When I made this dish for the first time, I was hooked. The creamy, velvety butternut squash pairs so beautifully with the savory tang of the sausage. It felt like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant, yet it was so easy to make! The best part? It’s comforting, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. I love how this recipe always fills my home with warm, inviting smells that get everyone excited for dinner. If you enjoy comforting pasta meals, you can also check out this Creamy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe, which is another rich and hearty option.
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 cups mashed)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces Italian sausage
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Note: Serves approximately 4 people.
Variations
This recipe is so versatile! You can easily tweak it to fit your needs.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
- Vegetarian Version: Skip the sausage or swap it with a plant-based alternative.
- Gluten-Free Gnocchi: Use a gluten-free flour blend and adjust the dough consistency.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in spinach or kale for added greens.
Cooking Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
Equipment You’ll Need
- Mixing bowl – To combine the gnocchi ingredients.
- Large pot – For boiling the gnocchi.
- Saucepan – To create the creamy sauce.
- Skillet – To cook the sausage and onion.
- Fork – To shape the gnocchi ridges.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage?
This dish is pure comfort in every bite! The creamy texture and bold, savory toppings are sure to make it a favorite in your kitchen.
Step 1: Cook and Mash the Butternut Squash
Peel, dice, and boil your butternut squash until tender. Use a fork or blender to mash it into a smooth, silky puree. This is the base for your gnocchi dough, so make sure it’s nice and lump-free!
Step 2: Mix the Gnocchi Dough
Take your squash puree and mix in the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to form a soft dough. Roll it into long ropes, then cut these into bite-sized pieces. Press ridges into each piece with a fork to help trap that creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Cook Your Gnocchi
Boil a large pot of salted water. Drop in your gnocchi and wait for them to float to the top; this signals they’re ready. It only takes a couple of minutes, so don’t wander off!
Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce
In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer gently until you have a velvety sauce. Add salt and pepper as needed. It’s irresistibly rich and creamy!
Step 5: Brown the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the diced onion until soft. Crumble in the Italian sausage and brown it thoroughly. Add red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. This mixture will bring bold flavor to the dish.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the creamy sauce to coat each piece. Serve it on plates or bowls, topping with the cooked sausage and onions. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley to add a pop of color. If you love gnocchi but want a twist, give this Easy Stovetop Gnocchi Lasagna Recipe a try for a fun, layered meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Here’s why this dish is going to be a hit in your kitchen!
- Perfect combination of sweetness, spice, and richness.
- The gnocchi-making process is fun and rewarding.
- Endless customization to fit dietary needs.
- Great for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.
- Tastes amazing as leftovers!
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage?
Serve in shallow bowls to display the vibrant dish. Add a sprinkle of parsley and extra Parmesan for a gourmet touch. Pair it with a crisp green side salad or warm garlic bread for a complete meal. For another hearty and cozy meal, you might like this Gnocchi Zuppa Toscana Soup Recipe, which is just as comforting!
Nutritional Information
Per serving, you’re looking at approximately:
- Calories: 550
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 32g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is just as delicious the next day, so feel free to make extra!
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove with a bit of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Freezer
Freeze uncooked gnocchi arranged in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 months. Cook them directly from frozen when needed!
Tips for Making the Recipe
I’ve learned a few tricks to make this dish even better!
- Don’t overwork the gnocchi dough; keep it light and soft.
- Season the sauce gradually and taste as you go.
- Use fresh butternut squash and Parmesan for the best flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can roast the squash instead of boiling it for a richer taste.
- Ridges on the gnocchi aren’t just for looks; they hold the sauce beautifully, so don’t skip that step!
Enjoy every bite of this comforting, flavorful recipe! It’s a joy to make and even better to eat.
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash about 2 cups mashed
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 8 ounces Italian sausage
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Peel, dice, and boil your butternut squash until tender. Use a fork or blender to mash it into a smooth, silky puree. This is the base for your gnocchi dough, so make sure it’s nice and lump-free!
- Take your squash puree and mix in the flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Stir gently to form a soft dough. Roll it into long ropes, then cut these into bite-sized pieces. Press ridges into each piece with a fork to help trap that creamy sauce later.
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Drop in your gnocchi and wait for them to float to the top; this signals they’re ready. It only takes a couple of minutes, so don’t wander off!
- In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, then simmer gently until you have a velvety sauce. Add salt and pepper as needed. It’s irresistibly rich and creamy!
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, then cook the diced onion until soft. Crumble in the Italian sausage and brown it thoroughly. Add red pepper flakes for a touch of spice. This mixture will bring bold flavor to the dish.
- Gently toss the cooked gnocchi in the creamy sauce to coat each piece. Serve it on plates or bowls, topping with the cooked sausage and onions. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and fresh parsley to add a pop of color.
Notes
- Don’t overwork the gnocchi dough; keep it light and soft.
- Season the sauce gradually and taste as you go.
- Use fresh butternut squash and Parmesan for the best flavor.
- If you’re short on time, you can roast the squash instead of boiling it for a richer taste.
- Ridges on the gnocchi aren’t just for looks; they hold the sauce beautifully, so don’t skip that step!
