Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, thyme, and sage blends comforting fall flavors into a rich, satisfying meal that comes together quickly on a weeknight. The balance of savory sausage and fragrant herbs with the sweetness of butternut squash creates a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. It’s perfect when you want something cozy but still elegant enough to share.

I first made this recipe during a chilly autumn weekend and was amazed at how the flavors melded so well. Now it’s become a favorite that my family asks for when the weather turns cool.

Ingredients

• Italian sausage with casings removed: adds a spicy and savory richness& choose good quality fresh sausage with herbs or fennel for authenticity
• Olive oil: essential for browning sausage and enhancing flavor& extra virgin preferred for the best taste
• Potato gnocchi: quick-cooking dumplings that soak up creamy sauce beautifully& fresh or frozen both work well
• Heavy cream: creates a luscious, velvety sauce& for a lighter option, half and half can be substituted but sauce will be less rich
• Chicken broth: adds depth and balances the creaminess& use low sodium to control salt levels
• Butternut squash puree: brings natural sweetness and vibrant color& fresh roasted and then pureed squash yields best flavor but canned puree can work in a pinch
• Garlic minced: sharp aroma that builds the base flavor& fresh garlic always
• Fresh sage chopped: earthy and slightly peppery herb& choose vibrant green leaves without brown spots
• Fresh thyme: subtle minty and lemon notes that brighten the dish& tender sprigs are ideal
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste: seasoning balances and enhances all the flavors

Instructions

Sauté the Sausage:

Remove casings from the Italian sausage and slice into bite-sized pieces. Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large high-sided skillet. Place the sausage pieces flat in the pan without stirring to get a good sear and brown on one side for about 4 minutes. Then flip and cook another 2 minutes until browned and cooked through. Browning is key as it deepens flavor and adds texture.

Add Gnocchi and Liquids:

Next, add the uncooked potato gnocchi to the skillet with the sausage. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring to combine everything evenly. Cover the pan with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes. The gnocchi will absorb the liquid and become tender while the sauce starts to thicken.

Incorporate Butternut Squash and Garlic:

Remove the lid and stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Return the sauce to a boil on medium heat then lower to medium-low. Stir frequently and cook for about 3 minutes or longer if you prefer a thicker sauce. Make sure the gnocchi are cooked through and the garlic softens but does not turn bitter. Adjust heat to prevent burning.

Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning:

Remove the pan from the heat and stir in half of the fresh sage and thyme. Season carefully with salt and coarsely ground black pepper considering the sausage seasoning. Transfer the gnocchi to plates and garnish generously with the remaining fresh sage and thyme for an herbaceous punch and pretty presentation.

My favorite ingredient is the fresh sage because its earthy aroma transforms the whole dish. I remember the first time I added sage fresh from my garden—its fragrance lifted the flavors and made the meal feel cozy and truly seasonal.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb more of the sauce over time, so reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen before serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

For a vegetarian version swap sausage for crumbled tempeh or a sautéed mushroom medley. Use vegetable broth in place of chicken broth. You can also substitute the butternut squash puree with sweet potato puree for a slightly different natural sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A side of roasted Brussels sprouts or steamed green beans adds a fresh contrast. Finish off with a sprinkle of parmesan or pecorino cheese if desired.

This recipe balances cozy comfort with elegant flavors for a perfect autumn meal. Enjoy the rich combination of sausage, herbs, and creamy butternut squash gnocchi any night of the week.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I prepare the sausage for this dish?

Remove the casings and slice the sausage before browning it in olive oil in a skillet until nicely browned on both sides.

→ Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, uncooked potato gnocchi from the store works well and cooks quickly when added to the sauce.

→ What is the best way to thicken the sauce?

Simmer the sauce on low-medium heat after adding butternut squash puree and garlic, stirring regularly until it reaches your preferred consistency.

→ How are fresh thyme and sage incorporated?

Half the herbs are stirred into the sauce near the end of cooking, and the rest are sprinkled on top when serving for fresh herb aroma.

→ Should I add extra salt to the dish?

Season to taste, but be cautious as the sausage may already provide sufficient saltiness.