Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage Recipe
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi simmered in a rich sauce made with sausage, heavy cream, chicken broth, and pureed butternut squash. Aromatic fresh thyme and sage add an herby warmth, creating a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Sausage and Oil
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (about 3 sausage links)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Main Ingredients
- 10 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (divided)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (divided)
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Remove the sausage from its casings and slice into pieces. This helps them cook evenly and allows the flavors to infuse the sauce.
- Brown the Sausage: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced sausage and cook without stirring for about 4 minutes to allow browning on one side. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until browned on the other side.
- Add Gnocchi and Liquids: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet with the sausage. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- Simmer and Cook Gnocchi: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it simmer for about 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing the gnocchi to cook while the sauce comes to a boil.
- Add Butternut Squash and Garlic: Stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Bring the sauce back to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to low-medium heat. Stir well and cook for 3 or more minutes until the gnocchi is fully cooked, the garlic is softened to your preference, and the sauce thickens. Cook longer if you prefer a thicker sauce, then remove from heat.
- Finish with Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in half of the chopped fresh sage and thyme. Season the dish with salt and coarsely ground black pepper according to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the sausage.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the gnocchi hot, garnished with the remaining fresh sage and thyme for a fragrant herb finish.
Notes
- Adjust salt cautiously as Italian sausage may already be salty.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer a few minutes longer to reduce.
- Use fresh herbs for best flavor; dried herbs can be used but reduce quantity.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute sausage with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Ensure gnocchi is well-cooked by checking tenderness before serving.
Keywords: butternut squash gnocchi, Italian sausage, creamy sauce, fresh sage, thyme, cozy dinner, fall recipe, comfort food
