Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and rich dish that combines the natural sweetness of roasted butternut squash with the savory depth of sausage. The gnocchi, tender and pillowy, is enveloped in a luscious cream sauce infused with the earthy flavor of sage and the richness of parmesan. This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner on a chilly evening or for impressing guests at a fall or winter gathering. With the addition of sausage, it offers a satisfying balance of flavors and textures that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
The sweetness of the butternut squash, combined with the creamy sauce and the hearty sausage, creates a harmony that makes this meal indulgent yet comforting. Whether you’re looking to treat yourself or make something special for your loved ones, this recipe is an excellent choice for a flavorful, hearty meal. Plus, it’s simple to make with just a few ingredients!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Hearty and Comforting
This dish is perfect for colder weather, offering a warm, hearty meal that’s filling and satisfying.
2. Rich, Creamy Sauce
The combination of heavy cream and parmesan cheese creates a luxuriously smooth and rich sauce that complements the gnocchi and sausage perfectly.
3. Balanced Flavors
The natural sweetness of the roasted butternut squash pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage and creamy sauce, creating a balanced and flavorful meal.
4. Quick and Easy
With minimal prep work and a straightforward cooking process, this dish comes together in about an hour, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
5. Elegant Presentation
The addition of fresh sage leaves not only adds color but also enhances the dish’s flavor, giving it a gourmet touch that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash
- Gnocchi
- Sausage
- Heavy cream
- Grated parmesan
- Garlic
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Variations
1. Use Different Sausage
Feel free to experiment with different types of sausage. Sweet Italian sausage, spicy sausage, or turkey sausage can all work in place of the regular sausage for varying flavor profiles.
2. Vegan Version
For a vegan twist, swap the sausage for plant-based sausage or mushrooms, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and omit the parmesan or replace it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
3. Add Vegetables
Incorporate additional vegetables such as spinach, kale, or roasted Brussels sprouts for added texture and flavor.
4. Spicy Option
For a kick of heat, add red pepper flakes or diced fresh chili peppers to the sauce.
5. Nut-Free Version
If you’re allergic to nuts, ensure the sausage and cream do not contain any hidden nut ingredients. You can also choose a nut-free parmesan substitute.
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 the halves face down on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until tender. Once done, scoop out the flesh and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi
While the squash is roasting, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
Step 3: Brown the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat, breaking it up as it cooks, until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove excess grease if necessary, and add the minced garlic, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the roasted butternut squash to the skillet with the sausage. Mash the squash with a fork or potato masher until smooth. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer, stirring until everything is well combined and heated through.
Step 5: Add Parmesan and Season
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss gently to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. Garnish with fresh sage leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Step 7: Enjoy
Serve hot and enjoy this creamy, savory dish with a side of crusty bread or a light salad.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Roast the Squash Ahead of Time: If you’re short on time, roast the butternut squash the day before and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to make the dish.
- Sausage Variations: Try using a combination of sausage types to give the dish more depth of flavor—spicy sausage pairs nicely with the sweetness of the butternut squash.
- Adjust the Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit more cream or a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
- Perfectly Cooked Gnocchi: Be sure to cook the gnocchi just until they float to the top of the water. Overcooking can make them mushy.
How to Serve
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is best served immediately, hot and creamy. Pair it with a light green salad or a side of roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal. A glass of white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the flavors perfectly.
For an extra indulgent touch, serve this dish with some garlic bread or a warm baguette to soak up the creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little extra cream to bring back its creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to freeze this dish, it’s best to freeze the gnocchi and sauce separately. Place them in freezer-safe containers, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in a skillet over low heat.
Reheating
To reheat, simply place the leftover gnocchi and sausage mixture in a pan over low heat and add a splash of cream or chicken broth to bring back its creamy consistency.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works just as well! Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to the sauce.
2. Can I substitute the sausage for something else?
Yes, ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even plant-based sausages are great alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version.
3. How do I know when the butternut squash is fully roasted?
The squash should be tender and easy to scoop out with a spoon. If it’s not fully cooked, return it to the oven for an additional 10 minutes.
4. Can I make this dish without cream?
You can substitute the cream with half-and-half, milk, or a non-dairy cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
5. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes to the sausage or the cream sauce to give it some heat.
6. Can I use pre-made gnocchi?
Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi for convenience. Just cook it according to the package instructions.
7. Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Absolutely! Spinach, kale, or roasted mushrooms would all make excellent additions.
8. How can I make the sauce thicker?
To thicken the sauce, let it simmer longer or add more parmesan cheese.
9. How long does this dish take to make?
This recipe takes about 1 hour to make, including the time to roast the squash.
10. Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the squash and sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble the dish when ready to serve.
Conclusion
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate comfort food, combining the warmth and sweetness of butternut squash with the richness of a creamy parmesan sauce and savory sausage. It’s an easy yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a family or impressing guests, this flavorful and indulgent dish is sure to satisfy!
PrintCreamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish combining roasted butternut squash, hearty sausage, and soft gnocchi, all wrapped in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a perfect fall or winter meal!
Ingredients
- 1 butternut squash
- 1 lb gnocchi
- 1 lb sausage (Italian sausage works well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Roast the Squash:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half, remove the seeds, and place the halves on a baking sheet. Roast for 45-50 minutes or until the squash is tender. - Cook the Gnocchi:
While the squash is roasting, cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant. - Prepare the Squash Sauce:
Once the butternut squash is roasted and tender, scoop out the flesh and add it to the skillet with the sausage. Stir in the heavy cream, grated parmesan, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken. - Combine with Gnocchi:
Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce. - Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with fresh sage leaves and serve hot.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can also use a little bit of nutmeg or cinnamon in the sauce.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can skip the sausage and use a meat alternative or additional vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes (includes roasting time for the squash)