Irresistible Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi Recipe with Savory Herbs

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty butternut squash gnocchi that seamlessly blends rustic Italian flavors with seasonal warmth.

Soft, pillowy gnocchi dance with spicy sausage in a rich, aromatic sauce that whispers autumn’s delicate notes.

Each bite promises a luxurious experience where tender squash-infused dumplings mingle with savory meat and fragrant herbs.

Wild thyme and earthy sage weave their magic through the creamy landscape, creating depth and complexity.

The golden-brown sausage adds a robust crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky gnocchi texture.

Perfectly balanced and deeply satisfying, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

You’ll want to savor every forkful of this soul-warming creation that celebrates the best of seasonal cooking.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Italian Sausage: Adds rich, meaty depth and spicy undertones to the dish, choose high-quality ground sausage with robust seasoning.
• Potato Gnocchi: Provides pillowy soft base that absorbs sauce beautifully, look for fresh or vacuum-sealed packages for best texture.

• Fresh Sage, Fresh Thyme: Introduces earthy woodland notes and vibrant herbal essence, select bright green leaves with strong fragrance and no wilting.
• Garlic: Delivers intense aromatic base with subtle pungent kick, pick firm cloves without sprouts or soft spots.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances and balances overall flavor profile, use coarse sea salt and freshly ground pepper for maximum impact.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Creates luxurious silky sauce with layers of savory complexity, opt for organic cream with high butterfat content and low-sodium broth.
• Butternut Squash Puree: Offers smooth, velvety sweetness and gorgeous golden color, choose pure, unseasoned puree without added sugars.
• Olive Oil: Provides smooth cooking foundation and subtle fruity undertone, select extra virgin cold-pressed variety.

Tools for Making Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

• Large skillet: Essential for cooking sausage, gnocchi, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Sharp knife: Perfect for removing sausage casings and slicing meat evenly.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the skillet.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure heavy cream and chicken broth.
• Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for preparing ingredients.
• Garlic press (optional): Useful for mincing garlic quickly and uniformly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 14 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Calories: 570 kcal

Servings: 5

Cooking Instructions for Butternut Squash Gnocchi Dish

• Sausage Preparation

Remove casings from sausages and slice into bite-sized pieces for even cooking and flavor distribution.

• Sausage Sizzling

Heat olive oil in a large skillet and brown sausage slices until golden and crispy on both sides, creating delicious caramelized edges.

• Gnocchi Transformation

Pour gnocchi into the skillet with cream and broth, allowing them to simmer and become pillowy soft while absorbing rich flavors.

• Squash Magic

Blend butternut squash puree and garlic into the skillet, creating a velvety sauce that coats the gnocchi and sausage with silky smoothness.

• Herbal Symphony

Sprinkle chopped sage and thyme throughout the dish, releasing aromatic notes that elevate the entire meal. Season with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of each ingredient.

• Final Touch

Plate the gnocchi and garnish with remaining fresh herbs, ensuring a vibrant and inviting presentation that promises a comforting and delectable dining experience.

Flavor Tips for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs

• Pasta Perfection Hacks: Transform your gnocchi game with these expert tips and delicious twists.
• Sausage Selection Magic: Choose spicy Italian sausage for a kick or mild breakfast sausage for a gentler flavor profile. Each variety brings a unique depth to the creamy sauce.
• Veggie Swap Strategy: Replace butternut squash with pumpkin puree or sweet potato for seasonal variety. Roasted vegetables add extra caramelized notes that elevate the entire dish's complexity.
• Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Prepare the sausage and sauce base up to two days in advance. Store in an airtight container and reheat gently, adding fresh herbs just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavor and aroma.
• Dairy-Free Dream: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a lighter, plant-based alternative. Use turkey sausage or plant-based sausage crumbles to keep the protein intact while accommodating different dietary needs.

Serving Butternut Squash Gnocchi the Tasty Way

• Cozy Dinner Date Night: Impress your special someone with this rich, comforting dish that feels like a warm culinary hug. The creamy sauce and hearty sausage create a romantic atmosphere perfect for sharing.
• Rustic Family Feast: Gather around the table and watch everyone's eyes light up with this crowd-pleasing meal. Kids and adults alike will love the tender gnocchi and savory sausage combination.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Match this creamy dish with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir. The wine's acidity will cut through the richness and complement the herbal notes of sage and thyme.
• Weekend Comfort Meal: Transform your weekend lunch or dinner into a gourmet experience without spending hours in the kitchen. This one-skillet wonder delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, making it ideal for lazy weekend cooking.

Meal Planning for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal flavor quality.
• Chilled Storage Duration: Refrigerate the gnocchi for 3-4 days maximum. The creamy sauce and sausage might slightly separate, so gently stir when reheating to restore original texture.
• Revive and Reheat Technique: Warm gnocchi in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore moisture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating throughout the dish.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: For longer storage, freeze the gnocchi in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, which helps maintain the sauce's smooth consistency and prevents ingredient separation.

Velvety Butternut Squash Gnocchi

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4.9 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Rich butternut squash gnocchi delights home cooks with its comforting Italian-inspired flavors. Homemade pasta combines roasted squash, crispy sausage, and aromatic herbs for a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

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• 12 oz (340 g) Italian sausage, casings removed
• 10 oz (280 g) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup (240 ml) butternut squash puree
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• ½ cup (120 ml) chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tbsps (30 ml) fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Coarsely ground black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Liberate sausage from its casing and slice into delicate morsels, ensuring uniform cooking and flavor penetration.
2. Caramelization: Heat olive oil in a generous skillet over medium flame. Introduce sausage pieces, rotating to achieve a golden-brown exterior that locks in robust flavors.
3. Liquid Integration: Add gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the sizzling skillet. Momentarily elevate heat to trigger a gentle boil, then reduce and cover, allowing gnocchi to absorb the surrounding essence while becoming tender.
4. Flavor Layering: Incorporate butternut squash puree and finely chopped garlic, stirring with a delicate touch. Maintain a low simmer to encourage sauce reduction and create a sumptuous, velvety texture.
5. Herb Infusion and Seasoning: Sprinkle sage and thyme throughout the skillet, releasing their aromatic essence. Calibrate salt and pepper to harmonize with the sausage’s natural salinity, creating a balanced flavor profile.
6. Plating and Finale: Cascade the creamy gnocchi onto serving dishes, crowning with remaining fresh herbs. The verdant garnish provides a vibrant contrast to the rich, indulgent sauce.

Notes

• Sausage Preparation: Remove casing and slice into small, uniform pieces for even cooking and flavor distribution.
• Caramelization Technique: Brown sausage slowly in olive oil, turning pieces to develop deep, rich flavors and achieve golden color.
• Gnocchi Cooking Method: Add gnocchi with cream and broth, creating a gentle boil then reducing heat to allow absorption of surrounding flavors and achieve pillowy texture.
• Herb and Seasoning Strategy: Balance dish with fresh sage and thyme, carefully seasoning to complement the sausage’s natural saltiness while adding aromatic depth.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 14 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 570
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg