serve it with a side of creamy risotto or rice. You can even stuff it into a warm tortilla or scoop it on top of pasta for a heartier meal. This dish is just as versatile as it is delicious!
Storage
Leftovers? No problem! I’ve often found myself with a few servings left over, and it’s always great to have it on hand for lunch the next day. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend warming it in a skillet with a little bit of extra broth to keep it from drying out. I promise, it’s just as good as the first time you made it!
FAQs
- Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of Italian sausage, you can go with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even plant-based sausage for a vegetarian option. - What can I use if I don’t have butternut squash?
Acorn squash or sweet potatoes are great substitutes. They’ll bring the same sweet, earthy flavor to the dish. - How can I make this dish spicier?
If you love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or toss in some diced fresh chili peppers when you’re sautéing the onions and garlic. That’ll give it a nice kick!
Sausage Butternut Squash Skillet
This Sausage Butternut Squash Skillet brings together the warmth of fall flavors in one easy, one-pan meal. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights and sure to please the whole family. And the best part? It’s ready in just about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 16 oz Italian sausage (about 4 links)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 medium apple, peeled and cubed
- 8 oz vegetable or chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage, for garnish
Instructions
- Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
- Once the sausage is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir in the tomato paste, paprika, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook together for a minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Now, add the cubed butternut squash and pour in the broth. The squash should be partially submerged but doesn’t need to be fully covered. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for about 12 minutes or until the squash is tender.
- In the last 3 minutes of cooking, toss in the apple cubes. Cover again and simmer until everything is cooked through and the apple has softened.
- Take the skillet off the heat and garnish with fresh sage. Serve it up warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, swap the sausage for a plant-based alternative and use veggie broth.
- Turn it into a stew: For a heartier meal, add more broth (double the amount) and thicken with a cornstarch slurry or some heavy cream.
- Add more protein: Stir in some beans (cannellini or black beans) for extra fiber and protein.
- Flavor Variations: Make it Italian by adding herbs like oregano and basil, or go Mexican by swapping the sausage for ground beef and adding chili powder and cumin.
- More Veggies: Feel free to add other veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or kale before simmering for even more flavor.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 538Total Fat 35gSaturated Fat 12gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 26gCholesterol 66mgSodium 1175mgCarbohydrates 33gFiber 7gSugar 12gProtein 25g
This dish has a little bit of everything—sweet, savory, and hearty—and it’s just one of those meals that brings everyone to the table. Whether you’re enjoying it on a chilly fall evening or serving it at a gathering, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
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