Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Posted by by Sara 14 hours Ago 6 Views

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate fall comfort food — tender potato gnocchi tossed in a luscious butternut squash sauce with savory Italian sausage, garlic, and parmesan. 🧡

It’s rich and comforting but surprisingly simple to make, using everyday ingredients and minimal prep. The creamy sauce is velvety and full of flavor — a balance of sweet squash, salty sausage, and earthy herbs that make every bite unforgettable.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner or an elegant meal to impress guests, this recipe is proof that cozy can also be gourmet.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • ½ lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup butternut squash purée (or roasted squash blended smooth)
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for depth)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh sage or parsley, for garnish

Timing

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Gnocchi

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
  • Cook gnocchi according to package directions (they’ll float when done).
  • Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula.
  • Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

  • In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Stir in butternut squash purée, chicken broth, and cream.
  • Add Italian seasoning, nutmeg, salt, and pepper.
  • Simmer 3–5 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Return sausage to the skillet and add cooked gnocchi.
  • Stir in Parmesan until melted and creamy.
  • Toss until everything is coated in the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Serve

  • Garnish with fresh sage or parsley and extra Parmesan.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

  • Roast your own squash for deeper flavor: bake cubed squash at 400°F for 25 minutes, then blend.
  • For lighter sauce, substitute half the cream with milk or unsweetened almond milk.
  • Don’t overcook gnocchi — remove as soon as they float.
  • Add a pinch of chili flakes for a little heat.

Nutrition (per serving, 4 servings)

  • Calories: 480
  • Protein: 19g
  • Carbs: 39g
  • Fat: 28g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Sodium: 780mg

Variations

  • Vegetarian: Replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
  • Vegan: Use vegan gnocchi, coconut cream, and plant-based sausage.
  • Spicy: Add crushed red pepper or hot Italian sausage.
  • Cheesy Upgrade: Stir in shredded mozzarella or fontina for extra richness.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables.
  • Pair with a glass of white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
  • Finish with a sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crispy sage leaves for texture.

Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream.
  • Freezer: Freeze sauce separately (gnocchi can become mushy when frozen).

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage combines everything you crave in one dish — creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly comforting. It’s a quick, restaurant-worthy dinner that’s sure to impress your family or guests.

👉 Try it tonight and taste the cozy magic of fall in every bite! 🍂🍝

FAQs

Q1: Can I use pumpkin instead of butternut squash?
Yes! Substitute 1 cup pumpkin purée for a delicious variation.

Q2: What’s the best gnocchi to use?
Shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade — all work great. Just avoid overcooking.

Q3: Can I make this ahead?
Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and reheat with gnocchi just before serving.

Q4: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan for a rich, vegan-friendly version.

Q5: What protein substitutes work instead of sausage?
Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based sausage all pair beautifully.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Print

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Recipe by Sara
Servings

4

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

40

minutes
Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi

  • 8 oz (225 g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy)

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 ½ cups cubed butternut squash (fresh or frozen)

  • ½ cup chicken broth

  • ¾ cup heavy cream

  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tbsp butter

  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

  • Salt & black pepper to taste

  • Fresh sage or parsley for garnish

Directions

  • Cook the gnocchi:
  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • Brown the sausage:
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up into crumbles. Remove and set aside.
  • Sauté garlic and squash:
  • In the same pan, add garlic and butternut squash. Cook for 5–7 minutes until softened.
  • Make the sauce:
  • Pour in chicken broth and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.
  • Combine everything:
  • Add cooked gnocchi and sausage to the sauce. Toss until fully coated and heated through. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and chili flakes if desired.
  • Serve:
  • Garnish with chopped sage or parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve warm.