The Coziest Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage Recipe

Crafting a delightful butternut squash gnocchi with sausage promises a comforting autumn meal that’ll warm your soul.

Rustic Italian techniques blend perfectly with seasonal ingredients for an unforgettable dinner experience.

Plump, soft gnocchi pillows absorb rich flavors from caramelized sausage and sweet squash.

Creamy textures mingle with herbs, creating a sophisticated yet approachable dish anyone can master.

Simple ingredients transform into something magical on your plate.

Our recipe brings restaurant-quality comfort directly to your kitchen.

Each bite tells a story of culinary passion and homemade love.

Pairing Ideas for Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

• Choose a medium-bodied Italian red like Chianti or Sangiovese that complements the sausage's robust flavor and cuts through the creamy sauce.
• Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, peppery contrast against the heavy, rich gnocchi dish.
• Serve alongside a small plate of extra fresh sage and thyme sprigs to enhance the dish's aromatic profile and allow diners to customize their herb intensity.
• Offer warm, crusty Italian bread or focaccia to soak up the delicious cream sauce and provide a textural counterpoint to the soft gnocchi.

Storage Advice for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent moisture loss.
• Transfer cooled gnocchi to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal completely, and freeze for up to 2 months. Label containers with date and contents for easy tracking.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed. Add splash of chicken stock if sauce seems thick.

FAQs

• How do I know when the gnocchi is fully cooked?

The gnocchi is fully cooked when it floats to the surface of the liquid and appears puffy. It typically takes about 5 minutes of cooking time, and the texture should be soft but not mushy.

• Can I use pre-made butternut squash puree?

Yes, store-bought butternut squash puree works perfectly if you don’t want to make it from scratch. Just ensure it’s pure butternut squash without added seasonings or sugar.

• What type of sausage works best for this recipe?

Italian sausage is recommended, but you can also use mild or spicy versions depending on your flavor preference. Ground sausage can be substituted if links are unavailable.

Why Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage Is a Cozy Dinner

• Savor Hearty Comfort: A rich, creamy pasta dish that delivers warmth and satisfaction in every bite, perfect for those seeking a cozy meal that feels like a culinary hug.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Streamline your cooking process with this single-pan recipe that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor, making dinner preparation a breeze for busy home cooks.
• Elevate Seasonal Ingredients: Celebrate autumn's bounty by incorporating butternut squash and fresh herbs, transforming simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that captures the essence of fall.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows for personal touches like swapping protein or adjusting herbs, making it an ideal option for home chefs who love to experiment and personalize their dishes.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

• Italian Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness and depth to the dish.
• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the hearty base of the recipe.

• Butternut Squash Puree: A smooth, sweet ingredient that creates a creamy sauce base.
• Garlic: A pungent herb that enhances the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Sage, Thyme: Fresh herbs that provide a fragrant and earthy note to the final preparation.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that balance and elevate the dish's taste.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat used to sauté the sausage and prevent sticking.
• Heavy Cream, Chicken Stock: Liquids that combine to create a rich and creamy sauce consistency.

How to Prepare Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

Step 1: Prep the Sausage

Remove the casing from Italian sausage and slice it into uniform pieces.

Step 2: Sizzle the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add sausage slices and cook until golden brown, about 4 minutes on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Build the Base

• Potato gnocchi
• Heavy cream
• Chicken stock

Bring to a boil, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium, cover, and cook gnocchi for about 5 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

• Butternut squash puree
• Minced garlic

Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Simmer and stir until sauce reaches desired thickness and gnocchi is fully cooked.

Step 5: Finish with Herbs

• Chopped sage
• Chopped thyme

Season with salt and black pepper, keeping in mind the sausage’s natural saltiness.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle remaining herbs on top of the dish.

Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors of this creamy gnocchi creation.

Tips for Creamy and Flavorful Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

• Opt for fresh Italian sausage with robust flavor for maximum taste enhancement.
• Achieve perfectly cooked gnocchi by watching the boiling time carefully to prevent overcooking or becoming mushy.
• Select butternut squash puree with smooth consistency for creamy sauce texture without lumps.
• Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding extra chicken stock depending on preferred consistency.
• Balance seasoning cautiously since sausage already contributes significant saltiness to the overall dish.

Variations to Try with Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

• Vegetarian Squash Gnocchi: Replace Italian sausage with plant-based crumbles or roasted mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap traditional potato gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi made from rice or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions without compromising taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers creamy, comforting textures.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and replace chicken stock with vegetable broth to create a dairy-free option that remains equally luxurious and satisfying.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade butternut squash gnocchi merges Italian comfort with rustic sausage flavors. Rich pasta pillows and savory meat create a hearty meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 ml) butternut squash puree
• 10 oz (285 g) potato gnocchi
• 12 oz (340 g) quality Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps fresh sage (finely chopped)
• 2 tbsps fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 tbsp premium olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Carefully extract the casing from the Italian sausage and slice into uniform pieces.
2. Heat olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium temperature, creating a sizzling surface.
3. Introduce sausage slices to the hot pan, browning thoroughly for 4 minutes on one side, then flip and cook an additional 2 minutes until golden and crisp.
4. Add potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken stock to the sausage-filled skillet, raising heat to generate a vigorous boil while stirring to integrate ingredients completely.
5. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet, and allow gnocchi to simmer for approximately 5 minutes until tender.
6. Incorporate butternut squash puree and finely minced garlic into the mixture, returning to a boil before reducing heat to low-medium.
7. Stir the sauce gently, ensuring gnocchi reaches perfect doneness and sauce achieves desired consistency through controlled simmering.
8. Remove from heat and fold in half of the freshly chopped sage and thyme, seasoning with salt and black pepper, considering the sausage’s natural saltiness.
9. Elegantly garnish the dish with remaining sage and thyme, creating a visually appealing presentation.

Notes

• Use fresh, high-quality Italian sausage for maximum flavor and ensure even browning by slicing it uniformly.
• Remove excess moisture from gnocchi by patting them dry before cooking to prevent a soggy texture and promote better caramelization.
• Consider swapping heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free alternative that maintains the creamy consistency.
• Roast butternut squash instead of using puree for a more intense, caramelized flavor profile that adds depth to the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 451 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 475 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg