If you’re craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and comfort, look no further than Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. This delightful recipe combines pillowy gnocchi infused with sweet, roasted butternut squash and savory sausage, all smothered in a luxuriously creamy sauce. It’s a perfect dish for cozy dinners or impressing friends at gatherings, offering a harmony of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ultra Comforting: The creamy sauce paired with soft gnocchi and hearty sausage creates a dish that feels like a warm hug.
Flavor Harmony: The natural sweetness of butternut squash balances perfectly with the savory sausage.
Easy to Make: With simple, accessible ingredients, this recipe is straightforward enough for weeknights but special enough for guests.
Versatile Meal: It works equally well as a family dinner or a dish to showcase your cooking skills at a gathering.
Vibrant Presentation: Golden gnocchi, rich sauce, and crispy sausage make for a visually appealing plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish lies in its beautifully balanced ingredients. Each component plays a role in creating the perfect creamy texture, balanced flavor, or inviting color that makes this recipe so memorable.

Butternut Squash: Roasted for sweetness and vibrant color that blends into gnocchi dough.
Gnocchi Dough: Crafted with flour, eggs, and mashed squash for light, fluffy dumplings.
Sausage: Adds a savory, spiced flavor contrast, preferably Italian or breakfast sausage.
Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, silky sauce that coats every bit.
Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, enhancing the overall taste.
Parmesan Cheese: Added for sharp, nutty flavor and a touch of saltiness.
Nutmeg: A pinch brings warmth and enhances the butternut squash’s natural sweetness.
Butter: Used for sautéing and adding richness to the sauce.
Fresh Herbs: Sage or thyme bring a fragrant freshness to the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to balance all flavors.

Variations for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Customizing this recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs is easier than you think. Whether you want to spice it up or lighten it, these variations make it a flexible favorite.

Vegetarian Version: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas for hearty texture.
Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage to ramp up the heat.
Dairy-Free Sauce: Substitute cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a plant-based alternative.
Herb Twist: Use rosemary or basil instead of sage for different flavor profiles.
Add Greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for added nutrition and color.

Why Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Delights

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Step 1: Roast and Prepare the Butternut Squash

Start by peeling and cubing a fresh butternut squash. Roast the cubes at 400°F until tender and caramelized to unlock their natural sweetness, which is essential for the gnocchi dough’s flavor.

Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough

Once the roasted squash is cool enough to handle, mash it smoothly. Combine it with flour, egg, and a pinch of nutmeg to form a soft dough. Be careful not to overwork it to keep the gnocchi tender.

Step 3: Shape the Gnocchi

Roll the dough into ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to create the classic ridges that help hold the sauce beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Sausage

In a skillet, brown the sausage until fully cooked and crispy on the edges. Remove and set aside, leaving some of the rendered fat for added flavor in the sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Gnocchi

Boil the gnocchi in salted water until they float, indicating they’re perfectly cooked. Transfer them directly to the skillet with sausage fat to avoid loss of flavor.

Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

Sauté garlic in butter briefly before adding heavy cream and Parmesan. Stir gently until the sauce thickens, then toss in the gnocchi and sausage to coat evenly.

Step 7: Final Touches

Sprinkle with fresh herbs, adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Pro Tips for Making Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Roast Squash Well: Caramelize the butternut squash fully to maximize sweetness and depth of flavor.
Don’t Overmix Dough: Keep dough tender by mixing just until combined to avoid tough gnocchi.
Test Gnocchi Size: Make evenly sized pieces so they cook uniformly and look beautiful on the plate.
Layer Flavors: Use sausage fat for cooking sauce ingredients to intensify the overall taste.
Fresh Herbs Last: Add herbs at the end to preserve their aroma and vibrant color.

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Garnishes

Top with freshly grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chopped sage, and a drizzle of good olive oil for an elegant finish that also boosts flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts or asparagus to balance the richness with freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve in rustic bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers to elevate the experience when entertaining guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any uneaten cream-infused gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.

Freezing

Freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet before transferring to bags; they freeze beautifully and can be boiled directly from frozen later.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers on the stove over low heat to avoid breaking down the sauce, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of making it?

Absolutely! While homemade gnocchi adds extra flavor, store-bought gnocchi works well and saves time without sacrificing the essence of this dish.

What type of sausage is best?

Italian pork sausage works perfectly, providing savory seasoning; however, breakfast sausage or even chicken sausage are great alternatives.

Is there a vegan version of this recipe?

Yes, you can replace sausage with plant-based alternatives and use coconut cream or cashew cream in place of dairy to make it vegan-friendly.

How do I achieve the perfect creamy sauce?

Slowly heat heavy cream with butter and cheese, stirring consistently until thickened but still smooth, and avoid boiling to prevent curdling.

Can this dish be made gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free flour blends for the gnocchi and double-check sausage ingredients to keep this comforting dish gluten-free.

Final Thoughts

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is one of those dishes that effortlessly brings comfort, flavor, and a hint of elegance to your table. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this recipe invites you to savor every bite and share something truly satisfying with loved ones. Trust me, once you try it, this beautiful combination will become a treasured favorite in your cooking repertoire.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Print Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring pillowy gnocchi made with roasted butternut squash, combined with savory sausage and smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, this recipe balances the natural sweetness of squash with hearty sausage and aromatic herbs for a satisfying meal.

Author: Lilly
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting, Boiling, Sautéing
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour)

Ingredients

Scale

Gnocchi Dough

1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
1 large egg
Pinch of nutmeg
Salt, to taste

Sausage

8 oz Italian pork sausage or breakfast sausage (or plant-based sausage for vegetarian/vegan)

Creamy Sauce

2 tbsp butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream/cashew cream for dairy-free)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit or substitute for vegan cheese if needed)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh Herbs and Garnishes

1 tbsp chopped fresh sage or thyme (or rosemary/basil as variation)
Extra grated Parmesan, for serving
Olive oil, for drizzling

Instructions

Roast and Prepare the Butternut Squash: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel and cube the butternut squash, then spread evenly on a baking sheet. Roast until tender and caramelized, about 25-30 minutes, to unlock the natural sweetness essential for flavor.
Make the Gnocchi Dough: Once the roasted squash is cool enough to handle, mash it until smooth. In a bowl, combine the mashed squash with flour, egg, a pinch of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until a soft dough forms; avoid overmixing to keep gnocchi tender.
Shape the Gnocchi: Roll the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces and press each piece lightly with a fork to create ridges that help hold the sauce.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage until fully cooked and crispy around the edges. Remove the sausage and set it aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet for additional flavor.
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the gnocchi directly to the skillet with the sausage fat to keep all the flavor.
Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently. Add grated Parmesan and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly but remains smooth. Avoid boiling to prevent curdling.
Combine and Finish: Add the cooked gnocchi and browned sausage to the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle with fresh herbs, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

Roast squash well to caramelize and maximize sweetness and flavor depth.
Do not overmix the dough to keep gnocchi soft and tender.
Cut gnocchi into even sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
Use sausage fat to cook sauce ingredients to intensify flavor layers.
Add fresh herbs last to preserve their aroma and bright color.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approx. 1/4 recipe)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 5 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 35 g
Saturated Fat: 18 g
Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 35 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 18 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: Butternut squash gnocchi, creamy sauce, sausage, comforting dinner, fall recipe, gnocchi recipe, homemade gnocchi, easy dinner