If you are looking for a comforting yet elegant meal to impress your family or friends, the Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines the velvety sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the hearty, savory punch of Italian sausage, all wrapped up in tender, pillowy gnocchi. The creamy sauce is beautifully spiced and perfectly balanced, making each bite an absolute delight that feels both special and satisfyingly homey.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this rich and delicious dish, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that each bring a unique touch to the final flavor and texture. These straightforward components work harmoniously to create a meal that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen, even though it comes together in just 30 minutes.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing, adding a subtle fruitiness and helping develop the sausage’s flavor.
- Italian sausage (sweet or spicy): Adds a robust and savory element, with the option to control the heat level depending on your preference.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, it brings a fragrant aroma and depth of flavor that gently infuses the entire dish.
- Roasted butternut squash purée: Provides natural sweetness and a creamy texture without needing heavy cream in excess.
- Heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk: Creates the luscious, silky sauce that coats every gnocchi bite beautifully.
- Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, nutty richness that enhances the sauce’s complexity.
- Ground nutmeg: Just a pinch to bring warmth and a subtle spice that elevates the creaminess.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little heat, it offers a gentle kick without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the wonderful flavors.
- Gnocchi (store-bought or homemade): The star of the dish, with its soft, pillowy texture that soaks up the sauce perfectly.
- Fresh sage leaves: A fragrant herb that makes an elegant garnish and ties the dish together.
- Additional Parmesan: For serving and an extra cheesy finish if desired.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. The goal here is to get a nice, golden-brown sear on the sausage pieces while cooking them through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. This step locks in the sausage’s full flavor and sets the foundation for the sauce.
Step 2: Add Garlic for Aroma
Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant—this quick step infuses your kitchen with the comforting smell of garlic and makes sure the sauce will have that lovely depth of flavor.
Step 3: Incorporate Butternut Squash and Cream
Pour in the roasted butternut squash purée and heavy cream (or coconut milk for a dairy-free twist), stirring them gently into the sausage and garlic mixture. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, which allows the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly, creating that irresistible creamy texture.
Step 4: Season and Enrich the Sauce
Next, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese if you’re using it, followed by ground nutmeg and, if you like a bit of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything until smooth and creamy, then taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. This combination builds a complex, rich sauce with just the right balance of savory, sweet, and spicy notes.
Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi and Combine
While your sauce simmers, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions—usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface of boiling water. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a little pasta water. Add the gnocchi directly to the sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of the reserved pasta water helps loosen it, making every bite silky and smooth.
Step 6: Final Touches and Garnish
Once your gnocchi is well coated in that dreamy sauce, transfer it to plates or a serving bowl. Top with fresh sage leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a beautiful, flavorful finish that makes this dish look as amazing as it tastes.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
Garnishes
The fresh sage leaves aren’t just for show—they add a wonderful herbal aroma and a slight earthiness that pairs perfectly with the richness of the dish. A final dusting of Parmesan cheese will add an irresistible salty pop and creamy texture that makes each bite even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
Pairing this dish with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and refresh the palate. Roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans tossed with lemon zest are also fantastic choices to introduce some crunch and brightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, serve this gnocchi in rustic, shallow bowls that allow the sauce to spread beautifully around the gnocchi. Garnishing with extra sage leaves and freshly cracked black pepper just before serving adds a touch of elegance and freshness. If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle toasted pine nuts on top for an unexpected nutty crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days if stored in an airtight container. The sauce thickens as it cools, so it might seem dense the next day, but don’t worry; it’s easy to fix when reheating.
Freezing
While gnocchi texture can sometimes change after freezing, this recipe still freezes nicely. Place leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the gnocchi and sauce in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency, stirring occasionally. This method keeps the gnocchi tender without becoming mushy and retains the sauce’s luxurious texture.
FAQs
Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage can be a leaner alternative and will still bring plenty of flavor. You may want to season it a bit more since turkey sausage tends to be milder than pork sausage.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes, by substituting the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage, using coconut milk instead of cream, and omitting the Parmesan or replacing it with a vegan cheese alternative, you can enjoy a vegan version of the Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe without sacrificing flavor.
Can I prepare the butternut squash purée myself?
Definitely. Roasting fresh butternut squash until tender and then blending it in a food processor or with an immersion blender yields a homemade purée that is more flavorful and natural than store-bought options.
What type of gnocchi works best for this recipe?
Both store-bought and homemade gnocchi work wonderfully. Look for potato-based gnocchi that are fresh or frozen for the best texture; avoid ones that are too firm or pre-cooked and dried.
How spicy is this dish with the red pepper flakes?
The crushed red pepper flakes add a gentle warmth rather than intense heat. You can easily adjust the amount or leave it out entirely to keep the dish mild and family-friendly.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, full of comforting textures and bold, inviting flavors. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve when you want to impress. I encourage you to give it a try—you’ll soon realize why this recipe holds a special place on my table and, hopefully, on yours too!
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Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and comforting butternut squash and sausage gnocchi recipe combines savory Italian sausage with a smooth, rich butternut squash purée sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it features tender gnocchi tossed in a luscious cream sauce flavored with Parmesan, nutmeg, and garlic, finished with fresh sage and optional red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, this dish balances sweetness from the squash with savory and aromatic elements for a delightful fall-inspired pasta.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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
- 16 ounces gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
- Additional Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Heat the Oil and Cook Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Sauté the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned to enhance the flavor base.
- Add Squash and Cream: Pour in the roasted butternut squash purée and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer to thicken the sauce slightly.
- Incorporate Cheese and Seasonings: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese, ground nutmeg, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface, usually about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and reserve some pasta water.
- Toss Gnocchi with Sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the squash sauce. Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves and extra grated Parmesan cheese to taste.
Notes
- Use either sweet or spicy Italian sausage depending on your preferred heat level.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and omit Parmesan or use a suitable vegan alternative.
- If fresh squash purée is unavailable, canned butternut squash purée or well-mashed roasted squash can be used.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice tolerance or omit for no heat.
- Gnocchi can be homemade or store-bought; just follow package cooking instructions carefully.
- Reserve some pasta water while cooking gnocchi to help thin the sauce if needed for better coating.
- Fresh sage adds a lovely aromatic note but can be substituted with rosemary or thyme if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
