Homemade Butternut Squash Gnocchi Recipe: Savory Herb Magic

Autumn’s golden hues inspire this hearty butternut squash gnocchi that promises comfort in every bite.

Tender potato dumplings dance with spicy sausage, creating a symphony of flavors that celebrate seasonal warmth.

Fragrant thyme and sage weave through the creamy sauce, adding depth and rustic charm to this Italian-inspired dish.

Rich, velvety butternut squash transforms the classic gnocchi into a luxurious meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Each forkful brings together earthy sausage and silky potato pillows in perfect harmony.

The blend of herbs and roasted squash delivers a sophisticated yet homey experience that will transport you to a cozy Italian kitchen.

Prepare to savor a plate that turns a simple meal into an unforgettable culinary journey.

Why Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi Is Comfort in a Bowl

Savor Quick Comfort: A Hearty Gnocchi Delight

• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Fusion: Combine rich sausage, creamy butternut squash, and aromatic herbs to create a restaurant-quality dish that appeals to both adults and kids.
• Versatile Weeknight Superstar: Adapt this recipe easily by swapping ingredients like chicken sausage or vegetarian alternatives, making it perfect for spontaneous dinner plans and flexible meal preparations.
• Cozy Seasonal Satisfaction: Embrace autumn's warmth with a comforting dish featuring classic seasonal ingredients like butternut squash and fresh herbs, transforming an ordinary meal into a memorable culinary experience.

Everything You’ll Need for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Sausage: A flavorful meat that adds richness to the dish.
• Potato Gnocchi: Soft, pillowy Italian dumplings that soak up delicious sauce.
• Butternut Squash Puree: Creamy and sweet vegetable base for the sauce.

• Heavy Cream, Chicken Broth: Smooth and savory liquids that create a luscious sauce.

• Garlic, Fresh Sage, Fresh Thyme: Fragrant herbs and spice that bring warmth and depth to the dish.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for cooking and enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Preparing Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Ease

Step 1: Sizzle the Sausage

Remove sausage from its casing and slice into delectable pieces.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop the sausage slices into the pan and let them sear beautifully for 4 minutes without moving.

Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden and crispy.

Step 2: Introduce Gnocchi and Creamy Liquids

Toss uncooked potato gnocchi into the same skillet.

• Heavy cream
• Chicken broth

Stir everything together and bring to a bubbling boil.

Cover with a lid and let simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to soak up all those rich flavors.

Step 3: Welcome Butternut Squash

• Butternut squash puree
• Minced garlic

Return the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium.

Stir carefully and cook for 3 minutes.

Ensure gnocchi are perfectly tender and the sauce reaches a luxurious thickness.

Step 4: Herb It Up

Sprinkle in half of the fresh sage and thyme.

Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.

The sausage’s natural saltiness might mean you need less additional salt.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Finish with the remaining fresh sage and thyme.

Serve piping hot and savor every creamy, herbaceous bite of this delightful dish.

Useful Tips for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Brown sausage on one side first to develop deep, rich flavors and create a caramelized exterior that adds complexity to the dish.
• Let gnocchi simmer in the cream and broth to soak up maximum flavor and achieve a perfectly tender texture without becoming mushy.
• Adjust cooking time to thicken the sauce – longer simmering creates a richer, more concentrated flavor and creamier consistency.
• Reserve half the fresh herbs for garnishing to provide a bright, aromatic finish that enhances the overall taste and visual appeal of the dish.
• Taste before adding salt, as sausage often provides enough saltiness to season the entire dish naturally.

Storing and Warming Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish, cover with damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Add small amount of liquid if sauce appears dry.
• Not recommended due to cream-based sauce, which may separate and lose texture when thawed. Best enjoyed fresh within 3 days of preparation.

What Tastes Great with Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy sauce and complement the rich sausage flavors.
• Balance with Light Salad: Create a zesty arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the heavy, creamy gnocchi dish.
• Enhance with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty sourdough or rustic Italian bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a delightful textural element to the meal.
• Complement with Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare simple roasted Brussels sprouts or honey-glazed carrots to add a caramelized, slightly sweet accompaniment that echoes the butternut squash's natural sweetness.

Spins on Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

• Vegetarian Delight: Replace sausage with plant-based Italian sausage or crumbled tempeh. Add extra herbs and nutritional yeast for depth of flavor, creating a protein-rich vegetarian alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap potato gnocchi with gluten-free gnocchi made from cassava or rice flour. Ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free for a safe celiac-friendly meal.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Substitute gnocchi with roasted cauliflower gnocchi or zucchini noodles. Use heavy cream alternative like coconut cream and include extra herbs to maintain rich, satisfying taste.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or cashew cream. Use dairy-free sausage and ensure all ingredients align with dairy-free dietary requirements for a creamy, allergen-friendly dish.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta instead of gnocchi?

Yes, you can substitute gnocchi with other short pasta like rigatoni or penne. The creamy sauce will work well with most pasta shapes.

• Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the sausage with plant-based sausage or mushrooms for a similar texture and flavor profile. You can also add extra herbs to boost the taste.

• How can I make the sauce creamier?

Add a little more heavy cream or sprinkle some grated parmesan cheese into the sauce. These will enhance the richness and create an even more luxurious texture.

• What if I can't find fresh sage and thyme?

Dried herbs work perfectly fine. Use about 1 teaspoon of each dried herb as a substitute for fresh herbs. The flavor will still be delicious and aromatic.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi With Sausage, Thyme, And Sage Recipe

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4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Silky butternut squash gnocchi dances with savory Italian sausage, embracing rustic herbs in a comforting autumn melody. Fragrant thyme and sage elevate this hearty dish, promising a soul-warming culinary journey you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Primary Ingredients:

• 1/2 ounces (14 grams) Italian sausage (casings removed, about 3 links)
• 10 ounces (283 grams) potato gnocchi
• 1 cup butternut squash puree

Liquid and Cream Ingredients:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Render the sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, carefully browning the slices without constant stirring. Develop a deep golden crust on each side to enhance the meat’s rich flavor profile.
2. Introduce uncooked potato gnocchi directly into the skillet with heavy cream and chicken broth. Create a simmering liquid environment that allows the gnocchi to gently absorb surrounding flavors and become tender.
3. Incorporate butternut squash puree and minced garlic into the skillet, transforming the sauce into a luxurious, creamy mixture. Reduce heat and allow the ingredients to meld, thickening the sauce while ensuring the gnocchi reach perfect tenderness.
4. Infuse the dish with aromatic herbs by stirring in half the fresh sage and thyme. Carefully calibrate the seasoning, considering the natural saltiness of the sausage and balancing with additional salt and black pepper as needed.
5. Elevate the final presentation by scattering the remaining fresh herbs across the surface. Serve immediately while the gnocchi remain warm and the sauce maintains its velvety consistency, capturing the essence of rustic, comforting cuisine.

Notes

• Swap regular sausage with turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
• Ensure gnocchi doesn’t overcook by watching closely during simmering, as potato-based pasta can quickly become mushy and lose its delightful texture.
• Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free gnocchi and checking that all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Boost vegetable content by adding spinach or kale during the final cooking stage for extra nutrition and vibrant color.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg