If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in the coziest, most comforting hug, the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe will absolutely steal your heart. Imagine pillowy gnocchi swimming in a luscious sauce made from velvety butternut squash puree, fragrant sage, and a hint of nutmeg, all perfectly balanced with savory Italian sausage. It’s a dish that combines rustic charm and elegant flavors on your plate, making every bite an experience you want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color in this dish. From the creamy richness of heavy cream to the aromatic freshness of sage, every element comes together seamlessly.
- Olive oil: A good base for browning sausage and sautéing garlic, adding subtle fruitiness.
- Italian sausage: The star protein that brings bold, savory depth and a touch of spice.
- Garlic: Freshly minced to infuse the sauce with pungent, aromatic notes.
- Butternut squash puree: Provides natural sweetness and silky body to the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Adds a delicate savory undertone and thins the sauce perfectly.
- Heavy cream: Delivers that irresistibly creamy texture everyone loves in comforting dishes.
- Parmesan cheese: A punch of salty, nutty flavor that enriches the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Basic seasonings to heighten all the natural flavors.
- Ground nutmeg: A warming spice that complements the butternut squash beautifully.
- Fresh sage: Bright herbal notes that elevate the sauce’s complexity (dried works too!).
- Potato gnocchi: Soft, pillowy dumplings that soak up the creamy sauce.
- Fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Sausage
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through—about 5 to 7 minutes. This browning step is critical because it develops rich flavor and the aroma that’ll fill your kitchen is simply irresistible. Once done, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from getting too heavy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss the minced garlic into the skillet with the sausage and cook for about one minute until you can smell its intoxicating fragrance. This quick step softens the garlic’s raw edge and releases its essential oils, which blend into the sauce to add a savory punch.
Step 3: Build the Creamy Sauce
Add the butternut squash puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and chopped fresh sage to the skillet. Stir everything together until you have a smooth and cohesive sauce. Let it gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. This simmer allows the flavors to deepen and the sauce to thicken slightly, giving you that perfect creamy consistency you crave in the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
While your sauce is simmering, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the potato gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions – usually just a few minutes until they float to the surface. This quick cooking time keeps the gnocchi tender and pillowy. Once cooked, drain them well and set aside.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Gently transfer the cooked gnocchi into your creamy sausage and butternut squash sauce. Let this beautiful combination simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes so the gnocchi absorbs just a bit of that incredible sauce. This step ties the entire dish together, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor and creaminess.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Garnishes
For the finishing touch, sprinkle some fresh parsley over the top or grate additional Parmesan cheese to add an inviting pop of color and a burst of extra flavor. These simple garnishes make the dish look as stunning as it tastes and add a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, or roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or asparagus. These sides bring crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more gourmet presentation, serve this gnocchi in individual shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil and a few sage leaves crisped in butter on top. You can also add a touch of toasted walnuts or pine nuts for delightful texture that complements the smoothness of the sauce. Presentation adds an extra wow factor that will impress guests or treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When storing, try to separate the gnocchi from the sauce if possible to prevent them from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.
Freezing
Freezing this dish is possible but not ideal for the gnocchi’s texture. If you do want to freeze, place the sauce and gnocchi separately in freezer-safe containers. The sauce freezes beautifully for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the sauce gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently. Add the gnocchi last to avoid overcooking and drying them out. You can also add a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickened too much during storage. This helps maintain the creamy consistency that makes this recipe so mouthwatering.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Absolutely! Store-bought gnocchi work wonderfully and save time, making this a great weeknight dinner option. Just be sure to follow the package cooking instructions for best results.
What kind of sausage is best for this dish?
Italian sausage, whether sweet or spicy, is ideal because it pairs perfectly with the creamy butternut squash sauce. If you like more heat, choose spicy Italian sausage, or opt for sweet sausage for a milder flavor.
Can I make the butternut squash puree from scratch?
Definitely! Roasting fresh butternut squash and pureeing it yourself adds a lovely depth of flavor. Just roast peeled chunks until tender, then blend until smooth. It’s a simple step that takes this recipe up a notch.
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
You can swap the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based sausage alternative. The creamy butternut squash sauce remains deliciously rich, making it a satisfying option for vegetarians.
What wine pairs well with the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe?
A lightly oaked Chardonnay or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir complements this dish beautifully. These wines have enough acidity and fruitiness to cut through the richness without overpowering the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Cooking the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is like creating a little bowl of joy—something warm, comforting, and incredibly satisfying. It’s a dish perfect for any night you want to spoil yourself with flavors that are vibrant yet soothing. I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a new favorite, one you’ll love sharing just as much as eating.
Print
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a rich and comforting dish combining tender gnocchi with a velvety sauce made from roasted butternut squash puree, Italian sausage, and fragrant herbs. Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner, it offers a blend of savory and slightly sweet flavors complemented by Parmesan cheese and fresh sage.
Ingredients
Sauce and Sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb Italian sausage (casings removed if using links)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash puree (fresh or canned)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh sage (or 1/4 teaspoon dried)
Gnocchi
- 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or additional Parmesan, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the sausage.
- Cook the sausage: Add the Italian sausage to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This usually takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Drain any excess grease if necessary to avoid a greasy dish.
- Sauté the garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook it for about 1 minute or until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add sauce ingredients: Pour in the butternut squash puree, chicken broth, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, ground nutmeg, and chopped fresh sage. Stir everything thoroughly until well combined to form the sauce.
- Simmer the sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently over medium-low heat for 5 to 7 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld.
- Cook the gnocchi: While the sauce simmers, cook the potato gnocchi in a pot of salted boiling water following the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
- Combine gnocchi and sauce: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Simmer everything together for another 2 to 3 minutes to combine the flavors and heat through.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy butternut squash gnocchi hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or extra grated Parmesan cheese according to your taste preferences.
Notes
- You can use fresh butternut squash puree by roasting peeled and cubed squash until tender and then blending it until smooth.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper at the end to suit your taste.
- For a spicier dish, use spicy Italian sausage instead of mild.
- Homemade gnocchi can be used for a fresher taste and texture.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
