Luscious Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage Recipe

Autumn’s golden hues inspire comfort dishes that warm the soul, and this creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe delivers pure culinary magic.

Pillowy potato dumplings dance with robust Italian sausage in a velvety sauce that whispers of seasonal comfort.

The butternut squash adds a luxurious sweetness that balances the savory meat perfectly.

Rich, hearty ingredients blend seamlessly to create a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a crisp evening.

Each forkful promises a symphony of textures and flavors that celebrates the best of fall cooking.

Tender gnocchi and spicy sausage come together in a meal that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet experience.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible autumn masterpiece.

Cooking Instructions for Gnocchi & Sausage

• Sausage Preparation

Remove meat from casings and slice into bite-sized pieces.

• Searing Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook sausage slices until golden brown on both sides, creating a rich caramelized exterior.

• Liquid Base

Add gnocchi, cream, and broth to the skillet. Allow mixture to bubble and create a luscious sauce, then lower heat and cover.

• Flavor Infusion

Incorporate butternut squash puree and garlic into the simmering sauce. Let ingredients meld together, creating a velvety texture and deep, comforting flavors.

• Herbal Finish

Remove skillet from heat and sprinkle fresh sage and thyme throughout the dish. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the overall taste profile.

• Serving

Transfer gnocchi to serving plates, ensuring each portion is generously coated with the creamy sauce and garnished with remaining herbs.

Flavor Boosts & Suggestions for Butternut Gnocchi

• Replace Italian sausage with chorizo, chicken sausage, or plant-based alternatives for different flavor profiles and dietary needs.
• Incorporate roasted Brussels sprouts, spinach, or kale to increase nutrition and add extra texture to the creamy sauce.
• Prepare the sauce and sausage mixture in advance, storing separately in refrigerator. Combine and reheat when ready to serve, ensuring quick weeknight meal preparation.
• Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan, pecorino, or crumbled goat cheese on top for an extra layer of richness and depth of flavor.

Serving Ideas for Gnocchi Dish

• Rustic Family Dinner Night: Gather your loved ones around the table and enjoy this hearty gnocchi dish that brings warmth and comfort to every bite.
• Autumn Harvest Presentation: Serve on wooden platters with extra fresh herbs sprinkled on top, creating a beautiful seasonal display that celebrates fall flavors.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light red such as Chianti to complement the rich, creamy sauce and savory sausage.
• Crispy Herbal Topping: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or crispy sage leaves over the gnocchi for added texture and an elegant gourmet touch that elevates the entire dish.

How to Store Butternut Gnocchi with Sausage

• Fridge Fresh Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before refrigerating to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Quick Meal Prep Strategy: Prepare gnocchi and sausage mixture ahead of time. Store components separately in sealed containers, combining just before serving to keep ingredients crisp and flavors vibrant.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Package cooled gnocchi dish in freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, label with date, and store up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent sauce separation.
• Reheating Pro Tips: Warm leftovers in skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of chicken broth to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 600 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

• Italian Sausage: Adds robust meaty depth and rich savory notes, choose fresh ground links with high fat content for maximum flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates silky liquid foundation, opt for low-sodium versions to control salt levels.

• Heavy Cream: Delivers luxurious velvety consistency, select high-quality cream with minimum 36% butterfat.
• Butternut Squash Puree: Brings subtle sweetness and gorgeous golden color, use roasted and smooth homemade or premium canned varieties.

• Sage: Introduces earthy woodland essence, select fresh vibrant leaves with no wilting.
• Thyme: Provides delicate woodsy undertones, choose fresh sprigs with bright green color.

• Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings creating hearty base, select fresh or high-quality vacuum-sealed packages.
• Olive Oil: Enables smooth cooking and adds mild fruity undertone, use extra virgin for best flavor.

• Garlic: Delivers pungent aromatic kick, choose firm cloves without sprouts.
• Salt and Pepper: Balances and elevates overall taste profile, use freshly ground black pepper.

Kitchen Essentials for Butternut Gnocchi

• Large, high-sided skillet: Essential for browning sausage and cooking the entire dish.
• Knife: Perfect for slicing sausage and mincing garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients while cooking.
• Measuring cups: Helpful for accurately measuring cream and chicken broth.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.

Rustic Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade butternut squash gnocchi delights palates with its rich, silky texture and robust sausage complement. Hearty Italian-inspired comfort merges seasonal ingredients, inviting you to savor each comforting forkful.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 cup (240 milliliters, 8 fl oz) butternut squash puree
• 10 oz (280 grams) potato gnocchi
• 12 oz (340 grams) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 cup (240 milliliters, 8 fl oz) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 milliliters, 4 fl oz) chicken broth
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 milliliters) fresh thyme
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp (15 milliliters) olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Sausage Preparation: Expertly extract sausage from its casing, slicing into delicate, uniform pieces that promise robust flavor.
2. Skillet Searing: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, creating an ideal golden landscape for sautéing sausage until caramelized and crisp on both sides.
3. Gnocchi Integration: Introduce gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth into the skillet, allowing ingredients to merge and simmer, creating a luxurious sauce that envelops each pillow-like pasta.
4. Flavor Enhancement: Incorporate butternut squash puree and minced garlic, stirring gently to develop a velvety, complex sauce that coats the gnocchi with rich, creamy goodness.
5. Herbal Infusion: Sprinkle sage and thyme throughout the dish, creating aromatic layers that elevate the overall sensory experience while seasoning with salt and pepper to balance flavors.
6. Final Presentation: Remove from heat, garnish with remaining herbs, ensuring a visually stunning and deeply satisfying culinary creation ready to be devoured.

Notes

• Prepare Sausage Perfectly: Remove casing and slice uniformly for even cooking and maximum flavor distribution.
• Master Caramelization Technique: Let sausage develop golden-brown edges by cooking undisturbed, creating rich depth and intense taste.
• Control Sauce Consistency: Simmer gently to thicken sauce naturally, allowing ingredients to meld and gnocchi to absorb creamy textures.
• Herb Infusion Timing: Add half the herbs during cooking and reserve remaining herbs for fresh garnish, ensuring layered aromatic complexity.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg