For a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful, Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the perfect option. The rich and velvety butternut squash sauce pairs beautifully with the pillowy gnocchi and savory sausage, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. With a blend of garlic, parmesan, and fresh sage, each bite offers a balance of creamy, earthy, and slightly sweet flavors. Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish is sure to become a fall favorite.

This recipe combines the best of autumn ingredients—roasted butternut squash, hearty sausage, and creamy sauce—into one irresistible dish. The gnocchi adds a wonderful texture, making every bite an experience. The sweet and savory harmony of the squash and sausage, along with the richness of the cream and parmesan, results in a comforting yet elegant meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for special occasions.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hearty and Comforting – This dish is warm, filling, and perfect for a cozy night in.
Flavorful Sauce – The roasted butternut squash sauce is creamy and perfectly balanced with garlic, parmesan, and a hint of sweetness.
Quick to Prepare – Despite its rich flavors, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Versatile – While it features sausage, you can easily swap for chicken or make it vegetarian by omitting the meat.
Perfect for Fall – The combination of squash, sage, and sausage makes this a quintessential autumn meal.

Ingredients

Butternut squash
Gnocchi
Sausage
Heavy cream
Grated parmesan
Garlic
Salt and pepper
Fresh sage leaves

Variations

Meat-Free Version: Skip the sausage and add extra vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian alternative.
Different Sausage: Use chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or Italian sausage for a flavor variation.
Herb Substitution: While fresh sage is recommended, you can use thyme or rosemary for a different herbal note.
Nutritional Adjustments: For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream alternative.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, and place it on a baking sheet. Roast the squash for 45-50 minutes, or until it is tender and easily pierced with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi

While the squash is roasting, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Prepare the Butternut Squash Sauce

Scoop out the roasted butternut squash from the skin and place it in a blender. Add the heavy cream, grated parmesan, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine the Ingredients

Pour the butternut squash sauce over the cooked gnocchi and sausage in the skillet. Stir to combine, allowing everything to heat through and the sauce to coat the gnocchi and sausage evenly.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage hot, garnished with fresh sage leaves for a fragrant and flavorful finish.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Roast the Squash Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, roast the butternut squash ahead of time and store it in the fridge. This will save you time when you’re ready to make the sauce.
Use Pre-cooked Sausage: If you want to save time, you can use pre-cooked sausage, just chop it up and heat it through in the skillet.
Blend the Sauce Well: For the creamiest sauce, blend the roasted butternut squash thoroughly. If it’s too thick, add a bit more cream or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Sage Garnish: For a little extra flavor, you can fry the sage leaves in a bit of butter before garnishing the dish.

How to Serve

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it with garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The gnocchi will absorb some of the sauce, so the dish may thicken when reheated.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or freezer bag. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.

Reheating

Reheat the leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce is too thick, add a little more heavy cream or milk to bring it back to the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of squash?

Yes, you can substitute the butternut squash with other varieties like acorn squash or pumpkin for a slightly different flavor.

2. Can I use frozen gnocchi?

Yes, you can use frozen gnocchi. Just be sure to cook it according to the package instructions.

3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, omit the sausage and add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a vegetarian version.

4. Can I use a different type of sausage?

Yes, chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or vegetarian sausage can all work in this recipe.

5. Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the butternut squash sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

6. Is this recipe spicy?

No, this recipe is not spicy. However, you can add red pepper flakes or hot sausage if you prefer a bit of heat.

7. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free cream alternative for a lighter or dairy-free option.

8. How do I prevent the gnocchi from getting soggy?

Make sure to drain the gnocchi well and avoid overcooking it. Adding the gnocchi to the sauce just before serving will help maintain its texture.

9. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free gnocchi, and make sure the sausage is gluten-free as well.

10. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled to serve more people. Just be sure to use a large enough skillet or pan to accommodate all the ingredients.

Conclusion

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, combining the sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory richness of sausage and a creamy, parmesan-laced sauce. This dish is easy to make, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special celebration. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, it’s sure to become a family favorite.