Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Easy – 40-Minute Recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the perfect comfort food for any chilly evening. This recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with a rich, creamy butternut squash sauce, savory Italian sausage, and fragrant herbs like thyme and sage. It’s an easy-to-make, one-pan dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a family-friendly fall dinner. Whether you’re serving it to loved ones or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to impress with its balance of creamy texture and bold flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi recipe is ideal for anyone looking for a quick yet comforting meal. The dish comes together in just 40 minutes, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner, but it’s also elegant enough to serve on special occasions. The combination of savory sausage, creamy butternut squash, and fresh herbs makes each bite irresistible, offering a perfect blend of textures and flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food for fall.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this rich and creamy dish:

• Italian Sausage: Adds a spicy, savory element to the dish that balances the sweetness of the butternut squash.
• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy gnocchi that absorbs the creamy sauce, making each bite deliciously satisfying.
• Heavy Cream: Creates the luxurious creamy texture that coats the gnocchi and sausage.
• Chicken Broth: Enhances the flavor of the sauce and helps to cook the gnocchi in one pan.
• Butternut Squash Puree: The star ingredient, providing a smooth and naturally sweet base for the sauce.
• Garlic: Adds depth of flavor and a fragrant aroma.
• Fresh Sage and Thyme: Infuse the dish with aromatic herbal notes that complement the butternut squash and sausage perfectly.
• Olive Oil: For sautéing the sausage and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Salt and Black Pepper: To season the dish to perfection.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Sausage Variations: If you prefer a milder flavor, use sweet Italian sausage instead of spicy.
• Dairy-Free Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream and opt for vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Gluten-Free Gnocchi: If you are gluten intolerant, look for gluten-free gnocchi made from rice flour or sweet potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sausage: Start by removing the casings from the sausage links. Slice the sausage and heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for 4 minutes on one side, until browned. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
2. Cook the Gnocchi: In the same skillet, add the uncooked gnocchi. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well. Bring the mixture to a boil on medium heat, then cover the skillet and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes.
3. Add the Butternut Squash Puree: Once the gnocchi is cooked through, add the butternut squash puree and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir everything together and let it simmer on low-medium heat for about 3 minutes. The sauce should thicken and the garlic should be softened.
4. Season and Add Herbs: Stir in half of the fresh sage and thyme, then season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
5. Final Touches: Serve the gnocchi with the remaining sage and thyme sprinkled on top.

Tips & Tricks

• Sausage Texture: For a smoother sausage texture, remove the casings before cooking. If you prefer a chunkier texture, leave the casings on.
• Consistency Adjustments: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, cook the dish a little longer until the sauce thickens.
• Make-Ahead: You can prepare the butternut squash puree in advance to save time on busy nights. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi pairs wonderfully with simple sides like warm, crusty bread or a fresh spinach salad. Here are a few ideas:

• Bread Pairings: Serve with garlic bread, Italian bread, or even a loaf of homemade bread. For a truly comforting meal, consider making a bread machine recipe.
• Salads: A spinach salad with pine nuts and Parmesan, or a cranberry spinach salad with cashews and goat cheese, would be a perfect match.
• Seasonal Salads: Try pairing it with a fall-inspired salad like a butternut squash and arugula salad or a pomegranate spinach salad.

Health Benefits and Seasonal Appeal

Butternut squash is a rich source of vitamins A and C, which help boost the immune system. Combined with the protein from sausage and the comforting texture of gnocchi, this dish provides a balanced and hearty meal. The fresh herbs, particularly thyme and sage, are also known for their antioxidant properties, making this dish not only tasty but beneficial for your health.

This recipe is perfect for fall, capturing the season’s warmth and flavors. Whether you’re enjoying a cozy evening at home or serving it at a family gathering, Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is sure to become a new favorite.

Conclusion

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a heartwarming dish that delivers a delightful balance of savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect addition to your fall dinner rotation. This recipe is quick, comforting, and simple enough to make on any busy weeknight, while still feeling special enough for a gathering. With the combination of tender gnocchi, rich butternut squash puree, and flavorful sausage, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, it’s easily customizable to suit dietary preferences, making it an adaptable choice for any occasion. Give this dish a try and watch it become a new favorite!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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