When the days grow shorter and kitchens fill with the warmth of slow cooking, a bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage feels like an embrace from an old friend. Every bite of this intermediate-level dinner dish brings together silky ribbons of squash and tender, pillow-like gnocchi, all wrapped in a velvety sauce that clings lovingly to each morsel. The hint of nutmeg lends an almost secret twist, warming the spice rack memories of autumn, while the savory Italian sausage adds hearty depth. With just 15 minutes of prep and a 30-minute simmer, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a 620-calorie plate of pure comfort—perfect for unwinding after a busy day or impressing friends at a casual Sunday supper.
I still remember the first time I whipped up this gnocchi creation for my family on a crisp October evening. The kitchen was alive with laughter, the soft bubbling of the sauce, and the gentle hum of a favorite playlist. We gathered around the table, eager to dive into that creamy goodness balanced by pops of fresh sage and optional red pepper flakes. It felt like a celebration of seasonal produce and simple pleasures. Whether you’re an adventurous home cook or someone looking for an easy dinner recipe that delivers show-stopping flavor, this dish checks all the boxes. Get ready to savor the rich harmony of creamy pasta, fall squash, and zesty sausage—no fancy techniques required, just genuine ingredients and a dash of enthusiasm.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH GNOCCHI WITH SAUSAGE
Before diving into the cooking process, let’s get acquainted with the stars of this recipe. Each ingredient plays a special role in building layers of flavor and texture, creating a dish that’s comforting, satisfying, and effortlessly delicious.
- Gnocchi
Soft potato dumplings that soak up every drop of sauce, offering a pillowy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich cream and squash puree. You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience or homemade if you’re feeling ambitious.
- Olive Oil
A drizzle of quality olive oil is essential for sautéing the sausage and vegetables, adding a fruity base note that enhances the overall depth of the sauce without overpowering the delicate squash flavors.
- Italian Sausage
Crumbled and browned, this hearty protein brings savory, spiced notes to the dish. Removing the casing allows the sausage to break apart easily, ensuring every forkful has meaty richness.
- Butternut Squash
The heart of the sauce—creamy when pureed, with a naturally sweet undertone. Diced squash softens as it simmers, then transforms into a silky blanket that envelops the gnocchi.
- Onion
Provides a mild sweetness and aromatic base when cooked until translucent. It works alongside garlic to build a flavorful foundation for the sauce.
- Garlic
Just a few cloves add a punch of pungent, savory goodness that brightens the creamy elements and complements the sausage’s richness.
- Chicken Broth
Used to thin the squash mixture and deglaze the pan, it adds subtle savory notes that deepen the sauce while keeping it light enough to coat the gnocchi.
- Heavy Cream
Introduces lusciousness and body to the sauce, creating that irresistible creamy texture we all crave in comfort-food pasta dishes.
- Parmesan Cheese
Grated into the sauce, this cheese melts into creamy pockets of umami, boosting the savory profile and adding a lightly nutty finish.
- Nutmeg
A whisper of warm spice that complements the sweetness of the squash and balances the richness of cream and cheese.
- Salt and Pepper
Simple seasoning that highlights and harmonizes all flavors—don’t skimp on tasting and adjusting to your preference.
- Fresh Sage Leaves
Used as a garnish, these aromatic leaves add a fresh, earthy pop of color and flavor at the very end, elevating each bite.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
For those who love a little heat, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a playful kick without overwhelming the dish.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH GNOCCHI WITH SAUSAGE
Before we jump into the step-by-step, let’s talk about the overall process. You’ll start by cooking the gnocchi and browning the sausage, then build a lush squash-based sauce that’s pureed until smooth. Finally, everything gets tossed together for a one-pan dinner that’s ready in under an hour.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Drain and set aside in a warm bowl.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it sizzles. Once golden and cooked through, remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
3. In the same skillet, add the diced butternut squash and onion. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the squash is fork-tender and the onion is translucent, about 8–10 minutes. Add the garlic and sauté for an additional minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let it simmer for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
5. Use an immersion blender to puree the squash mixture until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until velvety, then return it to the skillet.
6. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes luxuriously creamy.
7. Add the cooked sausage and gnocchi back to the skillet and toss everything to coat evenly with the squash sauce. Ensure each gnocchi piece is enrobed in that silky goodness.
8. Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick, if desired.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH GNOCCHI WITH SAUSAGE
There’s something magical about plating this dish in a way that brings out all its cozy, autumnal vibes. The vibrant orange sauce, flecks of green sage, and optional red pepper flakes turn each serving into a mini celebration. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, these suggestions will help you showcase this creamy gnocchi masterpiece to its fullest potential.
- Family-Style Platter
Spoon the gnocchi and sausage onto a large, shallow serving dish. Scatter extra grated Parmesan down the center and nestle a handful of fresh sage leaves on top. Let everyone dig in directly, passing around crusty bread for a communal, comforting meal.
- Individual Shallow Bowls
Plate the gnocchi in wide, shallow bowls to highlight the sauce-to-gnocchi ratio. Drizzle a tiny swirl of extra cream around the edges and add a final sage leaf for a restaurant-inspired touch. The presentation feels elegant yet approachable.
- Side of Arugula Salad
Serve a crisp arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette alongside the gnocchi. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes cut through the richness, providing a refreshing contrast that keeps the meal balanced and vibrant.
- Garlic-Rubbed Crostini
Toast thin slices of baguette, rub with a cut clove of garlic, and brush with olive oil. Arrange the crostini on the table so guests can scoop up any remaining sauce—these crunchy bites are perfect for mopping up every last drop of goodness.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY BUTTERNUT SQUASH GNOCCHI WITH SAUSAGE
If you’re anything like me, leftovers are a welcome bonus—and this dish holds up beautifully in the fridge or freezer. Proper storage will maintain that creamy texture and full-bodied flavor so you can enjoy it again without compromise.
- Refrigerate
Transfer cooled gnocchi to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freeze Portions
For longer storage, divide the dish into individual freezer-safe containers. Label with the date, then freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Reheat Evenly
Whether from fridge or freezer, always reheat over medium-low heat in a non-stick skillet. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to help the sauce regain its silky consistency. Add extra liquid sparingly until you reach your desired creaminess.
- Prevent Sogginess
If you plan to keep leftovers, consider storing the gnocchi separate from the sauce. This technique helps both components maintain their original texture—simply combine and warm when you’re ready for seconds.
CONCLUSION
Cooking Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavors—silky squash, savory sausage, and a touch of nutmeg all come together in one satisfying dish. We’ve walked through every step, from choosing the perfect ingredients to mastering the silky sauce, so you can confidently bring this intermediate-level dinner to your table. Don’t forget that this recipe takes only 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend feasts. Feel free to print this article and save it for future gatherings or chilly evenings when you need a reliable comfort-food hit.
Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ section (just scroll down!) to address common questions about ingredient swaps, vegetarian options, and tips for gluten-free adaptations. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Leave a comment, ask a question, or share your feedback—whether you experimented with a veggie version or doubled the sausage for extra punch, your kitchen stories are what make cooking so delightful. Happy cooking, and may every bite bring warmth and joy to your home!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Description
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage offers a symphony of flavors—silky squash, hearty sausage, and a touch of nutmeg come together in perfect harmony.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to package instructions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, add the butternut squash and onion. Cook over medium heat until the squash is tender and the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
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Pour in the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 5 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
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Use an immersion blender to puree the squash mixture until smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, then return it to the skillet.
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Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened.
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Add the cooked sausage and gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy butternut squash sauce.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves and optional crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Note
- This dish can be made vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- You can prepare the butternut squash sauce in advance and reheat it when ready to serve for easy meal prep.
- For an added layer of flavor, roast the butternut squash before incorporating it into the sauce.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free gnocchi available at most health food stores.
