Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe | Savory & Delicious
When I first made this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, I was blown away by how perfectly it all came together. The velvety texture of the butternut squash paired with the savory, spicy notes from the sausage made it an instant favorite for me. It reminded me of other cozy dishes I love, like Nashville Hot Chicken Pizza Recipe that bring bold flavor and comfort together in every bite.
Not to mention, the creamy sauce elevated every bite into pure comfort food heaven. What I love most about this recipe is how approachable it is. Even though it feels like a gourmet dish, the steps are straightforward, and the results are nothing short of impressive.
Anytime I’ve made this for family or friends, it’s been a massive hit, with people going back for seconds (sometimes even thirds!). I’m so excited to share this recipe with you so you can enjoy it as much as I do.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This dish is full of hearty, warming flavors while being simple enough to whip up on a busy evening. Here’s why it’s such a winner:
1. Effortlessly Comforting
There’s something magical about combining creamy textures with bold, savory flavors. The butternut squash adds a natural sweetness that plays so well against the richness of the sausage and the creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a cozy hug on a chilly evening.
2. Homemade Goodness
Making gnocchi from scratch is surprisingly simple! Rolling and shaping the dough can even be a fun kitchen activity. There’s so much satisfaction in knowing every bite is homemade, with no shortcuts on quality.
3. Customizable Flavors
You can tweak this recipe to fit your palate. Want a bit of a kick? Add extra red pepper flakes to the sausage mixture. Prefer a hint of nutmeg with your sauce? Go for it! It’s versatile and perfect for experimentation.
4. Great for Special Occasions
Whether it’s a family dinner or a celebratory meal, this dish shines on any table. Its vibrant colors and elegant flavors are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to try it.
5. Leftover-Friendly
Not only does this recipe taste amazing fresh, but the leftovers are just as dreamy. Reheated gnocchi soaks in even more of the sauce, making next-day meals a treat — similar to how comforting soups like Roasted Garlic Cheddar Cauliflower Soup Recipe get even better with time.
Cooking Time
You’ll love how quickly this dish comes together.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Ingredients
- Butternut squash
- All-purpose flour
- Egg
- Salt
- Pepper
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Garlic
- Unsalted butter
- Italian sausage
- Onion
- Olive oil
- Red pepper flakes
Variations
This recipe is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few ways to switch it up:
- Make it Dairy-Free: Swap out the cream for coconut milk and use vegan Parmesan.
- Vegetarian-Friendly Option: Use plant-based sausage or leave out the sausage altogether. The flavors will still shine!
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Replace the flour with a gluten-free blend. Adjust the balance as needed for a workable dough.
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach or kale for added nutrients and texture.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – To combine gnocchi ingredients.
- Large pot – For boiling gnocchi.
- Saucepan – To whip up the creamy sauce.
- Skillet – To cook the savory sausage.
- Fork – To shape gnocchi ridges.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage?
Craving something cozy, comforting, and bursting with fall flavor? This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is the perfect dish to warm you up from the inside out!
Step 1: Prep the Butternut Squash
Start by boiling the butternut squash until fork-tender. Once soft, mash it into a smooth puree. This is the base of your pillowy gnocchi dough!
Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough
Combine the squash puree with flour, one egg, plus salt and pepper. Mix it gently until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into ropes and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to press soft ridges into each piece (these hold all the creamy sauce later!).
Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface. It’s such a satisfying moment when they’re done!
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Melt butter in a saucepan, then toss in the minced garlic. Once fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in the Parmesan until the sauce becomes rich and velvety. Add salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Prepare the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onions, and cook until translucent. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook it until thoroughly browned, adding red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
Step 6: Bring It All Together
Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Plate it up, and top with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle it with a bit of parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish. Voila!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Texture Matters: Handle the gnocchi dough gently. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning in each step.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and Parmesan elevate this recipe.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage?
Presentation matters! Serve this dish in wide bowls to display the golden gnocchi and vibrant sausage topping. Garnish with finely chopped parsley and a generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan. A side of warm garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes a perfect companion.
Nutritional Information
Here’s what you’re looking at per serving (approximate values):
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish can easily be prepared in advance.
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to freshen up the sauce.
Freezer
The cooked gnocchi can be frozen in a single layer, then transferred to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, cook them directly from frozen in the sauce.
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is an unforgettable dish that’s equal parts comforting and luxurious. Whether for a quick weeknight meal or a special dinner, it’s guaranteed to delight!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi With Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Start by boiling the butternut squash until fork-tender. Once soft, mash it into a smooth puree. This is the base of your pillowy gnocchi dough!
- Combine the squash puree with flour, one egg, plus salt and pepper. Mix it gently until a soft dough forms. Roll the dough into ropes and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to press soft ridges into each piece (these hold all the creamy sauce later!).
- Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop in the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface. It’s such a satisfying moment when they’re
- Melt butter in a saucepan, then toss in the minced garlic. Once fragrant, pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in the Parmesan until the sauce becomes rich and velvety. Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, add onions, and cook until translucent. Crumble the Italian sausage into the pan and cook it until thoroughly browned, adding red pepper flakes for a hint of spice.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce, tossing gently to coat each piece. Plate it up, and top with the sausage mixture. Sprinkle it with a bit of parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish
Notes
- Texture Matters: Handle the gnocchi dough gently. Overmixing can make them dense.
- Taste and Adjust: Don’t hesitate to tweak the seasoning in each step.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh butternut squash and Parmesan elevate this recipe.
