Print

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is a cozy and indulgent dish featuring pillowy gnocchi coated in a velvety butternut squash sauce with savory sausage and fragrant herbs. It’s a comforting one-pan meal perfect for fall evenings.

Ingredients

  • 1 pound gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon fresh sage leaves, chopped
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until soft and fragrant, about 3 minutes.
  3. Add cubed butternut squash and cook for 4–5 minutes until slightly softened.
  4. Pour in the broth, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10–15 minutes until squash is tender.
  5. Blend the mixture until smooth using an immersion blender or by carefully transferring it to a regular blender.
  6. Return the sauce to the skillet. Stir in heavy cream, thyme, sage, salt, and pepper.
  7. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and mix well.
  8. Cook gnocchi according to package directions, drain, and add to the sauce.
  9. Toss everything together and let it cook for a few minutes over low heat to absorb flavors.
  10. Top with Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Serve warm.

Notes

  • Use frozen butternut squash for quicker prep.
  • Substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
  • Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or cream cheese for a lighter twist.
  • Dairy-free? Use coconut cream and vegan Parmesan.
  • Add a drizzle of browned butter and crispy sage for extra richness.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://recipesbyliza.com/creamy-butternut-squash-gnocchi-with-sausage-thyme-and-sage/