This creamy butternut squash gnocchi is a warm hug in a bowl! Soft, pillowy gnocchi combines perfectly with sweet butternut squash and savory sausage for a tasty meal.
You’ll love how easy it is to make! Just toss everything together in one pan, and you have dinner sorted. I always go back for seconds—who can resist that creamy goodness?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: Using refrigerated gnocchi saves time, but you can make your own if you’re feeling adventurous! Skip store-bought for homemade pasta if you have the time. If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free gnocchi alternatives.
Italian Sausage: I usually go for mild sausage for a milder flavor, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick to the dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey or chicken sausage works great, too!
Butternut Squash Puree: Puree adds creaminess and sweetness. You can use canned puree, but if you have fresh squash, roasting it adds a deep flavor. Just peel, cube, and roast until tender before blending into a puree.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you prefer, half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative (like coconut cream) can also work, though the flavor will change slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts beautifully into the sauce. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano or Nutritional Yeast can be good substitutes for a vegan option.
How Do I Make the Sauce Creamy and Full of Flavor?
The magic of this dish comes from balancing flavors and textures! The steps to achieve that creamy sauce start with sautéing fresh herbs and garlic in butter. This builds a strong flavor base. Don’t rush this part; let the garlic get fragrant for the best taste!
- Cook the sausage first to render fat, then set it aside. This adds depth to your sauce.
- Stir in the butternut squash puree and heavy cream, allowing the mixture to simmer gently. This relaxes the flavors.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan slowly while stirring until completely melted. This step is crucial for that creamy consistency!
- Adjust with chicken broth if the sauce seems thick, keeping it velvety.
With these tips, you’ll have a delicious, well-textured sauce that coats the gnocchi beautifully! Enjoy your cooking journey!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 package (about 16 oz) refrigerated gnocchi
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 cups butternut squash puree (fresh or canned)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or stock
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 10–12 fresh sage leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Olive oil, for cooking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 10 minutes prepping ingredients and about 20 minutes cooking it all up. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a little olive oil in the pan, then add the Italian sausage. Break it up into small pieces as it cooks, until it turns golden brown and is cooked through—this should take about 7-8 minutes. Once done, remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In that same skillet, add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic, fresh thyme, and sage leaves. Sauté everything until it’s fragrant, which should take around 1-2 minutes. This is where the delicious flavor begins!
3. Make the Sauce:
Add the butternut squash puree, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine all the ingredients. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Add the Cheese:
Now, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Don’t forget to season it with salt and pepper to taste!
5. Cook the Gnocchi:
While the sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions; they usually take about 2-3 minutes and will float when they’re ready. Drain them well when cooked.
6. Combine Everything:
Add the cooked gnocchi and reserve the sausage back into the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the gnocchi are fully coated and heated through for about 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, feel free to add more chicken broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Finally, garnish your dish with a few extra fresh sage leaves and thyme. Serve immediately, and don’t be shy about adding more Parmesan cheese on top if you like!
Enjoy your comforting, creamy butternut squash gnocchi with savory sausage and aromatic herbs! This dish is sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen gnocchi is a great time-saver. Just boil them directly from frozen according to package instructions, and then follow the rest of the recipe as usual. They’ll be just as delicious!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For dairy-free alternatives, coconut cream or cashew cream will work nicely, but keep in mind the coconut flavor will be more pronounced!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to help refresh the sauce.
Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Definitely! You can skip the sausage and replace it with your favorite plant-based protein, like mushrooms or lentils. You might also want to amp up the seasoning to maintain the flavors now missing from the sausage.
