A few nights ago, I made a dish that I couldn’t stop thinking about. Creamy, rich, and loaded with flavor, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe brought both elegance and cozy vibes to our dinner table. I love recipes that come together quickly but still feel special, and this one nailed it.
The tender potato gnocchi cooked right in a luscious butternut squash sauce paired with the savory kick of Italian sausage and the earthy aroma of fresh thyme and sage. It’s hearty but not heavy, full of fall flavors, and perfect for a quiet evening meal or a gathering with friends. If you’re ready for a dish that feels like the ultimate comfort food but doesn’t take all day to make, this recipe will become a favorite for sure!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi is not just delicious but also practical. Here’s why it deserves a spot in your rotation.
Perfect for Busy Nights
You can have this restaurant-quality meal on your table in just 40 minutes, making it ideal for a fast yet satisfying dinner. When time is tight, the simplicity of the recipe lets you enjoy a gourmet experience without the usual fuss. Even on hectic days, the balanced flavors bring a moment of indulgence and relaxation to your evening.
One-Pan Wonder
No need for extra pots! The gnocchi simmers in the flavorful sauce, saving you time and cleanup. This streamlined method minimizes mess and maximizes taste, letting every ingredient shine in one pan. It’s a clever solution that frees up your time for what really matters—enjoying the meal with family and friends.
Loaded with Fall Comfort
The rich butternut squash puree, savory sausage, and fragrant herbs are all the best parts of cozy, fall-inspired cooking. Every bite delivers a warm, inviting taste that perfectly captures the essence of autumn. This dish transforms seasonal ingredients into a celebration of comfort and nostalgia, making every dinner a special occasion.
Customizable and Dietary-Friendly
Whether you need a dairy-free swap or want to change the protein, this recipe is easily adaptable for any preference.Its versatile nature means you can experiment with different flavors to match your personal dietary needs. With room for creative twists, you can tailor the dish to be both nourishing and exciting for every palate.
Cooking Time
Here’s how the timing breaks down for this quick, flavorful meal:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients
Here are the key ingredients to bring this comforting dish together:
- Italian sausage
- Olive oil
- Potato gnocchi
- Heavy cream
- Chicken broth
- Butternut squash puree
- Garlic
- Fresh sage
- Fresh thyme
- Salt
- Coarse black pepper
Variations
If you’re looking to tweak the recipe to suit your needs, here are some ideas!
Ingredient Options
- Switch the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
- Lighter Sauce: Use half-and-half or even unsweetened coconut milk for a lighter, dairy-free version.
- Extra Veggies: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or peas for a heartier meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
Make sure you have these items on hand for smooth preparation:
- Large skillet: For cooking everything in one pan.
- Food processor: To puree roasted butternut squash.
- Knife: For chopping garlic and herbs.
- Cutting board: A sturdy surface to prep ingredients.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage?
This dish comes together with simple steps that anyone can follow. Get ready for a truly satisfying cooking experience!
Brown the Sausage 🍳
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the Italian sausage, cooking it until browned on both sides. Slicing the sausage before cooking helps everything brown evenly and makes it easier to eat later.
Add the Base Ingredients 🥘
Once the sausage is cooked, add the potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth directly into the skillet. Stir everything to coat the gnocchi in the creamy liquid. This part smells amazing! Cover the skillet and simmer on medium heat for about five minutes.
Incorporate the Butternut Squash Puree 🎃
Uncover the skillet and stir in the butternut squash puree along with the minced garlic. The sauce will start to thicken as it simmers. Let everything cook for a few more minutes until the gnocchi is tender and fully cooked.
Finish with Fresh Herbs 🌿
Sprinkle the fresh sage and thyme over the dish, then season with salt and coarse black pepper to taste. The combination of these fragrant herbs ties all the flavors together beautifully. Give everything a final toss before serving.
Tips for Making the Recipe
To ensure your dish turns out perfectly, here are a few expert tips:
- Make the Puree Ahead: Roast and puree your butternut squash in advance to save time when preparing the dish.
- Adjust the Sauce Thickness: If the sauce feels too thick, a splash of chicken broth can loosen it up to your liking.
- Don’t Overcook Gnocchi: Keep an eye on the skillet to prevent the gnocchi from becoming too soft or mushy.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage?
Presentation can make your dinner even more enjoyable!
Serve this gnocchi hot, straight from the skillet, in shallow bowls to showcase the creamy sauce. Garnish with extra sage leaves or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for added elegance. Pair your dish with a simple green salad or a slice of crusty garlic bread to round out the meal. This recipe is equally fit for a dinner party as it is for a cozy midweek meal.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 674
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fat: 53g
Make Ahead and Storage
This dish is perfect for prepping ahead or storing leftovers.
Prepping Ahead
You can prepare the butternut squash puree up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge so it’s ready to go when you make the dish.
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftovers in a sealed container for up to five days. When reheating, you might need to thin the sauce with a splash of cream or chicken broth.
Freezing Instructions
This dish freezes surprisingly well. Place cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container and keep them for up to three months. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove for best results.
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the ultimate comfort food that hits all the right notes. Whether you make it for a family dinner, date night, or a cozy weekend meal, its rich flavors and simple preparation will win over everyone at the table. Give it a try, and you might just discover your new go-to fall favorite!
For a visual guide, watch the full recipe video here:
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Italian sausage
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 ounces potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove the sausage from the casings and slice it into pieces.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook for about 4 minutes on one side without turning, allowing it to brown. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
- In the same skillet, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring to combine. Cover with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes while the sauce simmers.
- Next, stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Bring the sauce back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Stir well and cook for about 3 minutes or until the gnocchi is tender, the garlic is fragrant, and the sauce thickens to your liking. Cook longer for a thicker consistency, then remove from heat.
- Mix in half of the fresh sage and half of the fresh thyme. Season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper, adjusting based on the saltiness of the sausage.
- When serving, sprinkle with the remaining fresh sage and thyme for extra flavor.
Notes
- Roasting Time Note: The total cooking time does not include the time needed to roast the butternut squash and prepare the puree. It’s best to do this in advance.
- Extra Puree Storage: Since roasting a whole butternut squash yields more than the 1 cup needed for this recipe, store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer for future use.
- Dried Thyme Conversion: If using dried thyme instead of fresh, substitute with ½ teaspoon dried thyme (not powdered) or ¼ teaspoon powdered dried thyme for the right balance of flavor.
- Plan Ahead: Prepping the squash ahead of time ensures a smoother cooking process and allows you to have extra puree on hand for other recipes.
