Once the leaves start to turn a beautiful golden hue and there’s a crispness in the air, it’s officially time for a cozy autumn dinner. Imagine a plate full of savory sausage, al dente pasta, and tender Brussels sprouts, all mingling together in a symphony of flavors. The aroma wafting through your kitchen is enough to make anyone forget their worries and dive into this delightful dish. For more inspiration, check out this hearty main dishes recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of sausage works best for this cozy autumn dinner?
- Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
- Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This cozy autumn dinner featuring sausage, pasta, and Brussels sprouts is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Whether you’re gathering around the dining table with family or hosting friends for an evening of laughter and warmth, this recipe promises to deliver comfort in every bite. You’ll soon find that each mouthful brings back memories of autumn gatherings, warm sweaters, and the smell of falling leaves.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This cozy autumn dinner combines ease of preparation with robust flavors that will impress your loved ones
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing on any table
- Plus, it’s versatile—feel free to swap ingredients based on your pantry’s contents
Last fall, my friends and I hosted our annual ‘Potluck Under the Stars’ event, and I brought this dish. It was devoured in seconds and sparked endless compliments.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Italian Sausage: Choose spicy or sweet varieties based on your heat preference; both add wonderful flavor.
- Pasta: I recommend using penne or fusilli; they hold onto the sauce beautifully.
- Brussels Sprouts: Look for firm sprouts with bright green outer leaves; they should have a fresh scent.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they add an aromatic punch that enhances the overall dish.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for drizzling; it adds richness and depth.
- Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh cheese melts better than pre-packaged; sprinkle generously over each serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by washing and trimming the Brussels sprouts. Slice them in half to ensure even cooking. Also, mince garlic for maximum flavor impact.
Cook the Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil, then cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain but reserve some pasta water for later.
Sauté the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook sliced sausage until browned and crispy. Enjoy that sizzling sound as it cooks!
Add Garlic and Brussels Sprouts: Toss in minced garlic and halved Brussels sprouts once the sausage is cooked through. Sauté until sprouts begin to caramelize and turn golden brown.
Combine Everything Together: Add cooked pasta to the skillet along with reserved pasta water as needed. Mix well to combine all flavors while ensuring everything is well-coated.
Finish with Parmesan: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. It adds that final touch of creaminess everyone will love!
Now you’ve created a cozy autumn dinner masterpiece that’s sure to impress! Serve warm, garnish with additional cheese if desired, and enjoy every delightful bite with family or friends by your side!
You Must Know
- This cozy autumn dinner combines hearty sausage, tender pasta, and crispy Brussels sprouts for a flavorful experience
- The vibrant colors and aromas create a warm atmosphere perfect for gathering friends and family around the table
- It’s also quick to make, keeping meal prep easy!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the sausage first; while that sizzles, cook the pasta and prepare the Brussels sprouts. This method ensures everything finishes at once, creating a delightful medley of flavors.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or use different pasta types to suit your taste. Adding spices like red pepper flakes can give an extra kick to this delightful dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat for best texture retention.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To elevate this dish, always choose high-quality sausage; it makes a huge difference in flavor
- Be cautious not to overcook your pasta; al dente works best with the sauce
- Lastly, remember to add salt gradually; you can always adjust later!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of cozy dinners with friends where laughter filled the air while indulging in this dish.
FAQ
What type of sausage works best for this cozy autumn dinner?
Use Italian sausage for its robust flavor or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh ones provide better texture and flavor when roasted.
Is there a vegetarian alternative to this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace sausage with plant-based protein and enjoy a similar taste sensation.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
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Cozy Autumn Dinner with Sausage, Pasta, and Brussels Sprouts
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Autumn is the perfect time for a comforting dinner, and this cozy dish combines savory Italian sausage, al dente pasta, and tender Brussels sprouts for a delightful experience. The vibrant colors and rich flavors create a warm atmosphere ideal for gatherings with family and friends. Easy to make yet impressive enough to wow your guests, this recipe captures the essence of fall in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 lb Italian sausage (spicy or sweet)
- 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta
- 1 lb Brussels sprouts, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- 1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil.
- 2. Cook the sausage slices until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes.
- 3. Meanwhile, boil salted water in a separate pot and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
- 4. Add minced garlic and halved Brussels sprouts to the skillet with sausage. Sauté until sprouts are golden brown, about 5 minutes.
- 5. Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
- 6. Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 350g)
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 51g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
