Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Introduction

If you’re craving a cozy, flavorful dinner that feels fancy but comes together quickly, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage will hit the spot. Pillowy gnocchi is tossed in a velvety butternut squash sauce, paired with savory sausage, and finished with aromatic herbs. It’s a restaurant-worthy comfort meal you can make right at home in under 40 minutes!

---

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi Dish

• 1 package (16–18 oz) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (fresh or frozen)
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried thyme)
• 1 tsp fresh sage, chopped (or ½ tsp dried sage)
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

---

Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
• Total Time: ~40 minutes

---

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Sausage

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove sausage from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Butternut Squash Sauce

In the same skillet, sauté onion until softened (about 3 minutes). Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Stir in butternut squash cubes, broth, thyme, and sage. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes until squash is fork-tender.

Blend sauce with an immersion blender (or transfer carefully to a blender) until smooth. Stir in cream and Parmesan, then season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 3: Cook the Gnocchi

Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the top (2–3 minutes). Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Return sausage to the skillet with the creamy butternut squash sauce. Add cooked gnocchi and toss until coated, using reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish & Serve

Top with more Parmesan, fresh thyme, or crispy fried sage leaves. Serve hot and enjoy!

---

Nutrition (per serving, 1 of 4)

• Calories: ~520 kcal
• Protein: 22g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugars: 4g

---

Tips & Variations

• Make it vegetarian: Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or lentils.
• Dairy-free option: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
• Add greens: Stir in spinach or kale at the end for extra nutrients.
• Crispy sage topping: Fry sage leaves in a little butter or oil until crisp for garnish.

---

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
• Freezer: Sauce can be frozen separately for up to 2 months; add fresh gnocchi when reheating.

---

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the ultimate fall-inspired comfort food. It’s hearty, creamy, and perfectly balanced with savory sausage and fragrant herbs. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy date night, this dish is sure to impress.