Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish that brings warmth to any table. This recipe combines soft gnocchi, sweet butternut squash, and savory sausage, all enveloped in a rich and creamy sauce. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or a special occasion.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for several reasons. It is simple to make, uses readily available ingredients, and comes together in under an hour. The combination of flavors is rich and satisfying, making it a hit with both families and guests. Moreover, this dish provides a wonderful way to incorporate seasonal ingredients, showcasing the sweetness of butternut squash alongside savory sausage.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 package of gnocchi
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 pound sausage (Italian sausage works well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh sage leaves, optional
Directions:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced butternut squash and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet with the butternut squash. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves if desired.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
This dish is best served warm. You can present it in a large bowl or individual plates, garnished with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.
How to Store Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The dish can last for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or some water to loosen it up as it may thicken in the fridge.
Tips to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- To save time, use pre-diced butternut squash from the store.
- Feel free to use any type of sausage you prefer; chicken or turkey sausage works well too.
- For added texture, you can roast the butternut squash instead of cooking it in the skillet. This will enhance the flavor.
Variation
You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and adding more vegetables like spinach or kale. For an extra touch of flavor, consider adding nutmeg or cinnamon to the butternut squash mixture.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen gnocchi?
Yes, frozen gnocchi works well too! Just cook it according to the package instructions.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and the gnocchi separately and combine them just before serving for the best texture.
3. Is this dish healthy?
While it contains cream and sausage, it also has butternut squash, which is nutritious. You can lighten it by using low-fat cream or reducing the amount of sausage.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and comforting dish combining soft gnocchi, sweet butternut squash, and savory sausage in a rich and creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 package of gnocchi
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and diced
- 1 pound sausage (Italian sausage works well)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese, for serving
- Fresh sage leaves, optional
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned. Remove the sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the diced butternut squash and cook until tender, about 10 minutes.
- Return the sausage to the skillet with the butternut squash. Stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper.
- Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Serve warm, topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves if desired.
Notes
To save time, use pre-diced butternut squash from the store. For a vegetarian version, omit the sausage and add more vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: gnocchi, butternut squash, creamy pasta, sausage dish, Italian recipe
