If you’re craving pure cozy comfort on a plate, Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine pillowy gnocchi nestled in a velvety butternut squash sauce, swirled with savory sausage, kissed by fresh sage, and topped with Parmesan. This dish is truly autumn in a bowl, but honestly, I make it all year long because it’s so quick, satisfying, and filled with irresistible flavors. Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or just in need of a delicious “hug” after a long day, this recipe is guaranteed to please.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage relies on a handful of uncomplicated, good-quality ingredients that come together in a flash. Every component here brings its own magic — from the spicy sausage to the plush potato gnocchi and that gorgeous, golden squash sauce. Here’s what you’ll need, and why you won’t want to skip a single one:

Olive Oil: Just a tablespoon creates a flavor-packed base for browning the sausage and onions.
Italian Sausage: The star of the show! Use spicy or sweet depending on your mood; just remove the casings for easy browning.
Yellow Onion: Adds gentle sweetness and depth as it softens in the skillet.
Garlic: Fragrant and punchy, it brings everything together — don’t be shy!
Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a subtle heat that balances the creaminess — skip if you prefer mild dishes.
Pureed Butternut Squash: Sweet, creamy, and beautifully golden, this is where the magic happens. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Chicken Broth: Blends into the sauce, adding savory richness and just the right consistency.
Heavy Cream: The secret for that dreamy, luxurious texture everyone loves.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to perfection and lift all the other flavors.
Ground Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings out the sweetness of the squash — irresistible.
Potato Gnocchi: Shelf-stable gnocchi means less fuss and maximum pillowy comfort.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce and adds nuttiness; save extra for garnishing.
Fresh Sage: Perfumes the whole dish with earthy, herby brilliance; dried sage works, too, in a pinch.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Step 1: Brown the Sausage and Soften the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and use a spoon to break it up as it browns — don’t rush this part, because that beautiful caramelization is what gives Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage its unforgettable flavor. Once the sausage is mostly cooked, add the onions and let them soften and turn golden for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Heat

Stir in the minced garlic and, if you’re craving a little kick, those red pepper flakes. Just 30 seconds is enough for the garlic to release its aroma and the flakes to toast ever so slightly — you’ll smell the difference right away, and so will anyone lucky enough to wander into the kitchen.

Step 3: Make the Butternut Squash Sauce

Pile in the pureed butternut squash, pour over the chicken broth, and add the heavy cream. Sprinkle in the salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir everything together gently, then bring the whole mixture to a simmer. Let it bubble away for about 5 minutes to thicken up into the luscious sauce that makes Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage so irresistible.

Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce is simmering, bring a separate pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi and follow the package instructions (usually just a couple of minutes until they float to the top). Drain well and get ready for the best part.

Step 5: Combine, Finish, and Serve

Add the cooked gnocchi straight into the skillet with the sauce. Gently fold everything together until those soft pillows are fully coated in creamy golden goodness. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and sage, then let the dish cook for another two minutes so the flavors can mingle. Finish with extra Parmesan if you like — then dig right in! That’s Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, ready to make your dinner unforgettable.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Garnishes

A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan never hurt anyone! Add a few little ribbons of fresh sage for verdant color and fragrance. For extra-special occasions, a few toasted pine nuts scattered on top add lovely crunch and a subtle, nutty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is rich and satisfying, so a simple side salad with arugula, lemon, and shaved Parmesan fits perfectly. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is always a good idea to mop up any leftover sauce, and roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans make a bright, fresh complement.

Creative Ways to Present

You can plate the gnocchi family style in a big, shallow serving bowl for cozy gatherings, or serve it in individual pasta bowls for a restaurant touch. If you’re hosting a fall dinner, consider hollowing out mini roasted pumpkins or squash halves and filling them with the finished gnocchi for an unforgettable, autumn-inspired presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as it sits, making those leftovers seriously crave-worthy — you might even find yourself sneaking bites before dinner the next day!

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch, let the gnocchi cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to two months. Just be aware: the sauce may thicken a bit upon thawing, but it still tastes fantastic.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also microwave individual servings, but do so in 30-second increments and stir frequently for even warming.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the sausage and try adding sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage. The rich sauce and pillowy gnocchi still make for an incredibly hearty, satisfying meal.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is super convenient and cooks up quickly, but if you want to use homemade or frozen gnocchi, go for it! Just make sure to cook according to their specific instructions before adding to the sauce.

Can I use pre-cooked or frozen butternut squash?

Definitely! Use either homemade or store-bought pureed butternut squash — both work perfectly in this recipe and will deliver that signature creamy, sweet flavor you’re after.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, with a couple swaps! Use a rich, unsweetened dairy-free cream (like cashew or coconut) in place of the heavy cream, and choose a dairy-free Parmesan-style cheese for finishing. You’ll still get a dreamy sauce.

Will this recipe work with gluten-free gnocchi?

Yes, just look for your favorite brand of gluten-free gnocchi. Double-check the sausage and other packaged ingredients, as always, to make sure they’re gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for an unforgettable meal that manages to be both comforting and a little bit special, Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage fits the bill perfectly. It’s simple enough for a weeknight but worthy of your favorite people around the table. I hope you’ll give it a try and savor every creamy, sausage-studded, cheesy bite!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this creamy butternut squash gnocchi with savory Italian sausage. Perfect for a cozy fall dinner, this dish is quick to make and bursting with comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Dish:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup pureed butternut squash (cooked)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound shelf-stable potato gnocchi
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage (or 1 teaspoon dried)

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Instructions

Prepare the Sauce: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage, onion, garlic, and red pepper flakes.
Add Butternut Squash: Stir in butternut squash, broth, cream, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Simmer to thicken.
Cook Gnocchi: Cook gnocchi separately, then add to the sauce with Parmesan and sage.
Finish and Serve: Cook for 2 minutes, then serve topped with Parmesan.