Get ready to fall head over heels for this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe! Velvety, vibrant squash is blended into a delectable sauce, clinging perfectly to pillowy gnocchi and spicy sausage crumbles. The result is a cozy, restaurant-worthy dinner that’s brimming with fall flavors while being weeknight-simple. Whether you’re looking for a hearty autumn meal or a crowd-pleaser any time of year, this dish will absolutely steal the show!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every item here plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture in your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe. These simple ingredients combine for a showstopping dish that looks and tastes gourmet, yet couldnโt be easier to prepare.
- Butternut Squash: The heart of this recipe, lending creamy sweetness and golden color to the sauce.
- Potato Gnocchi: Tender, pillowy bites that soak up every bit of sauceโlook for shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi for ease.
- Italian Sausage: Savory, flavorful, and just a little bit spicy; either pork or chicken sausage works beautifully.
- Shallot: Milder than onion, this adds a subtle sweetness that lets the squash shine.
- Garlic: A couple of cloves go a long way in deepening the flavor of the sauce.
- Fresh Sage: The classic match for butternut squash; earthy and aromatic.
- Heavy Cream: For luxe creaminess that coats every piece of gnocchi perfectly.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds savory depth and a touch of nutty saltiness.
- Olive Oil: For sautรฉing and adding richness to the finished dish.
- Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper: To bring all those beautiful flavors together.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400ยฐF. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast until tender and lightly caramelized, about 25 minutes. This step unlocks all of that sweet, rich depth that makes the sauce unforgettable.
Step 2: Cook the Sausage
While the squash is roasting, heat a large skillet over medium-high. Remove sausage from casings and cook, breaking it into small crumbles until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: Sautรฉ Shallot, Garlic, and Sage
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sautรฉ the shallot until soft, then add garlic and chopped sage, cooking just until fragrantโabout 1 minute. Your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly!
Step 4: Blend the Sauce
Add roasted butternut squash and sautรฉed aromatics to a blender or food processor. Pour in heavy cream and half of the Parmesan. Blend until silky-smooth, adjusting the cream to reach your desired consistency. Taste and season with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Gnocchi floats to the top when readyโthis only takes a few minutes, so donโt stray far!
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Drain the gnocchi, reserving a little cooking water, then add them to the skillet with the sausage. Pour in your luscious butternut squash sauce and toss everything together over low heat, adding reserved water to thin if needed. Finish with remaining Parmesan and extra sage.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
A shower of shaved Parmesan and a sprinkle of crisp fried sage leaves take this dish to the next level. If you love a touch of color, add chopped fresh parsley or a quick grind of black pepper just before servingโeach garnish amps up both flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This luxurious dish pairs perfectly with something light and green, like a garlicky sautรฉed spinach, a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, or roasted broccoli. Crusty bread on the side is also a winning move for scooping up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If youโre entertaining, serve the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe in individual mini-skillets or shallow bowls for a bistro feel. For a family-style dinner, bring the hot skillet right to the table and let everyone dig inโjust donโt forget the extra Parmesan!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the finished dish or just the sauce for up to two months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to resealable bags or freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if necessary. You can also microwave individual bowls, stirring every minute to prevent hot spots and keep everything luscious and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi or should I make my own?
This recipe is designed to shine using shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi from the store, making the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe weeknight-friendly. If you’re feeling ambitious, homemade gnocchi is a wonderful treat but totally optional!
Whatโs the best way to peel and cut butternut squash?
Slice off both ends, use a vegetable peeler to remove the skin, then halve the squash, scoop out the seeds, and cut into cubes. To save time, you can also buy pre-cubed squash from the grocery store.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! Swap the sausage for your favorite plant-based alternative or simply load up on extra mushrooms or sautรฉed greens. The creamy butternut squash sauce is the real star and stands up well on its own.
What sausage works best in this recipe?
Mild or spicy Italian sausage both work beautifully. Pork brings richness, but chicken or turkey sausage makes for a lighter, still-flavorful version of the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe.
Can I use a different squash?
Kabocha or acorn squash are good alternatives if youโre out of butternut. Just make sure your chosen squash is sweet and smooth when roasted for the signature creamy and vibrant sauce.
Final Thoughts
If you crave comfort food with a touch of elegance, give this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe a spot at your table. Itโs the kind of dish that makes hearts (and bellies) happy! Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and treat yourself to a cozy, homemade meal thatโs truly special.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a cozy, comforting main-course dish that pairs pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a velvety butternut squash sauce. Itโs quick enough for a weeknight, yet decadent enough for a dinner party. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of creamy, slightly sweet squash, herby sausage, and a sprinkle of parmesanโall ready in less than 45 minutes!
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi
- 1 (16 oz) package potato gnocchi
For the Sausage and Sauce
- 8 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (if needed)
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For Finishing
- 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- Fresh sage leaves or chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Gnocchi:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove sausage from the pan with a slotted spoon and set aside. If your sausage is lean, add 2 tablespoons olive oil to the pan for the next step. - Sautรฉ Aromatics and Squash:
To the same skillet, add the onion. Sautรฉ for 3 minutes until beginning to soften. Stir in the garlic and cubed butternut squash, cooking another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Simmer and Soften Squash:
Add the chicken broth, dried sage, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, until the squash is very tender. Season with salt and pepper. - Blend the Sauce:
Transfer the squash mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pan. Blend until very smooth and creamy. Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. - Finish the Sauce:
Stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. Add back the cooked sausage. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce is heated through and the cheese has melted. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Toss Gnocchi & Serve:
Add the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet, tossing gently to coat. Heat until everything is hot and well combined. Garnish with more parmesan and fresh sage or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using pre-cut butternut squash can save time.
- For a lighter version, sub half-and-half or whole milk for the cream (the sauce will be thinner).
- Swap plant-based sausage for vegetarian version, and use vegetable broth to keep it vegetarian.
- If you like spicy, hot Italian sausage works great, or up the red pepper flakes.
- Store leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 1100mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
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