Rustic Sausage and Squash Cavatelli Delight Recipe Magic
Autumn’s crisp breeze whispers promises of hearty comfort food like this sausage and squash cavatelli that warms every corner of your kitchen.
Tender cavatelli pasta dances with spicy Italian sausage and sweet roasted butternut squash in a delectable harmony of flavors.
Savory meets sweet in this rustic one-pan wonder that simplifies weeknight cooking.
Perfectly balanced ingredients create a meal that feels both sophisticated and comforting.
Each forkful tells a story of seasonal ingredients lovingly combined.
The golden-brown edges of roasted squash and caramelized sausage promise depth and richness in every bite.
You’ll want to make this hearty dish your new autumn go-to meal.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Calories: 540 kcal
Servings: 5
Ingredients for Sausage and Squash Cavatelli
For Protein:
Sausage: Adds robust, hearty flavor and protein punch; choose fresh, high-quality Italian-style sausage for best taste and texture.
For Vegetables:
Zucchini, Yellow Squash: Provides vibrant color and tender crunch; select firm, glossy squash without blemishes for maximum freshness.
Shallots: Delivers delicate, sweet onion undertones; pick firm, smooth shallots with no soft spots.
Tomatoes: Introduces bright, tangy element; choose ripe, plump tomatoes for juicy burst of flavor.
For Pasta and Seasoning:
Cavatelli: Offers delightful chewy texture and catches sauce beautifully; opt for high-quality pasta with good ridges.
Olive Oil: Creates smooth base and enhances overall cooking process; select extra virgin for richer taste.
Salt, Pepper: Elevates and balances entire dish's flavor profile; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum impact.
Utensils to Use for Sausage and Squash Cavatelli
Large Shallow Sauté Pan: Essential for browning sausage and cooking vegetables evenly.
Large Pot: Perfect for boiling cavatelli pasta with plenty of salted water.
Cutting Board: Needed for slicing zucchini, yellow squash, and shallots.
Sharp Knife: Critical for precise vegetable and sausage preparation.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients during cooking.
Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining sausage, vegetables, and pasta.
Measuring Spoons: Useful for accurate olive oil and seasoning measurements.
Sausage and Squash Cavatelli: The Cooking Process
Sausage Preparation Gently break up ground sausage, releasing it from its casing in a warm skillet with a hint of olive oil. Let the meat sizzle and transform into golden, crispy morsels.
Veggie Symphony Slide sliced zucchini, yellow squash, and delicate shallots into the same pan. Dance them around until they soften and develop beautiful caramel-like edges. Sprinkle in fresh tomatoes during the final moments to warm their juicy essence.
Pasta Magic Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil, seasoning generously with salt. Tumble cavatelli into the bubbling liquid, allowing them to swim and become tender according to package guidance. Save a splash of starchy cooking water for later magic.
Harmonious Blend Gather your crispy sausage, tender vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta in a welcoming bowl. Drizzle the reserved pasta water to create a silky, light coating. Whisper in salt and pepper, letting each ingredient sing its delicious song.
Add-Ons and Shortcuts for Sausage and Squash Cavatelli
Transform this Sausage and Squash Cavatelli Delight with these pro tips and delicious variations!
Experiment with different sausage types like spicy Italian, chicken, or plant-based alternatives to create unique flavor profiles.
Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, pecorino, or crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra creamy and tangy dimension.
Toss in additional seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or roasted eggplant to increase nutritional value and add colorful textures.
Elevate the dish by stirring in fresh chopped basil, oregano, or parsley just before serving to brighten the overall taste and aroma.
Serving Suggestions for Sausage and Squash Cavatelli
Plate with Rustic Charm: Serve this hearty dish in large, shallow bowls that showcase the colorful mix of sausage, squash, and pasta.
Sprinkle with Fresh Herbs: Garnish with chopped fresh basil or parsley to add a burst of color and bright, aromatic flavor to the dish.
Cheese Lover's Topping: Grate some fresh Parmesan or pecorino romano over the top to enhance the savory notes and add a creamy texture.
Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich sausage and vegetables with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or a crisp white like Pinot Grigio.
Prep & Keep Tips for Sausage and Squash Cavatelli
Quick Meal Prep: Chop all vegetables in advance and store in sealed containers to save 15-20 minutes during cooking time. Refrigerate prepped ingredients for up to 2 days before preparing the dish.
Smart Batch Cooking: Double the recipe and create extra portions for easy weeknight dinners. Store fully cooked meals in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
Freeze Like a Pro: Cool the dish completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 6 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Revive Leftovers: Refresh day-old pasta by adding a tablespoon of olive oil and reheating in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking.
Hearty sausage and squash cavatelli delight blends Italian comfort with seasonal ingredients. Rustic flavors merge in this satisfying pasta dish you’ll savor with warmth and enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) Italian sausage (3–4 links)
1 box cavatelli pasta
1 large zucchini, sliced
1 large yellow squash, sliced
1 large shallot, halved and sliced
2 plum tomatoes, halved and sliced (optional)
2 tsps (10 ml) olive oil
1 cup (240 ml) reserved pasta water
¼ cup (60 ml) fresh basil leaves, torn
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
Instructions
Sausage Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove sausage from casing and crumble into the pan, cooking until golden brown and fully cooked through.
Vegetable Transformation: Remove sausage to a side plate, maintaining the flavorful pan drippings. Add more olive oil and introduce zucchini, yellow squash, and shallots, sautéing until they caramelize and soften. Incorporate diced tomatoes in the final moments of cooking, allowing them to warm gently.
Pasta Preparation: Bring a separate pot of salted water to a vigorous boil. Cook cavatelli for 8-10 minutes until al dente, reserving a cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
Culinary Fusion: Combine the golden sausage, caramelized vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Gradually blend in reserved pasta water to create a luxurious, silky sauce that embraces all ingredients.
Final Flourish: Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, ensuring a harmonious balance of flavors that highlights the unique essence of each component.
Notes
Sausage Selection Matters: Choose high-quality Italian sausage with robust flavor, preferably sweet or spicy, to elevate the overall dish’s taste profile.
Vegetable Caramelization Technique: Slice zucchini and squash uniformly to ensure even cooking and beautiful golden-brown edges that add depth to the recipe.
Pasta Water Magic: Reserve starchy pasta water before draining – this liquid gold helps create a silky, emulsified sauce that binds ingredients perfectly.
Temperature Control Crucial: Maintain medium-high heat throughout cooking to develop rich caramelization without burning ingredients, creating complex flavor layers.
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.
Oregon State University
Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.
Sophie Reynolds
Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator
Expertise
Education
Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO
Oregon State University
Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café.
Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.