If you are on the hunt for a dish that combines comforting creaminess with the earthy warmth of fall flavors, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Rich, velvety butternut squash mingles effortlessly with tender gnocchi and savory Italian sausage, all elevated by fragrant fresh herbs. It’s a perfect balance between indulgence and heartiness, guaranteed to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and bring smiles to anyone lucky enough to dig in.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this dish lies partly in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in layering flavor, creating a luscious sauce, or adding the perfect texture. Together, they transform everyday pantry staples into something truly special.
- Italian sausage (12 oz): Adds a meaty, slightly spicy depth that makes this dish savory and satisfying.
- Potato gnocchi (10 oz): Tender little pillows that soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates the rich, silky base that coats every bite with lusciousness.
- Chicken broth (1/2 cup): Balances the richness with a subtle savory note and thins the sauce just enough.
- Butternut squash puree (1 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a gorgeous golden color to the dish.
- Garlic cloves (3, minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic warmth.
- Fresh sage: Offers a woodsy, herbal brightness that perfectly complements the squash and sausage.
- Fresh thyme: Adds subtle citrusy and floral hints enhancing the overall complexity.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing the sausage and releasing its flavors.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the Italian sausage you’ve removed from its casings. Cook it until it is beautifully browned and fragrant, ensuring it develops a nice crust. This browning step unlocks intense flavor that forms the savory backbone of the dish.
Step 2: Add Gnocchi, Cream, and Broth
Next, toss in the potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth right into the skillet. Bring everything up to a gentle boil, then cover and reduce heat to let it simmer for 5 minutes. This is when the gnocchi absorb the creamy liquid, swelling up perfectly tender while the flavors begin to meld.
Step 3: Incorporate Butternut Squash and Garlic
Now stir in your smooth butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Lower the heat to medium-low and allow the sauce to simmer for another 3 minutes. The garlic softens and mellows, while the squash boosts the creaminess with its natural sweetness and velvety texture.
Step 4: Add Fresh Herbs and Season
Mix in half of the fresh sage and thyme at this stage to infuse the dish with bright herbal notes. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until it hits just the right balance. This is the moment everything truly comes together into a comforting, aromatic masterpiece.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish by sprinkling the remaining fresh herbs over the top for both flavor and a burst of inviting green color. Your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe is ready to be enjoyed at the table.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like sage and thyme not only bring a visual pop but enhance every bite with bright aromatic notes. For a little extra indulgence, a shaving of Parmesan cheese or a drizzle of browned butter adds a nutty, savory finish that complements the creamy sauce brilliantly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp, lightly dressed green salad to cut through the richness. Roasted Brussels sprouts or simple steamed green beans also offer a fresh contrast in texture and flavor, making your meal well-rounded and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve the gnocchi family-style in a rustic cast-iron skillet garnished with fresh herb sprigs. Alternatively, plate individual servings in wide shallow bowls to showcase the beautiful creamy sauce and colorful herbs, making each helping look as inviting as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, making it even better the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best fresh, you can freeze it for up to a month. Store in a freezer-safe container, leaving a bit of space for expansion. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm your gnocchi slowly over low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and maintain that creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly and makes this dish quick and accessible without compromising flavor or texture.
What if I don’t have fresh herbs on hand?
Dried thyme and sage can be substituted in a pinch. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated, and add them earlier in cooking to allow flavors to develop.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the Italian sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a meat-free version.
Is it possible to prepare the butternut squash puree from scratch?
Definitely. Roasting fresh butternut squash and blending it until smooth creates a natural, tasty puree. This adds a lovely homemade touch and enhances the dish’s flavor profile.
How spicy is the sausage in this recipe?
Italian sausage typically has a mild to medium spice level, but you can choose sweet or hot varieties depending on your preference for heat.
Final Thoughts
I truly can’t recommend this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes that manages to feel both comforting and a bit luxurious, perfect for warming up any weeknight or impressing friends. Give it a try and discover just how effortlessly these simple ingredients come together to create something wonderful and memorable.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage, aromatic fresh thyme and sage, and a rich sauce made from butternut squash puree, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Perfect for a comforting dinner, the gnocchi is simmered gently in the creamy sauce until flavorful and luscious, making it an indulgent dish bursting with autumnal flavors.
Ingredients
Sausage and Gnocchi
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
- 10 oz potato gnocchi
Sauce and Flavorings
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh sage (about 1 tablespoon chopped, divided)
- Fresh thyme (about 1 tablespoon chopped, divided)
Instructions
- Cook the sausage: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up if necessary, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add gnocchi and liquids: Stir in the potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the skillet and reduce heat to a simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook and absorb flavors.
- Incorporate squash and garlic: Stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Continue to simmer on low-medium heat for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine the flavors and heat the sauce throughout.
- Add fresh herbs and season: Mix in half of the chopped fresh sage and thyme. Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste and give it a final stir to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with the remaining fresh sage and thyme for added aroma and visual appeal before serving.
Notes
- The butternut squash puree can be homemade by roasting and blending squash or purchased pre-made for convenience.
- If preferred, substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust seasoning carefully as the sausage may add saltiness.
- Fresh herbs provide the best flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller quantity if necessary.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
