This creamy butternut squash gnocchi is a cozy dish that’s perfect for any day! With sweet squash and tasty sausage, it brings comfort food to another level.
Honestly, I love how the sauce hugs every piece of gnocchi. Plus, the blend of flavors makes my taste buds dance with joy! 😋 It’s a simple recipe, making it easy to whip up for a weeknight treat.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Gnocchi: You can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience, but homemade gnocchi is a fun option if you have the time! If you’re gluten-free, look for gluten-free gnocchi options available in stores.
Butternut Squash: This gives the dish its creamy texture and sweetness. If you can’t find butternut squash, you could use pumpkin or even sweet potatoes as a substitute.
Italian Sausage: I love using mild sausage, but spicy sausage adds a nice kick. If you want a lighter dish, turkey or chicken sausage works well too!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, you can substitute with half-and-half or use a dairy-free cream if you’re avoiding dairy.
Cheese: Parmesan cheese is perfect here, but you could switch it up with pecorino Romano. Nutritional yeast can be a great dairy-free substitute!
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from Your Sausage?
The sausage plays a big role in adding depth to this dish. Cooking it properly ensures all the juices and flavors are released. Here’s how to do it:
- Start with a hot skillet to brown the sausage. This creates a nice crust that adds flavor.
- Break the sausage into smaller pieces as it cooks for even browning.
- Don’t rush it! Let it get crispy on the edges before removing it from the skillet. This takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Make sure to drain any excess fat if there’s too much. You want flavor, but not greasiness!
What’s the Secret to a Creamy Sauce?
Creating a creamy sauce from the butternut squash and cream is key to this dish. Here’s how to ensure you get it just right:
- After pureeing the roasted squash, ensure it’s smooth. If needed, add a little chicken broth to help blend it well.
- When adding cream, monitor the heat. Keep it low to prevent boiling, which could make it separate.
- Let the sauce simmer gently so that flavors meld together beautifully. This usually takes 3-5 minutes.
Using these tips, you’ll have a delicious, flavorful dish ready to impress! Enjoy making your creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Gnocchi Dish:
- 1 package (about 16 oz) store-bought or homemade gnocchi
- 1 small butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casings removed and broken into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped (plus whole sage leaves for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (plus extra for garnish)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, totaling around 45 minutes. Get ready to enjoy a deliciously comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Butternut Squash Puree:
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast in the oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and slightly caramelized on the edges. Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Then, transfer the roasted squash to a blender or food processor, add a pinch of salt and a splash of chicken broth if needed, and puree until smooth. Set this lovely puree aside!
2. Cook the Sausage:
Next, grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Cook the sausage pieces, breaking them up with a spoon until they are browned and fully cooked. This will take about 5-7 minutes. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. Drain any excess fat, leaving just enough to cook the vegetables.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the butter. Once it’s melted, toss in the chopped onion and sauté until it becomes translucent—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until the kitchen smells amazing!
4. Make the Cream Sauce:
Now, reduce the heat and stir in your butternut squash puree. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything together smoothly. Let it simmer gently for about 3-5 minutes to warm through and allow the flavors to blend. Then, add in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped sage, thyme, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Give it a good stir and taste to adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Cook the Gnocchi:
While you’re making the sauce, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the gnocchi and cook according to the package instructions, usually until they float to the surface—about 2-3 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked gnocchi directly into the skillet with the sauce.
6. Combine and Finish:
Return the cooked sausage to the skillet along with the gnocchi and creamy squash sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the gnocchi and sausage evenly in that delicious sauce. Heat it through for another 1-2 minutes.
7. Serve:
Your creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is ready to enjoy! Serve it hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, whole sage leaves, and extra thyme sprigs for a beautiful touch. Don’t forget to add a crack of black pepper on top!
Enjoy your creamy, comforting butternut squash gnocchi with savory sausage!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi can work perfectly! Just cook them according to the package instructions, and they should only need an extra minute in the sauce to warm through.
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free version, try using coconut cream or a plant-based heavy cream substitute.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm them in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the sausage and replace it with sautéed mushrooms or your favorite plant-based sausage. The rest of the recipe will remain the same for a delicious vegetarian dish!
