Cozy Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta for a Colorful Fall Dinner

When autumn rolls in with its crisp air and vibrant colors, it’s time to bring out those colorful fall dinner recipes that celebrate seasonal produce. One of the most comforting and easy-to-make meals for this time of year is Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta. Roasted to caramelized perfection, these veggies combine with tender noodles and a buttery herb sauce to create a dish that feels indulgent, wholesome, and full of flavor.

This dish is ideal for anyone seeking few ingredient fall recipes that are both satisfying and visually stunning. It’s the kind of fall veggie pasta that turns a weeknight meal into something memorable. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or pairing it with simple sides, this recipe delivers cozy vibes in every bite.

If you love fall-forward comfort foods, you’ll also want to try dishes like Cheesy Root Vegetable Gratin or our Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes, Carrots, and Zucchini for more seasonal inspiration.

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Why This Fall Veggie Pasta is a Seasonal Must-Have

Not only is this Brussels sprouts and squash pasta beautiful on the plate, but it’s also packed with nutrients and flavor. Butternut squash adds a natural sweetness that balances the slightly crispy, earthy flavor of roasted Brussels sprouts. Tossed with pasta, a drizzle of oil or butter, and your choice of fresh herbs or basil, it’s a dish that captures the essence of autumn with minimal effort.

Here’s why you’ll love it:

• Perfect balance of sweet and savory
• A complete vegetarian dinner in one bowl
• Customizable with gluten-free or plant-based options
• Ready in under an hour
• Ideal for holiday entertaining or weekday dinners

Plus, it works wonderfully as a roasted pasta salad when served chilled or at room temperature—great for meal prepping ahead of time.

Ingredients for Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta

This recipe is made with whole, simple ingredients you likely already have on hand:

• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
• 8 ounces pasta (penne, rigatoni, or your favorite shape)
• 2 tablespoons vegan or dairy butter
• Fresh sage or basil leaves (optional)
• Optional garnish: red pepper flakes, lemon zest, or vegan Parmesan

This few ingredient fall recipe doesn’t skimp on flavor, even with a short grocery list. You can also use leftover roasted vegetables from recipes like our Vegetable Casserole to reduce waste and time.

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Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

To make this dish smooth and stress-free, gather the following:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone mat
• Sharp knife and peeler
• Cutting board
• Large pot for boiling pasta
• Strainer
• Mixing bowl and tongs

If you’re meal prepping for a busy week, consider pairing this recipe with make-ahead meals like our Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches for easy planning.

How to Prepare the Vegetables: Roasting Butternut Squash and Brussels Sprouts

Roasting is key for unlocking deep, caramelized flavors in your fall vegetables.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread out the chopped Brussels sprouts and cubed butternut squash.
3. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, stirring halfway through, until tender and slightly crispy.

Pro tip: For even more flavor, try tossing the veggies with a little maple syrup and balsamic vinegar before roasting—just like you would in our Honey-Glazed Carrots and Green Beans.

Cooking the Pasta and Bringing It All Together

1. While the veggies roast, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain and return to the pot. Add the butter and stir until melted.
4. Toss in the roasted vegetables and gently mix everything together.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add herbs, red pepper flakes, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up.

You now have a warm, vibrant fall noodle recipe that comes together seamlessly.

Flavor Add-Ins and Optional Garnishes for Fall Pasta

Want to take your fall pasta to the next level? Try these optional additions:

• Toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch
• Vegan feta or goat cheese crumbles
• Dried cranberries for a sweet pop
• A spoonful of Sweet Chili Sauce for unexpected heat
• Chopped kale or spinach tossed in with the warm pasta

And if you enjoy unique veggie pastas, don’t miss our Cheesy Pasta Bake with Pumpkin Tomato Sauce for a creamy and cozy variation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Fall Veggie Pasta

• Overcooking the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up when tossed with warm vegetables.
• Skipping the seasoning: Butternut squash and Brussels sprouts need a bit of salt and fat to shine.
• Crowding the roasting pan: Spread veggies out evenly to prevent steaming.
• Using pre-cut veggies too far ahead: Freshly chopped vegetables roast better and more evenly.

Variations: How to Adapt Your Brussels Sprouts & Squash Pasta

This dish is easy to customize for various diets or ingredients on hand:

• Swap pasta with gluten-free options like brown rice pasta
• Use gnocchi or orzo for a fun twist
• Add chickpeas or white beans for protein
• Toss in leftover roasted veggies from your Stuffed Acorn Squash or Pumpkin Chicken Chili
• Turn it into a warm pasta salad and serve chilled with vinaigrette

Looking for low-carb options? Try swapping pasta for spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings for a Colorful Fall Dinner

This fall dinner idea is great on its own but shines with sides like:

• Cucumber Dill Salad for something light and fresh
• A slice of Cheddar Bay Biscuits
• Roasted garlic bread
• A glass of fresh Lavender Lemonade

For dessert, go with something seasonal like Pumpkin Cheesecake Truffles or Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Chips.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a splash of broth or olive oil to prevent drying.
Freeze: Pasta with roasted vegetables freezes decently for up to 1 month, though textures may change slightly upon thawing.

If you’re into meal prepping, make a double batch and use leftovers in wraps or grain bowls throughout the week.

Presentation Tips for a Beautiful Roasted Pasta Salad Dish

Presentation matters—especially when serving guests. Try:

• Plating the pasta in a wide, shallow bowl to show off the colors
• Garnishing with whole basil leaves or fried sage
• Serving family-style on a large wooden board
• Adding pops of color with cranberries or edible flowers

Want more presentation inspiration? Check out our Mini Halloween Pizzas for fun seasonal serving ideas.

Dinner Ideas: Easy Fall Recipes to Pair With

Add more fall flair to your table by pairing this pasta with:

• Pumpkin Zucchini Bread
• Cream Cheese Pumpkin Bread
• Loaded Breakfast Hash as a hearty brunch pairing
• Crockpot Fajitas for a family-style feast

Mix and match to create your ideal easy fall dinner spread.

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FAQs About Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes! Roast the veggies and cook the pasta in advance. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.

Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts?
Fresh is best for roasting, but you can use thawed frozen sprouts if drained and dried well.

What herbs go well with this pasta?
Basil, sage, and thyme all work beautifully. If you love fresh herb-forward dishes, try our Fall Basil Recipes for more ideas.

Can I add protein?
Absolutely. Chickpeas, white beans, or vegan sausage are all great plant-based protein options.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action: Make It Your Favorite Fall Noodle Recipe

With sweet roasted squash, crispy Brussels sprouts, buttery pasta, and warm fall herbs, this Brussels Sprouts & Butternut Squash Pasta recipe is a celebration of everything we love about the season. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but elegant enough for a festive table.

If you loved this dish, please share it with friends, pin it for later, and subscribe to the blog for more cozy, veggie-packed fall recipes. For dessert, try our Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies or Pumpkin Twists—they pair beautifully with this pasta and keep the fall vibes going strong.

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