Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Hey y’all! If you love hearty, comfort food that feels both cozy and gourmet, you’re going to adore this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe. The soft pillowy gnocchi, savory sausage, and silky butternut squash sauce make this dish a knockout for family dinners, holidays, or whenever you want something extra special. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but impressive enough to serve guests. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

• Super creamy sauce with hints of sweetness and spice.
• Ready in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy evenings!
• Satisfying mix of savory sausage and tender gnocchi.
• Easily adaptable for gluten-free or vegetarian diets.
• Perfect for fall, winter, or whenever you crave warming comfort food.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe: Ingredients

• 1 pound potato gnocchi (fresh or packaged)
• 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced (about 1/2-inch pieces)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried sage
• 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2/3 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe: Directions

Step 1: Sauté the Sausage and Vegetables

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it into crumbles with a spatula, and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned. Transfer the sausage to a plate and set aside.
2. In the same skillet, add the onion and butternut squash. Sauté for 6–8 minutes until the onion is translucent and the squash begins to soften.
3. Add the minced garlic, salt, pepper, sage, and thyme. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10–12 minutes, until the squash is tender.
5. Transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender in the pan. Blend until smooth and creamy. Return the puree to the skillet.
6. Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is warm and silky.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

7. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually 2–3 minutes, until they float to the surface.
8. Drain the gnocchi and immediately add them to the sauce along with the cooked sausage. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.

Step 4: Serve

9. Spoon the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage into bowls. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Notes for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

• For extra smooth sauce, peel and dice the squash as evenly as possible. Check this handy guide for tips on prepping butternut squash.
• If using pre-cooked gnocchi, adjust cooking time according to package instructions to avoid overcooking.
• Swap heavy cream for half-and-half for a lighter dish, though the sauce will be less rich and thick.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe: Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit sausage and pan-fry sliced mushrooms instead for hearty flavor.
• Spicy: Use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Gluten-Free: Simply swap in gluten-free gnocchi, available at most supermarkets (read more here).

Required Equipment for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

• Large skillet
• Large pot (for boiling gnocchi)
• Blender or immersion blender
• Spatula and ladle
• Colander

Storage and Shelf Life for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy texture. Freezing is not recommended as the sauce may separate, but you can keep cooked sausage and pureed squash sauce frozen separately for up to 2 months.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

• Serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette.
• Pair with crusty Italian bread or garlic knots for dipping.
• Enjoy alongside a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or sparkling water with lemon.

Pro Tips for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

• Toss the gnocchi with sauce immediately after cooking to keep them from sticking. Learn more about preparing gnocchi here.
• Add the cream slowly and off the heat to prevent curdling.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor in your creamy sauce.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe: FAQ

Can I use frozen butternut squash?

Yes, just thaw and drain well before sautéing for the best sauce consistency.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prep the sauce and sausage in advance, and cook the gnocchi fresh when ready to serve.

Can I use plant-based sausage?

Yes, vegan or vegetarian sausage alternatives work well in this recipe—just adjust cooking time as needed.

★★★★★ 4.90 from 90 ratings

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

yield: 4 servings

prep: 20 mins

cook: 30 mins

total: 50 mins

A comforting and creamy Italian-inspired gnocchi dish featuring roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, and a luscious cream sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and packed with flavor.

🖨️ Print Pin Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 1/2 pound Italian sausage (casings removed)
• 2 cups cubed butternut squash (peeled and seeded)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Fresh sage leaves, for garnish

Instructions

1. 1
   Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast on a baking sheet for 20 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. 2
   While the squash is roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
3. 3
   In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
4. 4
   In the same skillet, sauté diced onion until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
5. 5
   Lower the heat and add the heavy cream and parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. Add roasted butternut squash and cooked sausage to the skillet. Gently fold in the gnocchi.
6. 6
   Season with crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve hot.

CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO ↑

Approximate Information for One Serving

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 570 caloriescal

Protein: 19gg

Fat: 28gg

Saturated Fat: 0g

Trans Fat: 0g

Cholesterol: 0mg

Sodium: 0mg

Potassium: 0mg

Total Carbs: 62gg

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 0g

Net Carbs: 0g

Vitamin A: 0

Vitamin C: 0mg

Calcium: 0mg

Iron: 0mg

Nutrition Disclaimers

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

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