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An extreme close-up of sausage and gnocchi in a creamy butternut squash sauce, highlighting the rich texture of the dish.

Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi: The Ultimate One-Pan Recipe

This Butternut Squash and Sausage Gnocchi is the ultimate fall comfort food. This easy, one-pan recipe features tender gnocchi and savory sausage in a creamy sage sauce. The perfect weeknight dinner, ready in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-American
Calories: 750

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb Italian sausage casings removed
  • 3 cups butternut squash peeled and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi store-bought
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh sage chopped
  • 1.5 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet
  • 1 Baking sheet

Instructions
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

Don't Crowd the Pan: For the best flavor, ensure the squash is in a single layer when roasting to promote caramelization.
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.
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