If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, my Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish melds pillowy gnocchi and sweet, roasted butternut squash in a luscious creamy sauce, all jazzed up with savory, juicy sausage. Each bite bursts with layers of autumn flavors while staying indulgently smooth and satisfying. Whether you’re looking for a family dinner or something impressive for friends, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between simple ingredients and gourmet charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is like assembling a dream team. Every component plays a key role, from the sweet, earthy butternut squash to the spicy, aromatic sausage. They come together perfectly to create the rich flavors, creamy texture, and inviting golden hues this dish is famous for.
- 1 butternut squash: Roasting it brings out natural sweetness that complements the gnocchi beautifully.
- 1 lb gnocchi: Soft and pillowy, it serves as the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage recommended): Adds savory depth and a touch of spice to balance the sweetness.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The heart of the sauce, delivering that irresistibly creamy richness.
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan: Introduces a salty, nutty flavor that elevates the entire dish.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a warm, aromatic backbone complementing the sausage and squash.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish: Adds a fragrant, herbaceous note and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then spread the chunks on a baking sheet. Toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for about 25-30 minutes until golden and tender. Roasting caramelizes the squash, intensifying its natural sweetness, which forms the backbone of our sauce.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, crumble it into the pan, and cook until beautifully browned and cooked through. This step ensures the sausage gets those irresistible crispy edges and releases rich flavors that will infuse the entire dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Once the sausage is cooked, add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes to thicken slightly. This creates a velvety, dreamy sauce that perfectly coats the gnocchi and squash.
Step 4: Boil the Gnocchi
While your sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. This quick process ensures they stay tender and light—exactly what you want for this dish.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Drain the gnocchi gently and add them along with the roasted butternut squash to the sausage and cream mixture in the skillet. Stir to combine gently so every bite is coated with sauce, sausage, and those sweet squash morsels. Sprinkle in the parmesan and stir until melted and creamy goodness takes over.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sage leaves aren’t just for show—they bring a fragrant, slightly peppery brightness that cuts through the richness perfectly. Add a little extra parmesan on top, and for a special touch, a drizzle of high-quality olive oil adds a glossy finish.
Side Dishes
Keep sides simple and fresh to balance the richness of this dish. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts bring wonderful texture and contrast. Crusty bread is also a favorite to soak up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a beautiful dinner presentation, serve the gnocchi in shallow warm bowls and arrange the sage leaves artfully on top. You can also sprinkle toasted pine nuts or a dash of smoked paprika for an exciting twist on flavor and crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Just be mindful that the gnocchi can soak up quite a bit of sauce over time, so stirring well before reheating brings back its lovely texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked gnocchi separately from the sauce for best results. Freeze gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to freezer bags. The sauce can be frozen in a separate airtight container. This way you can thaw and combine just before serving.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add the gnocchi last to avoid overcooking. Microwave works too, just proceed with short intervals and stir to maintain the perfect creamy texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Italian sausage is great for its seasoning, you can use mild, spicy, or even poultry sausages based on your preference. Just make sure the sausage is fully cooked before adding the sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. Roasted chickpeas or walnuts can also add a satisfying texture and flavor dimension.
Can I prepare the butternut squash ahead of time?
Definitely make your life easier by roasting the butternut squash a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and add it when combining the dish in step 5. This cuts down your cooking time on busy days.
What kind of gnocchi works best?
Store-bought potato gnocchi works wonderfully here for convenience, but homemade gnocchi adds a lovely fresh touch if you have the time. Both absorb the sauce beautifully.
Can I substitute the heavy cream for something lighter?
You can use half-and-half or a creamy non-dairy alternative for a lighter sauce, but keep in mind it might not be quite as rich or thick. Adjust seasoning to taste for best results.
Final Thoughts
Try this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe soon—it’s one of those dishes that feels like a celebration of cozy comfort food done right. The combination of creamy sauce, sweet squash, tender gnocchi, and savory sausage creates something truly special. Sharing this meal with loved ones is almost guaranteed to bring smiles and second helpings.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish combining tender gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a rich, creamy butternut squash sauce. Enhanced with garlic, parmesan, and fresh sage, it offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables & Herbs
- 1 butternut squash
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Protein
- 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage works well)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
Pasta
- 1 lb gnocchi
Seasonings
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Boil or steam the squash until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and transfer to a blender or food processor.
- Make the Sauce: Blend the cooked squash until smooth. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the blended butternut squash along with the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Sausage: In a separate pan, cook the Italian sausage over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain well.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked sausage and gnocchi into the skillet with the butternut squash cream sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. Heat together for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Finish with Parmesan and Sage: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Garnish with fresh sage leaves before serving.
Notes
- You can roast the butternut squash instead of boiling for a deeper flavor; roast at 400°F for 25-30 minutes until tender.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
- Make sure to use fresh sage for garnish to add a lovely herbal aroma.
- This dish is best served immediately for the best texture of the gnocchi.
