Irresistibly Creamy and Comforting

Ever dreamed of a dish that wraps you in a warm hug on a chilly night? Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage totally hits the spot — it’s quick to make, bursting with flavor, and one hundred percent cozy. You’ll love how the creamy sauce and savory sausage blend harmoniously with the tender gnocchi, making this dish a favorite for busy weeknights or an impressive dinner party option.

Why Make This Recipe

Why should you dive into this deliciousness? For starters, it’s all about easy cleanup—most of it happens in just one pan! Plus, it’s super affordable, so you won’t need to sell your kidney to impress friends. It’s family-friendly, too; who can resist a dish that’s creamy, hearty, and a little spicy? Trust me, your loved ones will be begging for seconds (and maybe thirds!).

Ingredients

You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!

For the Gnocchi:

1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 egg
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Creamy Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup unsalted butter
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sausage:

1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

Making this comforting dish is easier than you might think! Just follow these steps:

Make the gnocchi: Boil the butternut squash until soft; drain and cool. Mash into a smooth puree and transfer to a mixing bowl.
Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms. Roll dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces; create ridges on the gnocchi with a fork.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface; drain and set aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer; stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the sausage: In a separate pan over medium heat, warm olive oil; add onion and cook until translucent. Add the sausage, crumbling as you go; add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until browned through.
Combine: Toss the gnocchi with the creamy sauce; add the sausage mixture and gently toss to coat.
Serve with garnish as desired.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe (Overview)

Let’s break this down a bit more! Start by boiling and mashing that sweet butternut squash—it’s the star of the show. Don’t skip toasting the garlic; it makes all the difference! While the gnocchi cooks, whip up the creamy sauce which will beautifully envelop the pasta. Sauté the sausage until it’s beautifully browned, then mix it all together for a harmonious blend of flavors. The best part? You’ll have an impressive meal ready in no time!

How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Serving this is all about presentation! You can pile it high in a beautiful bowl or plate it classically — the vibrant orange of the squash against the creaminess of the sauce will look stunning. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan and a dash of red pepper flakes for a pop of color. The rich aroma will have everyone flocking to the table, and your friends will be saying, "This is amazing!" before they even taste it!

How to Store Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

If you have leftovers (doubt it), you can store this dish in the fridge for up to three days. Just seal it in an airtight container! For longer storage, freeze it for about a month. When ready to indulge again, simply reheat on the stove with a splash of cream to bring back that creamy deliciousness!

Tips to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Timing is key: Get your water boiling for the gnocchi while you prepare the sauce and sausage—multi-tasking for the win!
Use different sausages: If you’re not into Italian style, try chicken or turkey sausage for a leaner option.
Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for the gnocchi; it works surprisingly well!
For a spicier kick, throw in more red pepper flakes or use spicy sausage; it’s all about your flavor preferences!
Double the sauce! Because who ever complained about too much sauce?

Variation

Feeling adventurous? Try adding some spinach for a pop of color and nutrients or swap in pumpkin for the butternut squash for a little twist! You could also make it vegan by using mushroom or soy sausage, plant-based cream, and egg replacer in the gnocchi. The possibilities are endless!

FAQs

Can I make gnocchi ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the gnocchi and freeze them before cooking—just toss them straight into boiling water when you’re ready.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use coconut cream for a dairy-free option, or even a mix of milk and yogurt for a lighter cream.

Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead?
Of course! Just cook according to the package instructions, then follow the sauce and sausage steps to create this delightful dish.

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