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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the ultimate fall comfort food. With pillowy gnocchi, spicy Italian sausage, and a velvety butternut squash cream sauce infused with fresh thyme and sage, this cozy one-pan dinner comes together in just 40 minutes. It’s simple enough for a busy weeknight but impressive enough for entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-pan simplicity – minimal dishes, easy cleanup.
  • Ready in 40 minutes – quick enough for weeknights.
  • Fall flavors – creamy butternut squash, earthy sage, and savory sausage.
  • Family favorite – hearty, comforting, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • Italian sausage – spicy, sweet, or mild, depending on preference.
  • Potato gnocchi – no need to pre-cook! They simmer directly in the sauce.
  • Butternut squash puree – roasted and blended in advance for convenience.
  • Heavy cream + chicken broth – creates a rich, silky base.
  • Fresh garlic – for aromatic depth.
  • Fresh sage and thyme – classic fall herbs.
  • Olive oil, salt, and pepper – the basics for flavor and cooking.

Preparing the Butternut Squash Puree

Making homemade butternut squash puree is simple and adds incredible flavor:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, until fork-tender.
  4. Cool, peel, and scoop the flesh into a food processor.
  5. Blend until smooth and creamy.

You’ll need 1 cup of puree for this recipe. Extra can be stored in the fridge or freezer for future use.

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Cook the sausage – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove casings, slice sausage, and brown for 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add gnocchi and liquids – Stir in uncooked gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in puree and garlic – Mix in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Simmer until gnocchi is tender and sauce thickens, about 3–5 minutes.
  4. Finish with herbs – Stir in half of the sage and thyme, then season with salt and black pepper. Use remaining herbs as garnish before serving.

Storage & Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Microwave in short intervals or warm gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce.

What to Serve with Gnocchi

This dish is rich and creamy, so keep sides simple:

  • Crusty bread (Italian loaf, garlic bread, or focaccia).
  • A fresh salad, like spinach with pine nuts or arugula with apples and pecans.

Variations

  • Swap sausage for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
  • Stir in Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Recipe Card

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage
Serves: 4 | Prep Time: 20 min | Cook Time: 20 min | Total Time: 40 min

Ingredients

  • 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed, about 3 links)
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil
  • 10 oz potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup butternut squash puree
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 Tbsp fresh sage, chopped
  • 2 Tbsp fresh thyme
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Brown sliced sausage, 5–7 minutes.
  2. Add gnocchi, heavy cream, and broth. Bring to a boil, stir, cover, and simmer 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in butternut squash puree and garlic. Cook 3–5 minutes until thickened and gnocchi is tender.
  4. Add half the sage and thyme, season to taste, and remove from heat.
  5. Garnish with remaining herbs and serve warm.