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