Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This dish is a perfect blend of creamy and savory. The butternut squash sauce is velvety and slightly sweet, the sausage adds bold flavor, and the gnocchi provide that soft, chewy texture that makes every bite comforting. It’s easy to make, comes together in about 30 minutes, and tastes like something from a high-end Italian restaurant. The flavors are balanced — rich yet light — and it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies without losing indulgence.
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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: A Cozy Fall Comfort Dish
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a cozy, comforting fall-inspired dish that combines pillowy gnocchi with savory Italian sausage and a velvety butternut squash cream sauce. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for an easy yet impressive dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash puree (or roasted butternut squash, blended smooth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon dried sage (or 1 teaspoon fresh)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the sausage until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add olive oil and butter. Sauté the onion for 3–4 minutes until softened, then add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the butternut squash puree, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Season with salt, pepper, nutmeg, and sage. Simmer for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Return the cooked sausage and gnocchi to the skillet. Toss until everything is well coated in the sauce and heated through, about 2–3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Use spicy Italian sausage for a kick or chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- You can use pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash for a similar flavor.
- To make it dairy-free, substitute coconut cream and omit the cheese.
- This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Gnocchi: Soft potato dumplings that serve as the perfect base to soak up the creamy sauce. You can use store-bought or homemade.
Italian Sausage: Adds a savory, spiced contrast to the sweet squash. Choose mild or spicy depending on your preference.
Butternut Squash: The star of the sauce — naturally creamy, subtly sweet, and full of fall flavor.
Olive Oil: Used to sauté the sausage and aromatics while enhancing richness.
Butter: Adds a silky texture and depth to the sauce.
Garlic: Brings warmth and aroma, perfectly complementing the squash.
Shallots or Onion: Adds sweetness and helps build the flavor base of the sauce.
Chicken Broth: Thins the sauce while keeping it savory.
Heavy Cream: The key to creating a smooth, velvety consistency. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds umami and ties the sauce together with a nutty finish.
Fresh Sage: Classic with butternut squash — earthy and fragrant.
Nutmeg (optional): A pinch enhances the squash’s natural sweetness and gives a cozy aroma.
Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning and balance.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For a hint of heat.
Fresh Parsley or Basil: For garnish and freshness when serving.
Directions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove and set aside on a plate.
In the same skillet, add a bit of butter, then sauté the shallots (or onion) until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the butternut squash cubes and chicken broth. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook until the squash is fork-tender — about 10–12 minutes.
Transfer the squash mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender) and blend until smooth and creamy. Return the sauce to the skillet over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, sage, nutmeg, and season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if desired.
Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions — they’re ready when they float to the top. Drain and add directly into the skillet with the sauce. Stir in the cooked sausage and toss gently until everything is well coated.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people generously. Prep time takes about 15 minutes, cooking time is 20 minutes, and total time is roughly 35 minutes — perfect for a quick yet indulgent fall dinner.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. This dish does not freeze well due to the cream-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Vegetarian Version
Skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a meat-free meal that’s just as hearty.
Spicy Italian Twist
Use hot Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a fiery flavor.
Bacon Lovers’ Option
Replace sausage with crispy bacon or pancetta for smoky, savory notes.
Sage Brown Butter Finish
Drizzle brown butter infused with crispy sage leaves over the top for an aromatic, nutty touch.
Dairy-Free Option
Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and vegan cheese for a lighter, dairy-free version.
Butternut Squash Ravioli Sauce
Use the sauce alone over butternut squash or cheese ravioli for a rich, restaurant-style meal.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes — it’s a great shortcut. Just simmer until fully tender before blending.
2. Can I make this ahead of time?
You can make the sauce a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat gently and add cooked gnocchi and sausage just before serving.
3. Can I use sweet potato gnocchi?
Absolutely — it adds extra sweetness and complements the sauce beautifully.
4. What cheese works best besides Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago add a sharper, saltier flavor.
5. Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Consider adding a bit more cheese to thicken it.
6. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free gnocchi or pasta — many stores carry excellent options.
7. Can I roast the squash instead?
Yes, roasting deepens the flavor — just blend the roasted cubes with broth and continue as directed.
8. How can I make it extra creamy?
Add a tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone to the sauce before blending.
9. What side dishes go well with this?
A crisp green salad or roasted Brussels sprouts make perfect companions.
10. Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based sausage work well here.
Conclusion
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate fall comfort dish — rich, velvety, and bursting with cozy flavor. The combination of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, and pillowy gnocchi creates a comforting meal that’s both rustic and refined. It’s easy to make, beautifully seasonal, and sure to impress anyone lucky enough to have a plate. Whether you’re cooking for a chilly weeknight or entertaining guests, this dish brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of elegance to your table.
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