Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash
Chicken sausage, cauliflower florets and delicata squash rings share a pan with garlic and smoked paprika. This is the lighter sausage pan on the page.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash
Course: Main CourseDifficulty: Easy4
servings15
minutes30
minutesChicken sausage, cauliflower florets and delicata squash rings share a pan with garlic and smoked paprika. This is the lighter sausage pan on the page.
Ingredients
4 chicken sausage links (about 12 oz), sliced diagonally
1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 delicata squash, seeded and sliced into 1/2-inch half moons
1 red onion, cut into wedges
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
Directions
- Heat the oven to 425°F and set two racks in the upper and lower thirds.
- Cut the florets to a similar size so they roast evenly.
- Toss the cauliflower, onion and garlic with 2 tablespoons of the oil, paprika, half the salt and the pepper on a half sheet pan.
- Slice the delicata on a wooden cutting board and toss with the remaining oil, thyme and salt on a second pan.
- Roast both pans for 15 minutes, switching racks halfway.
- Add the sausage to the cauliflower pan and stir the squash.
- Roast for 12 to 15 minutes more, until the sausage is browned and reads 165°F.
- Squeeze lemon over both pans, scatter with parsley and serve.
Notes
- If the pans look crowded, roast the sausage on its own. Delicata can swap with acorn squash. Leftovers keep 4 days.
Why this is the lighter sausage pan
Chicken sausage has less fat than pork, so the vegetables do most of the work. Cauliflower browns nicely, and delicata has a thin skin you never peel. Roasting on two racks keeps the squash from steaming the florets.
If your sausage is wet from the package, pat it dry before slicing. Slicing on the diagonal gives more browned surface. Different brands vary in saltiness, so taste before adding more.
Substitutions that hold up
Acorn squash works, though the slices need a few extra minutes. Broccoli can replace the cauliflower. Butternut cubes are a poor swap here since they stay denser than delicata rings.
What to serve
A scoop of rice or a slice of crusty bread soaks up the pan juices. A spoonful of Dijon mustard on the side suits the sausage well.
This pan holds up well in lunch boxes. Serve it over greens, or tuck the pieces into a wrap with a spoonful of hummus.
Make-ahead notes
Cut the squash and cauliflower the day before and keep them dry in the fridge. Reheat leftovers in a skillet, not the microwave, to keep the edges crisp. Most mistakes come from wet vegetables, so dry them well after washing.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash at a glance
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Ingredients: 12, led by chicken sausage links (about 12 oz), head cauliflower, delicata squash, red onion
Tips for Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash
If the pans look crowded, roast the sausage on its own. Delicata can swap with acorn squash. Leftovers keep 4 days.
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash FAQ
How long does Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash take?
Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash takes 30 minutes of cooking after 15 minutes of prep.
How many people does Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash serve?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What do I need to make Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage with Cauliflower and Delicata Squash?
12 ingredients, led by chicken sausage links (about 12 oz), head cauliflower, delicata squash, red onion. Amounts are in the recipe card above.
Part of: 26 Easy Fall Sheet Pan Dinners for Cozy Weeknights
