Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta: 3 Steps to Perfection

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Let’s be honest: sometimes you want a meal that feels like a warm hug—comforting, flavorful, and effortlessly delicious. If you’ve been craving a dish that hits all the right notes of savory, sweet, and just a touch of spice, I have the perfect recipe for you: Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta. This one-pan wonder is packed with roasted veggies, crispy bacon, and a rich parmesan sauce that’ll make your taste buds do a happy dance. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on those nights when you’re juggling a million things—because we all know time is precious!

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, impressing a guest, or treating yourself to a well-deserved dinner, this pasta dish will quickly become your new favorite. Let’s get into why you’ll love this cozy, hearty pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta

A Flavor Explosion: The sweetness of roasted butternut squash and the savory crispness of bacon come together in perfect harmony. Add in caramelized Brussels sprouts, and you’ve got a dish that’s bursting with flavor in every bite.
Quick & Easy: With just a few simple steps, you can have a hearty, delicious meal on the table in under an hour. Perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something comforting but don’t have the time for a complicated recipe.
One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more time to relax! Roasting the veggies and bacon all on one sheet pan means less cleanup, and who doesn’t love that?
Customizable: No Brussels sprouts? No problem! Swap in other roasted veggies like kale or cauliflower. This dish is flexible and can easily accommodate whatever you have on hand.
Perfect for All Occasions: Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or impressing friends at a dinner party, this pasta is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty enough for a cozy night in but elegant enough for special gatherings.
Packed with Veggies: Who says comfort food can’t be healthy? The roasted vegetables add a nutrient-packed punch to your meal, making it a win for both flavor and nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this crowd-pleasing meal:

Bacon – Because let’s be real, bacon makes everything better. It adds that smoky, crispy touch that’s essential for this dish.
Butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, shallots – These vegetables are the stars of the show. When roasted, they become caramelized and sweet—just perfection in every bite.
Pasta – I love using rigatoni for this recipe, but any short-cut pasta like penne or farfalle will work wonders.
Pasta water – Yes, don’t forget to save some pasta water! It’s salty and starchy, and it helps create a luscious sauce that brings everything together.
Garlic and red pepper flakes – These two are like a match made in heaven. The garlic infuses the oil with savory goodness, while the red pepper flakes bring just the right amount of heat.
Parmesan cheese – Freshly shredded, please! Trust me, the flavor is worth the extra effort.
Thyme leaves – A touch of thyme adds that lovely herby flavor that complements the roasted veggies.
Lemon – A squeeze of lemon brightens everything up and balances the richness of the bacon and cheese.

SCROLL DOWN to the recipe card below for precise ingredient measurements, complete nutritional details, and step-by-step instructions.

How to Make Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta

Let’s break it down step by step, so you can get to enjoying this delicious dish in no time.

Step 1: Roast the Veggies and Bacon

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss your Brussels sprouts, butternut squash, shallots, and bacon onto a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle everything with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. I usually go for about 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Toss it all together until everything is nicely coated, then spread it into an even layer. Pop it in the oven for 10 minutes. After that, give it a quick toss and let it roast for another 10-15 minutes, or until the veggies are tender and caramelized, and the bacon is nice and crispy. Trust me, the smell in your kitchen during this step will have you wishing you could bottle it up.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While the veggies are roasting, cook your pasta according to the package instructions. Don’t forget to reserve about 1 cup of pasta water before draining! The pasta water is the secret weapon that helps create a velvety sauce for your pasta.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Red Pepper Flakes

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté them for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This step is where all the magic happens—the garlic releases its flavor, and the red pepper flakes add just the right amount of spice to the dish. It’s like a flavor bomb in your pan!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Veggies, and Bacon

Add your drained pasta to the skillet, along with the roasted veggies and bacon. Toss everything together to combine, then add the freshly shredded parmesan cheese and thyme leaves. Squeeze in the lemon juice for that pop of brightness, and toss it all until the cheese starts to melt and coat everything in a creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add Pasta Water and Adjust the Sauce

Here’s where the magic really comes together. Pour in about 1/2 cup of the reserved pasta water to help form a silky sauce. Stir it all together, and if the sauce feels too thick, add more pasta water, a little at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Taste it for seasoning—don’t be afraid to add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed. Top it off with a bit more parmesan, and you’re ready to serve!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta

Veggie Variations: Don’t stress if you can’t find butternut squash or Brussels sprouts! You can swap them with sweet potatoes, carrots, or any other veggies you have on hand.
Crispy Bacon: Want extra crispy bacon? After roasting, let it cool for a few minutes before chopping it up. This ensures it stays crunchy even as you mix it with the pasta.
Sauce Consistency: If you like a more saucy pasta, don’t be shy with the pasta water. It’s the secret ingredient that takes this dish from good to wow.
Lemon Twist: For a little extra zing, add a lemon zest along with the juice. It’s a simple way to make your dish feel even fresher.

Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta with bacon and Parmesan in a bowl. — This cozy Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta is filled with roasted veggies, crispy bacon, and topped with Parmesan, making it a delicious, satisfying meal.

FAQs About Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta

Can I Substitute Brussels Sprouts?

Absolutely! If Brussels sprouts aren’t your thing (or if the store was out), you can easily swap them for kale, spinach, or even roasted cauliflower. The key is to choose a veggie that can hold up to roasting and will caramelize nicely.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Lucky you if you have leftovers—this dish makes amazing next-day lunches! Just store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of pasta water to loosen up the sauce and bring back that creamy texture.

This Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta is the kind of dish that makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. It’s simple, flavorful, and the perfect way to bring everyone to the table for a cozy meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself, this recipe will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation. So grab your ingredients, pop on your favorite playlist, and get ready to enjoy a plate of pasta magic!

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your creations with the Chicken Magic community—I’d love to see how you make this recipe your own!

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed Brussels Sprouts and Butternut Squash Pasta, here are some other comforting meals that are just as flavorful and easy to make:

Pumpkin Gnocchi Bake: This creamy, hearty dish is packed with the same cozy flavors you love, but with the rich taste of pumpkin gnocchi. Perfect for a fall dinner!
Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts: If you’re craving more Brussels sprouts, this dish with maple and bacon will be your new favorite side. The sweet and savory combo is irresistible!
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup: This soup is pure comfort in a bowl, featuring Italian sausage, pasta, and a creamy parmesan broth. It’s perfect for a cozy meal on a chilly evening.
Creamy Butternut Squash Pasta: Another twist on the butternut squash goodness! This creamy pasta is the perfect way to enjoy the rich, sweet flavors of fall in a bowl.

Each of these dishes will bring warmth and delicious flavors to your table—perfect for any night of the week!