This Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi is the cozy, comforting, and unbelievably flavorful meal you’ve been craving. Imagine tender potato gnocchi and savory Italian sausage enveloped in a rich, creamy butternut squash sauce with a hint of sage. It’s the perfect fall dinner, ready in under an hour and made in a single skillet, making cleanup an absolute breeze. This dish is destined to become a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Why This Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi is a Must-Try
You will fall in love with this recipe from the very first bite. The sweetness of the butternut squash perfectly balances the savory, seasoned Italian sausage, creating a complex and satisfying flavor profile. The creamy sage sauce brings everything together, adding a classic autumnal aroma and taste.
Beyond its incredible flavor, the best part is its simplicity. It’s an elegant meal that feels gourmet, yet it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s the perfect solution for a busy weeknight when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen. For another fantastic fall dish, check out this delightful apple arugula salad (coming soon).
The Key Ingredients for Success
The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the final flavor.
Butternut Squash: The Star of the Show
Using fresh, roasted butternut squash cubes provides the best texture and a deep, caramelized sweetness that you just can’t get from puree. Roasting brings out its natural sugars, which form the base of our incredible sauce. If you love roasted vegetables, you should also try these perfectly roasted sweet potatoes (coming soon).
Sausage: Choosing the Right Kind
Mild or hot Italian sausage is the perfect choice. The fennel and herbs in the sausage complement the squash and sage beautifully. We recommend removing the casings to allow the sausage to crumble and brown, creating delicious, crispy bits.
Gnocchi: Pillowy Perfection
For convenience, we use store-bought potato gnocchi. It’s a fantastic time-saver that cooks up perfectly soft and tender right in the sauce. Pan-searing the gnocchi briefly before adding the liquid gives it a delightful texture.
The Creamy Sage Sauce
This sauce is what ties everything together. A simple combination of heavy cream, grated Parmesan, fresh sage, garlic, and onion creates a velvety sauce that coats every single piece of gnocchi and sausage. It’s pure comfort.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Gnocchi Dish
Follow these simple steps to create a restaurant-quality meal right at home.
- Roast the Squash: Toss your cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast at 400°F (200°C) until tender and lightly browned, about 20-25 minutes. This step is key for developing flavor.
- Brown the Sausage: While the squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage (casings removed) and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the pan.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped sage, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
- Build the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts, creating a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Add the gnocchi and the cooked sausage to the simmering sauce. Stir gently to combine. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the gnocchi are tender and heated through.
- Combine and Serve: Gently fold in the roasted butternut squash. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh sage.
Pro Tips for Elevating Your Dish
Want to make this recipe even better? Here are a few expert tips.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: When roasting the squash, spread it in a single layer on the baking sheet. This ensures it roasts and caramelizes instead of steaming.
- Get a Good Sear: For the best texture, let the sausage get nicely browned before breaking it up completely. Those crispy edges add a ton of flavor.
- Use Fresh Sage: While dried sage works in a pinch, fresh sage provides a much more aromatic and potent flavor that truly defines the dish.
- Reserve Pasta Water (If Boiling Gnocchi): If you prefer to boil your gnocchi separately, reserve a splash of the starchy water. It can help thicken the sauce if needed.
Easy Variations to Try
This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it to your liking!
Make it Vegetarian
For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage. To add a savory, umami element, sauté 8 ounces of sliced cremini mushrooms after the onions. This spinach and mushroom pasta is another great vegetarian option.
Add a Spicy Kick
If you like heat, use hot Italian sausage or add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes along with the garlic and sage.
Sneak in More Greens
Stir in a few large handfuls of fresh spinach or kale at the end of cooking. Let it wilt into the sauce for a nutritious boost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. You can use frozen cubed butternut squash to save on prep time. Simply roast it directly from frozen, adding about 5-10 extra minutes to the cooking time until it’s tender and lightly caramelized.
While roasted cubes provide a better texture and caramelized flavor, you can use puree in a pinch. Stir about 1.5 cups of puree into the sauce with the heavy cream and let it heat through. The result will be creamier but less textured.
To make a vegetarian version, omit the sausage. To add a similar savory depth and texture, consider adding 8 ounces of sautéed cremini mushrooms or a can of drained chickpeas along with the garlic and sage.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat. You may need to add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.
Mild or hot Italian sausage is ideal as its flavor profile, rich with fennel and herbs, complements the sweet butternut squash and savory sage sauce perfectly. You can use either pork or chicken sausage based on your preference.
The Best Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi
Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). On a baking sheet, toss the butternut squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange in a single layer and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
- While the squash roasts, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the sausage to a plate, leaving the drippings in the skillet.
- Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 5 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and chopped sage and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the gnocchi, cooked sausage, and roasted butternut squash to the skillet. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce. Let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to cook and the flavors to meld. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan.
Notes
Use Fresh Sage: Fresh herbs make a significant difference in the final flavor of the sauce.
Spice it Up: For a little heat, use hot Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic.
Share Your Creation!
This Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi recipe is a true celebration of fall flavors, guaranteed to impress your family and friends. It’s creamy, savory, and deeply satisfying. If you make this recipe, we’d love to see it! Share a photo on Pinterest and tell us what you think in the comments below.
