If you’re looking to cozy up with a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is an absolute must-try. It perfectly balances pillowy gnocchi with the sweet, velvety richness of roasted butternut squash, all swirled together in a luscious cream sauce with savory sausage bites. Every forkful is a celebration of autumn flavors and hearty textures, making it the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again when craving something warm and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things wonderfully simple with a handful of ingredients, each playing a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant color. From the earthy sweetness of butternut squash to the creamy tang of parmesan, every element is essential to creating this comforting dish.
- Butternut squash: Roasting enhances its natural sweetness and gives the sauce that smooth, creamy base.
- Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy potato dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Sausage (Italian sausage recommended): Adds a savory, spicy kick and hearty texture to contrast the creaminess.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luxurious, silky sauce that ties everything together.
- Grated parmesan: Adds a nutty, salty depth and helps thicken the cream sauce.
- Garlic: Minced cloves infuse a subtle, aromatic warmth.
- Salt and pepper: To season perfectly and balance all flavors.
- Fresh sage leaves: For an earthy, herbal garnish that brightens each bite.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Start by peeling and chopping the butternut squash into cubes, then roast them in a hot oven until tender and caramelized around the edges. This process brings out the squash’s natural sweetness and creates a beautiful depth that’s essential for the creamy sauce base.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the squash roasts, brown your Italian sausage in a pan until golden and fully cooked. This adds a savory richness and slightly crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the softness of the gnocchi and cream sauce.
Step 3: Prepare the Gnocchi
Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float to the surface, indicating they’re perfectly cooked. Drain and set aside, ready to soak up the delicious sauce you’ll create next.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same pan where you cooked the sausage, add the minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Stir in the roasted butternut squash, then pour in heavy cream and simmer gently. Use a blender or immersion tool to puree the squash and cream mixture until silky smooth, then stir in grated parmesan for extra richness. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Toss the gnocchi and cooked sausage with the creamy butternut squash sauce until everything is enveloped in that luscious coating. Warm through just until combined, making sure not to overcook the gnocchi for that perfect tender bite.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A few fresh sage leaves fried until crispy add a wonderful earthy aroma and slight crunch, elevating the dish visually and flavor-wise. A dusting of extra parmesan never hurts either to amp up the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This dish stands on its own as a comforting meal, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables balances the richness beautifully. Something light and fresh cuts through the creaminess and keeps the meal well rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe in shallow bowls, garnished with a sage leaf and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a gentle heat boost. You can also drizzle a little browned butter on top to add a nutty aroma that perfectly complements the autumn flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just be mindful that the gnocchi may absorb more sauce as it sits.
Freezing
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe doesn’t freeze as well as some dishes because the texture of the gnocchi changes and the cream sauce may separate. It’s best enjoyed fresh, but if you must freeze, place sauce and gnocchi separately in freezer-safe containers.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid breaking down the gnocchi more, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between. Adding a splash of cream or broth can refresh the sauce’s creaminess during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi works perfectly here and saves you prep time. Just make sure not to overcook them to keep that soft, pillowy texture.
What kind of sausage is best?
Italian sausage is ideal because of its seasoning blend, but feel free to use spicy or sweet varieties depending on your flavor preference.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the sausage and add mushrooms or sautéed spinach for extra texture and flavor. The creamy butternut squash sauce will still shine as the star.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or a blend of milk and cream cheese for a lighter creaminess, but the texture and flavor might be slightly less rich.
How do I reheat leftovers without drying out the sauce?
Reheat slowly on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce feels too thick. Stir frequently to keep it smooth and prevent the gnocchi from sticking.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is a cozy hug on a plate—comforting, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s an ideal dish to impress family or friends without spending hours in the kitchen. I encourage you to dive in, enjoy the process, and savor each creamy, savory bite!
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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender gnocchi, rich Italian sausage, and a luscious butternut squash cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it balances sweetness from the squash with savory sausage and a hint of garlic and Parmesan.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash (about 2–3 lbs)
- 1 lb potato gnocchi
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel the butternut squash, remove the seeds, and cut it into small cubes, about 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Cook the Squash: In a medium saucepan, add the butternut squash cubes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Add the cooked butternut squash and heavy cream to the skillet. Use a hand blender to carefully puree the squash and cream into a smooth, creamy sauce. If you don’t have a hand blender, you can transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, then return to the pan. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Heat gently to warm through.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes or until they float to the surface. Drain the gnocchi well.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi and sausage back into the skillet with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the gnocchi topped with fresh sage leaves for an aromatic garnish and an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy warm.
Notes
- You can substitute Italian sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner version.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of pasta water or broth when blending the sauce.
- Fresh sage can be replaced with thyme or rosemary, depending on your taste preferences.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
