Easy Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe | Weeknight Dinner Winner

Posted on December 8, 2023 by Kate

Introduction

Remember those chilly autumn evenings when a warm, comforting meal felt like a hug in a bowl? This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage recipe is exactly that – a bowl of pure bliss that tastes like it took hours, but is surprisingly quick and simple to whip up. It’s the kind of dish that makes your kitchen smell amazing and your family ask for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can have this on the table in under 30 minutes!
Easy: Minimal chopping and simple steps mean even beginner cooks can nail this.
Giftable: Imagine making a batch and sharing it with a neighbor or friend – they’ll be so grateful!
Crowd-pleasing: The combination of savory sausage, creamy squash sauce, and tender gnocchi is a guaranteed hit with everyone.

Ingredients

Let’s gather our goodies. These are all pretty straightforward and can be found at your local grocery store!

12 oz sausage: I like to use Italian sausage (sweet or spicy, your choice!), but you could also use breakfast sausage.
1 cup butternut squash puree: You can find this pre-pureed in a can, or roast and puree your own butternut squash for an extra special touch.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes all the difference, don’t you think?
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped: Sage and butternut squash are a match made in heaven.
2 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped: The earthy aroma of thyme complements the sweetness of the squash beautifully.
1/2 cup chicken broth: This helps thin out our creamy sauce just right.
10 oz potato gnocchi: Grab your favorite store-bought potato gnocchi. The pre-made kind cooks up super fast!
1 tbsp olive oil: For getting our sausage nice and browned.
1 cup heavy cream: This is what makes our sauce luxuriously creamy and rich.
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste: The finishing touches to make everything sing.

How to Make It

Alright, let’s get cooking! This is going to be so much fun, and even better to eat.

First things first, let’s get that sausage cooking. Pop your sausage into a large skillet over medium heat. You want it to get nice and browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Once it’s all cooked through, scoop the sausage out and set it aside. Don’t wipe out that skillet – those savory drippings are pure gold for our sauce!
If your skillet looks a little dry, add in about a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in your minced garlic and let it sizzle for just about a minute until it smells absolutely amazing. Be careful not to burn it!
Now for the magical sauce! Stir in your butternut squash puree, chicken broth, and that luscious heavy cream. Then, sprinkle in your chopped fresh sage and thyme. Give it all a good stir and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring here and there, until it starts to thicken up just a bit.
Time to taste and season! Add salt and coarsely ground black pepper until it tastes just right to you. This is your chance to make it perfect!
Now, drop your potato gnocchi right into that simmering, creamy sauce. Cook them according to the package directions. You’ll know they’re ready when they float up to the surface like little tender pillows.
Once the gnocchi are cooked, it’s time to bring back our delicious sausage. Stir it all together, making sure every single gnocchi is coated in that gorgeous, creamy butternut squash sauce.
Serve it up immediately! This dish is best enjoyed piping hot, straight from the skillet.

Substitutions & Additions

Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own! Here are a few ideas:

Vegetarian Option: Skip the sausage and add some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted Brussels sprouts for a delicious vegetarian meal.
Spice it Up: If you love a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce with the garlic.
Cheesy Goodness: A sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese stirred into the sauce at the end or sprinkled on top before serving takes it to another level.
Herbs: If you don’t have fresh sage or thyme, you can use about 1 teaspoon of dried sage and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme, but fresh really does add a special brightness.

Tips for Success

A few little tricks to make this recipe foolproof!

Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Gnocchi cook very quickly. Keep an eye on them and remove them from the sauce as soon as they float to ensure they’re tender and not gummy.
Prep Ahead: You can chop your garlic and herbs ahead of time. If you’re using fresh butternut squash, roast and puree it a day or two in advance and store it in the fridge.
Adjust Sauce Consistency: If your sauce seems too thick, add a splash more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce.

How to Store It

Leftovers? Lucky you! This creamy gnocchi is delightful the next day.

Store any leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, you might want to add a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce a bit, as it can thicken when chilled.

FAQs

Got a question? We’ve got answers!

Can I use canned pumpkin puree instead of butternut squash? Yes, absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree will work in a pinch, though the flavor profile will be slightly different. It will still be delicious!
What kind of sausage is best? Italian sausage (sweet or spicy) is my go-to because it has great flavor. However, good quality breakfast sausage or even chorizo would be interesting additions!
Can I make this gluten-free? You can easily make this gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi! Many brands now offer delicious gluten-free options.

Enjoy every single bite of this comforting, cozy dish! Happy cooking!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi & Sausage

Print Recipe

A quick and easy weeknight dinner featuring tender gnocchi in a creamy butternut squash sauce with savory sausage. This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy evening and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale

Main ingredients

12 oz sausage (Italian sausage (sweet or spicy recommended))
1 cup butternut squash puree (canned or homemade)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp fresh sage (chopped)
2 tbsp fresh thyme (chopped)
0.5 cup chicken broth
10 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 cup heavy cream
to taste salt
to taste black pepper (coarsely ground)

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Instructions

Cook sausage in a large skillet over medium heat until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove sausage and set aside. Do not wipe out the skillet.
If skillet is dry, add olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
Stir in butternut squash puree, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Sprinkle in chopped sage and thyme. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken.
Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add potato gnocchi to the simmering sauce and cook according to package directions, or until they float to the surface.
Stir the cooked sausage back into the skillet with the gnocchi and sauce, ensuring all gnocchi are coated.
Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted Brussels sprouts. For a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes with the garlic. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese can be stirred in or used as a topping. Dried herbs can be substituted for fresh, using about 1 teaspoon each of dried sage and thyme.