Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: Cozy, Savory, and Full of Fall Flavor

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is the definition of comfort in a bowl — rich, hearty, and perfectly balanced with sweet, nutty squash and savory Italian sausage. The soft, pillowy gnocchi soak up a luscious, velvety sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan, making every bite pure autumn bliss. I made this for a cozy Sunday dinner last fall, and the creamy sauce clung to the gnocchi so beautifully that everyone went back for seconds. It’s simple enough for a weeknight yet elegant enough for entertaining. Whether you’re looking for a quick seasonal meal or something indulgent for cooler evenings, this dish delivers warmth, texture, and irresistible flavor in every spoonful.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Potato gnocchi — Soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb the creamy sauce perfectly.

Italian sausage (mild or spicy) — Adds savory depth and richness to balance the sweetness of the squash.

Butternut squash — Naturally sweet and velvety when blended into the sauce.

Olive oil or butter — For sautéing and enhancing flavor.

Garlic — Infuses the sauce with warmth and aroma.

Shallots or onions — Add subtle sweetness and depth.

Heavy cream or half-and-half — Creates a silky, indulgent texture.

Parmesan cheese — Adds saltiness and umami to the creamy sauce.

Fresh sage — Earthy and fragrant, it complements the squash beautifully.

Chicken broth — Helps thin the sauce while adding savory flavor.

Salt and black pepper — For seasoning and balance.

Red pepper flakes (optional) — Adds a hint of heat to offset the creamy sweetness.

Spinach (optional) — Adds color and freshness to the final dish.

Directions

Peel and cube the butternut squash. Boil or steam the cubes until tender, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and mash or blend until smooth.

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

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté minced garlic and chopped shallots for 1–2 minutes, until fragrant and softened. Stir in the cooked butternut squash puree and chicken broth, whisking until smooth.

Add heavy cream and stir well to combine. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Stir in Parmesan cheese, chopped sage, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust consistency with more broth if needed.

Meanwhile, cook the gnocchi according to package directions until they float to the top (usually 2–3 minutes). Drain and immediately add the gnocchi and cooked sausage to the sauce.

Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy butternut squash sauce. Add spinach if using, and cook just until wilted. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh sage leaves.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

• Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
• large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
• Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
• Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
• Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
• 9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
• knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
• Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6. Preparation takes 15 minutes, cooking about 25 minutes. Total time: 40 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving too long, as the cream may separate. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen for up to 1 month.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetarian Version — Skip the sausage and use caramelized onions or roasted mushrooms instead.

Spicy Italian — Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes for bold flavor.

Brown Butter Twist — Use browned butter instead of olive oil for nutty richness.

Cheesy Gnocchi Bake — Transfer to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and broil until bubbly.

Pancetta Upgrade — Swap sausage for crispy pancetta or bacon for a smoky touch.

Sage Brown Butter Sauce — Add a drizzle of brown butter and fried sage on top for elegance.

Dairy-Free — Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast for a creamy vegan alternative.

Roasted Butternut Squash — Roast squash cubes with olive oil and herbs before blending for deeper flavor.

Mushroom Lover’s Version — Add sautéed cremini or wild mushrooms for an earthy twist.

Herb Infused — Stir in thyme or rosemary for aromatic complexity.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?

Yes, pre-packaged gnocchi works great for this recipe — it cooks quickly and absorbs the sauce beautifully.

Can I substitute another squash?

Yes, acorn or kabocha squash also work well for a similar creamy texture.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but the sauce will be lighter; add a bit more Parmesan to maintain richness.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer a few extra minutes or add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan to thicken.

Can I make it ahead?

Yes, cook the sauce ahead and store separately; combine with fresh gnocchi when ready to serve.

What type of sausage is best?

Mild Italian sausage is classic, but spicy varieties add a great kick.

Can I roast the squash instead of boiling?

Absolutely — roasting enhances its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.

Can I use frozen squash puree?

Yes, thaw it completely and drain any excess liquid before adding to the sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

Use gentle heat and avoid boiling once the cream is added.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple green salad and crusty bread pair beautifully with this rich, creamy meal.

Conclusion

Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a heartwarming, restaurant-quality dish that brings the best of fall to your table. With its silky sauce, savory sausage, and pillowy gnocchi, it’s both indulgent and comforting. The hint of sage ties everything together, creating a meal that feels cozy, elegant, and utterly satisfying. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special autumn gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress — rich, creamy, and bursting with seasonal flavor in every bite.

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