Soft, pillowy gnocchi tossed in a silky butternut squash cream sauce with savory sausage and fresh herbs makes this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, family gatherings, or impressing guests. This one-pan dish comes together quickly and tastes like a restaurant-quality meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This dish can be prepared in just 45 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich and Creamy Flavor: The butternut squash cream sauce is smooth and flavorful, beautifully complementing the sausage.
- One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup is required since everything cooks in one skillet, keeping your kitchen tidy.
- Versatile Ingredients: Easily swap ingredients or add extras to suit your taste, such as spinach or different proteins.
- Seasonal Appeal: A great choice for fall and winter meals, showcasing the flavors of the season.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start cooking your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, gather the essential tools needed to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large skillet: Ideal for cooking everything evenly in one pan, ensuring flavors meld beautifully.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring without scratching your cookware and allows you to easily break up ingredients like sausage.
Ingredients
For the Gnocchi Dish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16–18 ounces) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned. Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add onion and cook until softened for about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic, butternut squash, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 5–6 minutes until squash starts to soften.
Step 3: Deglaze & Simmer
Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Cover and cook for 8–10 minutes until squash is tender.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Use a fork or potato masher to lightly mash some of the squash in the pan. This creates a creamy sauce base while leaving some chunks for texture.
Step 5: Cook Gnocchi
Add gnocchi directly to the skillet. Simmer for 4–5 minutes while stirring occasionally until the gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine & Finish
Stir sausage back into the skillet along with Parmesan cheese. If using spinach, add it now and let it wilt in the hot sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Step 7: Serve
Garnish with parsley or crispy sage leaves along with extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Serving Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is all about enhancing the experience with delightful pairings and presentation. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate this comforting dish.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley or sage for a burst of color and flavor.
- Toasted Nuts: Add toasted walnuts or pine nuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Extra Cheese: Serve with an extra grating of Parmesan for cheese lovers.
Accompaniments
- Crusty Bread: A slice of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Side Salad: A light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the gnocchi.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add a healthy balance to your meal.
Presentation Tips
- Colorful Plates: Use colorful plates to make the dish visually appealing.
- Layering Styles: Layer the gnocchi on a bed of spinach for added greens and a pop of color.
- Serving Bowls: Consider using rustic bowls for a cozy, comforting feel.
How to Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
To achieve the best version of Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, consider these helpful tips that can enhance flavor and texture.
- Bold Flavor Base: Start by browning the sausage well; this adds depth to your sauce.
- Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs like thyme and parsley for maximum aroma and taste.
- Texture Control: Lightly mash some butternut squash in the sauce to create a creamy base, while leaving chunks for texture.
- Custom Spice Levels: Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your spice preference; omit them for a milder dish.
- Quality Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan, as it melts better and enhances the overall flavor profile.
- Resting Time: Let the dish sit for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld beautifully.
Best Side Dishes for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Pair your delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage with these delectable side dishes that complement its rich flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is always a hit and perfect for dipping into the sauce.
- Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad brings crispness and tanginess that balances the dish’s richness.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These add a slight bitterness that pairs wonderfully with creamy dishes.
- Sautéed Green Beans: Bright green beans sautéed in olive oil provide freshness and crunch.
- Caprese Salad: Juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil create a refreshing contrast in flavors.
- Steamed Broccoli: This simple yet nutritious side adds color and health benefits without overpowering the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Ignoring the sausage browning: Not browning the sausage properly can lead to a lack of flavor. Make sure to cook it until fully browned for richer taste.
- Overcooking the butternut squash: If you let the squash cook too long, it may become mushy. Aim for just tender, so it maintains some texture in your sauce.
- Using cold cream: Adding cold cream can shock your sauce and affect its creaminess. Always let it reach room temperature before adding it to the pan.
- Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings at the end can make your dish bland. Always check and tweak with salt or pepper as needed.
- Not using fresh herbs: Using dried herbs instead of fresh can dull the flavor profile. Fresh thyme or parsley really enhances this dish’s taste.
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- This dish will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
- Keep the gnocchi separate from sauce if possible, to maintain texture.
Freezing Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags.
- This meal can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- For best results, freeze without spinach added; add it fresh when reheating.
Reheating Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts (1-2 minutes), stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until warmed through; you may need to add a splash of broth or cream for moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage vegetarian?
You can easily customize this recipe by skipping the sausage and adding mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for protein.
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works perfectly! Just add them directly into the sauce without thawing first.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
For a lighter option, you could use half-and-half or even coconut milk, depending on your dietary preferences.
How do I store leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze them for up to 2 months for later enjoyment.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is not only comforting but also versatile enough to adapt to various dietary needs. Whether you choose different proteins or enhance it with seasonal veggies, this dish is sure to impress. Don’t hesitate to try it out and enjoy customizing it to fit your tastes!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate weeknight comfort dish, perfect for cozy dinners or impressing guests. This one-pan meal features soft, pillowy gnocchi enveloped in a luscious butternut squash cream sauce, complemented by savory Italian sausage and fresh herbs. Ready in just 45 minutes, it’s an easy yet elegant option for busy evenings, showcasing seasonal flavors that warm the soul. The rich and creamy sauce beautifully balances the hearty sausage, making each bite a delightful experience. Easy to customize with your favorite ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced (½-inch cubes)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or ½ teaspoon dried)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 package (16–18 ounces) potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or fresh)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat; add sausage and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter, then sauté onion until softened. Add garlic, butternut squash, thyme, and red pepper flakes; cook until squash begins to soften.
- Pour in chicken broth, cover, and simmer until squash is tender.
- Reduce heat; stir in heavy cream and mash some squash for creaminess.
- Add gnocchi; simmer until tender and sauce thickens.
- Stir in cooked sausage and Parmesan cheese; season as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: For added greens, toss in baby spinach at the end to wilt. Substitute mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
