If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in comfort and flavor, look no further than this Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of tender gnocchi coated in a luscious, velvety sauce made from roasted butternut squash and creamy goodness, all complemented by the savory punch of Italian sausage. Each bite is a little celebration of autumn’s best flavors, luxurious textures, and a hint of spice that keeps things exciting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become your go-to for cozy weeknight dinners or casual entertaining with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, wholesome ingredients come together in this dish, each playing a vital role in building the rich, inviting flavor and perfect creaminess. From the juicy sausage to the sweet butternut squash purée, every element adds texture, taste, or color that makes this recipe shine.
- Olive oil: A light base for sautéing the sausage without overpowering other flavors.
- Italian sausage (sweet or spicy): Adds hearty, savory depth and a touch of spice that wakes up the palate.
- Garlic, minced: Brings a fragrant warmth that infuses the sauce beautifully.
- Roasted butternut squash purée: Provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture while giving the dish a gorgeous golden color.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Creates the rich, silky sauce that glazes the gnocchi perfectly.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds nutty, umami notes and more depth to the creaminess.
- Ground nutmeg: A subtle spice that enhances the butternut squash flavor without overwhelming it.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat and extra flavor layers.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring all the ingredients together.
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): Pillowy, tender little dumplings that soak up the sauce beautifully.
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish: Adds an herbal brightness and a lovely aroma when served.
- Additional Parmesan for serving: Because you can never have too much cheese!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, removing the casings, and cook it while breaking it apart with a spoon. Your goal is a beautiful golden-brown color and fully cooked meat in about 6 to 8 minutes. This step creates the savory backbone of the dish, rendering flavorful fat that will season the sauce beautifully.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Once the sausage is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for just one minute until fragrant. This quick step allows the garlic to release its sweet, aromatic qualities without becoming bitter or harsh.
Step 3: Create the Butternut Squash Cream Sauce
Add the roasted butternut squash purée and heavy cream to the skillet. Bring everything up to a gentle simmer, stirring often. This mixture melts the flavors into a creamy base that’s both comfortingly rich and vibrantly sweet from the squash.
Step 4: Season and Enrich
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, nutmeg, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, crushed red pepper flakes. This step layers in nutty, warm, and slightly spicy notes that make this Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe truly memorable. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring all the tastes together.
Step 5: Cook and Combine the Gnocchi
Meanwhile, cook your gnocchi according to the package instructions or your homemade method. They only take a few minutes until they float to the surface, which means they’re ready. Drain the gnocchi, but save a little pasta water—it can be a secret weapon to loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Add the gnocchi to the sauce and toss gently until every pillow is coated with that luscious cream sauce.
Step 6: Serve with Sage and Parmesan
Plate the dish hot, garnishing it with fresh sage leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. The sage gives a lovely herbal kick and aroma that elevates each spoonful, making the flavors truly come alive.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh sage leaves are the classic go-to here, adding a beautiful color contrast and an herbal freshness. For an extra touch, drizzle a little olive oil or sprinkle toasted pine nuts for crunch. A light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper and more Parmesan cheese always brings things a step higher in comfort and elegance.
Side Dishes
This dish is rich and filling on its own, but if you’d like something on the side, crisp roasted Brussels sprouts or a lightly dressed arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complement it perfectly. The peppery, bright greens cut through the creaminess and balance out the heaviness for a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fuss-free dinner party, serve this gnocchi in shallow bowls with sage sprigs photo-ready on top. You can also transfer into individual ramekins and broil with extra Parmesan for a lightly golden crust. Pair with rustic bread to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce—it’s not just delicious, it’s downright essential!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the sauce and gnocchi together for convenience, but gently reheat to avoid overcooking the gnocchi texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, portion the dish into freezer-safe containers, ensuring it’s cooled completely before sealing. It will keep well for up to two months. When ready to enjoy again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream, pasta water, or broth as needed to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Microwaving works too but stir halfway through to warm evenly and maintain that perfect texture we all love from gnocchi.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner option and still adds great flavor. Just keep in mind the texture and fat content will be different, so you might want to add a little olive oil for richness.
Is it better to use store-bought or homemade gnocchi?
Both options work beautifully. Store-bought gnocchi saves time and cooks quickly, while homemade gnocchi offers a fresher texture and personalized touch if you enjoy a little cooking project.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Use plant-based sausage alternatives, swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk, and replace Parmesan with nutritional yeast or vegan cheese. The butternut squash purée naturally adds a creamy base that helps keep it luxurious.
What’s the best way to roast butternut squash for this dish?
Peel and cube the squash, toss with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, then roast at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes until tender and caramelized. Then blend it into a smooth purée for the sauce.
Can I prep parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can roast and purée the squash a day ahead, cook and crumble the sausage in advance, and assemble everything just before serving. This makes dinner fast and stress-free on busy nights.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is a true delight that brings warmth and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. It’s comforting, colorful, and bursting with rich textures that make every bite feel special. Give it a try soon—you might just find your new favorite cozy dish to share with family and friends.
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Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi recipe that combines tender gnocchi with savory Italian sausage and a luscious butternut squash cream sauce, enhanced with fragrant garlic, Parmesan, and warm spices. Perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (sweet or spicy), casings removed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash purée
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gnocchi
- 16 ounces gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
To Garnish
- Fresh sage leaves
- Additional Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Warm 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, enhancing the sauce base.
- Add cream base: Pour in the roasted butternut squash purée and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to blend flavors.
- Season and finish sauce: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and optional crushed red pepper flakes until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook gnocchi: Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions, usually boiling until they float to the surface. Drain well, reserving a small amount of pasta water.
- Toss gnocchi in sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce and gently toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Plate the gnocchi immediately, garnishing with fresh sage leaves and extra Parmesan cheese for a flavorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes according to your desired spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Using fresh sage leaves for garnish adds a nice aromatic and visual touch.
- For a vegetarian option, omit sausage and consider using plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms.
- Roasted butternut squash purée can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
