Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

If you’re looking for the ultimate cozy meal to enjoy on a chilly night or impress dinner guests, look no further than this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe. It’s a rich, velvety blend of pillowy gnocchi coated in a dreamy butternut squash sauce, laced with savory Italian sausage and just the right amount of fresh greens. Each bite is a warm hug, proving that comfort food can also be vibrant, wholesome, and utterly satisfying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about letting simple, fresh flavors shine. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether it’s to add depth, creaminess, or a pop of color. Gather these essentials and your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe will taste like it came straight from a gourmet kitchen.

• Butternut Squash: Sweet and nutty, this is the foundation of the silky sauce and brings beautiful color to the dish.
• Store-Bought or Homemade Gnocchi: These soft, potato-based dumplings soak up the sauce for incredible flavor in every bite.
• Italian Sausage (mild or spicy): Adds hearty, meaty savoriness and a touch of spice, balancing the sweetness of squash perfectly.
• Heavy Cream: For that luscious, creamy texture everyone loves in this dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and essential for finishing things off with a savory flourish.
• Shallot and Garlic: These aromatics gently build complexity and fragrance into the sauce base.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing, it adds a fruity undertone and helps everything brown beautifully.
• Baby Spinach: Fresh greens that wilt right into the sauce, adding color and nutrition.
• Nutmeg: Just a pinch brings out the natural sweetness of both squash and cream.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Season generously for balanced flavor throughout.
• Optional Red Pepper Flakes: If you love a little heat, sprinkle these in for extra dimension.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a sheet pan and roast for about 25–30 minutes, or until the cubes are golden and fork-tender. Roasting brings out the natural sweetness and adds a rich, caramelized depth that really makes the sauce shine.

Step 2: Brown the Sausage

While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the sausage from its casing, add to the pan, and break it up with a spoon. Cook until the sausage is nicely browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. This step adds a layer of savory flavor that balances the sweet squash beautifully.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a drizzle of olive oil if needed and toss in the chopped shallot and garlic. Sauté for about 2 minutes, just until they’re soft and aromatic. Make sure not to rush this step — it’s key for building a flavorful sauce.

Step 4: Make the Butternut Squash Sauce

Transfer the roasted squash to a blender or food processor with heavy cream and a pinch of nutmeg. Puree until silky smooth. Pour the sauce back into the skillet and stir gently to combine with the aromatics. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so everything melds together. Now you’ve got the luscious base that sets this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe apart.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

While your sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Gnocchi cook super quickly — remove them with a slotted spoon as soon as they float to the surface, which usually takes just 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the browned sausage back to the skillet with the sauce. Fold in the cooked gnocchi and toss to coat everything in that creamy butternut squash goodness. Stir in the baby spinach and Parmesan cheese, letting the residual heat wilt the greens and melt the cheese. Season with salt, black pepper, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you’d like an extra kick.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy presentation, sprinkle plenty of freshly grated Parmesan on top, add a scattering of finely chopped parsley, and finish with a few cracks of black pepper. A little drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a dusting of toasted pine nuts can make each plate feel extra special.

Side Dishes

This dish is rich, so pairing it with something fresh is ideal. A crisp green salad with a zesty lemon vinaigrette or roasted Brussels sprouts tossed with balsamic vinegar both make inspired companions to the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining, spoon the gnocchi into shallow bowls and twirl each portion into a nest. Garnish with microgreens or delicate herb fronds for a modern touch. For a more rustic affair, serve straight from the skillet family-style and let everyone dig in — just be sure to offer extra bread for swiping up the sauce!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining gnocchi and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld and get even richer overnight, making leftovers a real treat.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe! Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. For best results, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or extra cream if the sauce looks too thick. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through to ensure things heat evenly.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the sausage and, if you like, add sautéed mushrooms or a handful of toasted walnuts for extra texture and flavor. The creamy butternut squash sauce pairs beautifully with all sorts of vegetarian additions.

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, frozen butternut squash works just fine. Roast it straight from frozen, adjusting the baking time as needed, or sauté it on the stovetop if you’re short on oven space. It’s a great shortcut and won’t compromise the creamy finish of the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe.

What kind of gnocchi should I use?

You can use store-bought potato gnocchi for convenience, or try homemade if you’re feeling ambitious. For something different, sweet potato or cauliflower gnocchi also work wonderfully with this sauce and sausage combo.

How spicy is this dish?

The level of spice is totally up to you. Using spicy Italian sausage and a pinch of red pepper flakes will bring heat, but you can keep it mild by choosing sweet sausage and skipping the pepper flakes altogether.

Can I make the sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Gently reheat it on the stove before tossing with freshly cooked gnocchi and sausage for fast, fuss-free assembly on busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something spectacular yet easy for dinner, give the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe a try. It’s a true celebration of flavor and comfort, guaranteed to win over anyone who tastes it. Don’t be surprised if this cozy classic becomes your new favorite autumn (or anytime!) indulgence.

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