If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet elegant dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender gnocchi melt in your mouth while the sweet, roasted butternut squash brings a velvety creaminess that’s perfectly complemented by the savory richness of Italian sausage. Every bite bursts with layers of flavor, from the garlic-infused sauce to the subtle earthiness of fresh sage. It’s the ultimate cozy meal that’s surprisingly simple to make but impressively satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe relies on straightforward ingredients that all play a starring role in building its unforgettable flavor profile. You won’t find anything fancy here, just a handful of essentials that transform common pantry finds into something extraordinary.
- Butternut squash: Roasting it brings out its natural sweetness and adds a rich, creamy base for the sauce.
- Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully, giving the dish its comforting texture.
- Sausage: Italian sausage gives a savory, spiced dimension that balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Heavy cream: This adds the luscious richness that makes the sauce smooth and decadent.
- Grated parmesan: Brings a sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the creaminess for depth.
- Garlic: Minced to infuse the sauce with a fragrant kick that enhances every bite.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the full flavors of the ingredients.
- Fresh sage leaves: Used as a garnish, they add a fresh, herbal aroma that elevates the entire dish.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash
Start by peeling and dicing the butternut squash into bite-sized cubes. Roast the squash in the oven until it’s tender and caramelized, which usually takes about 25-30 minutes. This roasting process is essential because it concentrates the natural sugars, giving the sauce its luxurious sweetness and depth without needing any added sugar.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the squash roasts, brown the Italian sausage in a skillet over medium heat. Break it apart as it cooks to create small, flavorful crumbles. The rendered fat from the sausage will carry the savoriness that enriches the sauce later on, so be sure not to drain it all away.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the sausage just as it finishes cooking. Cook until fragrant and golden, about a minute or so, to infuse that warm, aromatic base that will highlight the rest of the dish beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
Boil the gnocchi separately in salted water. They’re done when they float to the surface, which typically takes only a few minutes. Then drain and set aside to add into the sauce later. Proper cooking here ensures they maintain their delicate, pillowy texture.
Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet with sausage and garlic, add the roasted butternut squash and heavy cream. Use a wooden spoon or immersion blender to mash some of the squash cubes, creating a thick, velvety sauce. Stir in the grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. This combination of ingredients is what transforms simple components into the luscious sauce that clings to every gnocchi dumpling.
Step 6: Combine and Heat Through
Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the creamy squash and sausage sauce. Let everything warm together for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld perfectly. Be careful not to over-stir, as gnocchi can become mushy if handled too roughly. The goal is to coat each piece with that creamy, flavorful sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sage leaves are a classic pairing that adds a fragrant herbal note on top. You can lightly crisp them in a bit of butter or oil before sprinkling over the dish for an irresistible crunch and aroma that complements the rich cream and sausage.
Side Dishes
Serve this meal alongside a crisp green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. Roasted or sautéed seasonal vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts also make wonderful sides, adding texture and freshness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the gnocchi in shallow bowls and drizzle extra parmesan on top. A sprinkle of chili flakes can add a surprising but delightful kick. You can also finish with a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, but the gnocchi may absorb some sauce and become a bit softer.
Freezing
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe freezes well in portions. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When reheating, it’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge first to maintain the texture.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick. Avoid microwaving at high heat to prevent the gnocchi from becoming mushy.
FAQs
Can I use pre-made gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works wonderfully and cuts down on prep time. Just cook them according to the package instructions before adding to the sauce.
What type of sausage is best?
Italian sausage adds the perfect seasoning and richness, but you can use spicy, sweet, or even a poultry sausage depending on your preference. Just be sure it’s well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Traditional gnocchi contains wheat flour, so it’s not gluten-free. However, gluten-free gnocchi alternatives are available and can be used as a substitute.
Can I make the sauce without cream?
For a lighter version, you can substitute cream with full-fat coconut milk or a blend of milk and a thickener like cornstarch, but the texture and richness will be different.
How do I reheat without the gnocchi getting mushy?
Reheating slowly on the stovetop with gentle stirring helps maintain texture. Adding a little extra liquid keeps the sauce smooth without making the gnocchi soggy.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is one of those dishes that feels both rustic and special, a perfect meal to share with family or friends on any cozy evening. Its rich, comforting flavors paired with surprisingly simple steps make it a staple you’ll want to return to again and again. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite comfort food in this beautiful fall-inspired classic.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A comforting and creamy dish featuring tender gnocchi, roasted butternut squash, and savory Italian sausage, all simmered in a luscious parmesan cream sauce and garnished with fresh sage leaves. Perfect for a cozy dinner that combines rustic flavors and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Produce
- 1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Meat
- 1 lb Italian sausage
Dry Goods
- 1 lb gnocchi
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
Spices
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the butternut squash: Peel and cube the butternut squash into bite-sized pieces. You may roast or sauté it until tender. For roasting, spread the cubes on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes until soft and caramelized.
- Cook the sausage: Remove the sausage from its casing if necessary, then cook it in a large skillet over medium heat until browned and cooked through, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks. Remove sausage and set aside.
- Sauté garlic and combine ingredients: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the roasted or cooked butternut squash and cooked sausage back to the skillet and stir to combine.
- Cook the gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then add the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain well.
- Make the cream sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sausage and squash mixture, bringing it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine and serve: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, gently tossing everything together so the gnocchi is evenly coated with the creamy sauce. Warm through for a minute or two.
- Garnish and enjoy: Serve the creamy butternut squash gnocchi topped with fresh sage leaves for a fragrant finish.
Notes
- Roasting the butternut squash brings out a sweeter, richer flavor compared to boiling or steaming.
- You can substitute Italian sausage with vegetarian sausage or omit for a vegetarian version.
- For a lighter dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Fresh sage can be sautéed briefly in butter or oil before garnishing to release its aroma.
- Gnocchi can be store-bought or homemade depending on preference.
