Name: Ridiculously Easy Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 10 oz potato gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup chicken broth; 1 cup butternut squash puree; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme; Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Okay, listen up, because I’m about to let you in on a little secret: creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, sage, and thyme is ridiculously easy to make. Seriously! Don’t let the fancy name fool you. This isn’t one of those recipes that takes all day. I whipped it up last week when I was craving something comforting but didn’t feel like spending hours in the kitchen, and wow! My family devoured it. The sweet butternut squash, the savory sausage… it’s just a match made in heaven. Trust me, even if you’re a beginner cook, you can totally nail this. I’ve been cooking for years, and this is one of my go-to recipes when I want something delicious and satisfying without the fuss. So, let’s get cooking!

Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage sage and thyme - detail 1

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme

Quick and Easy Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme

Seriously, who has time to spend all day cooking? This recipe is FAST. We’re talking weeknight dinner hero, ready in under 40 minutes. You can’t beat that!

Flavorful Combination

Okay, the flavors? Amazing! The sweet butternut squash just *melts* in your mouth, and the sausage gives it that savory kick. Plus, sage and thyme? Chefs kiss! It’s a flavor explosion!

Comfort Food at Its Best

Need a hug in a bowl? This is it! Creamy, warm, and satisfying – it’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly evening. My favorite part is curling up on the couch with a big bowl of this. Yum!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme Ingredients

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! This is what you’ll need to whip up this amazing creamy butternut squash gnocchi. Don’t skimp on the fresh herbs, they really make a difference! And be sure to get good quality sausage – it’s worth it, trust me! Here’s the list:

12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed and sliced. I like to use sweet Italian sausage, but spicy works great too!
1 tablespoon olive oil. Just your regular, everyday olive oil is perfect.
10 oz potato gnocchi. You can find this in the pasta aisle.
1 cup heavy cream. Don’t try to substitute this with milk, it won’t be the same!
½ cup chicken broth. Low sodium is always a good idea.
1 cup butternut squash puree. You can roast your own squash and puree it, or just buy the canned stuff to save time!
3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best!
2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped. Seriously, don’t skip the fresh sage!
2 tablespoons fresh thyme. Same goes for the thyme!
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the pepper!

Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage sage and thyme - detail 2

How to Prepare Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, now for the fun part! Follow these steps, and you’ll have the most amazing creamy butternut squash gnocchi ever. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks! Just take it one step at a time, and you’ll be golden.

Browning the Sausage

First, get that sausage ready! Take it out of the casings – messy, I know, but worth it! Slice it up, and then heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over medium heat. We want a nice, even browning here, so don’t overcrowd the pan! Cook the sausage for about 4 minutes on one side – you want it nice and brown, almost crispy. Then, flip it and cook for another 2 minutes. The browning is key for flavor, so don’t rush this step!

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Now, add the uncooked gnocchi to the skillet. Yep, right in with the sausage! Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Crank up the heat to bring it to a boil, then stir it all up really well. Once it’s boiling, slap a lid on the skillet, reduce the heat to medium, and let it simmer for about 5 minutes. This is where the magic happens! The gnocchi will cook right in the sauce, and it’ll get nice and creamy.

Adding Butternut Squash and Garlic

Time for the good stuff! Take off the lid and stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat again. Stir it well, and let it cook for another 3 minutes or so, until the gnocchi is cooked through and the sauce has thickened up. The sauce should be clinging to the gnocchi – that’s how you know it’s perfect!

Finishing Touches

Almost there! Stir in half of the fresh sage and half of the fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste – but remember, the sausage might be salty already, so go easy! Give it a good stir to combine all those delicious flavors. When you’re serving, top with the remaining sage and thyme. It makes it look so pretty, and it adds a final burst of flavor. And that’s it! You’re ready to dig in!

Tips for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme

Adjusting the Salt

Okay, this is important! Taste, taste, taste! Sausage can be sneaky salty, so you really need to taste the dish before you add any extra salt. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away, right? So, be careful! Trust your taste buds!

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan

Seriously, give your gnocchi some space! If you cram everything into a small pan, it won’t cook evenly, and the sauce won’t thicken properly. Use a nice, big skillet – you know, the kind your grandma used to make Sunday dinner in. If you don’t have a big enough skillet, cook it in batches. It’s worth the extra effort, I promise!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme Variations

Spice it Up

Feeling a little fiery? I get it! A pinch of red pepper flakes will kick this creamy butternut squash gnocchi up a notch. I usually toss in about a 1/4 teaspoon with the garlic, but hey, if you’re brave, go for more! Just be careful, a little goes a long way. Trust me on this one!

Different Herbs

Don’t have sage and thyme on hand? No problem! Rosemary and oregano are fantastic substitutes in this creamy butternut squash gnocchi. I’d use about a tablespoon of each, chopped finely. Or hey, why not try a mix? A little rosemary, a little thyme…go wild! It’s your kitchen, after all!

Serving Suggestions for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing creamy butternut squash gnocchi…what do you serve with it? A simple side salad is always a winner – something with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some roasted Brussels sprouts would be amazing! Honestly, it’s pretty filling on its own, so don’t stress too much!

FAQ About Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme

Can I use frozen butternut squash puree?

Absolutely! Frozen butternut squash puree works like a charm in this creamy butternut squash gnocchi. Just make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out any extra water before you add it to the pan. Nobody wants a watery sauce, right?

Can I use a different type of sausage?

Of course! Sweet Italian sausage is my go-to, but honestly, any sausage you like will work. Spicy Italian sausage adds a nice kick, or you could even use chicken sausage for a lighter option. Just make sure you brown it up nicely for maximum flavor!

Can I make this creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage sage and thyme vegetarian?

You bet! Just skip the sausage and add some extra veggies! Roasted mushrooms or spinach would be delicious. You could also use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. And hey, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end never hurt anyone (unless you’re strictly vegan, of course!).

Nutritional Information for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme

Okay, let’s talk nutrition…but with a HUGE disclaimer! Listen, I’m a home cook, not a nutritionist! The numbers below are just estimates. They can totally change depending on the brands you use, how big your servings are (we all eyeball it, right?), and whether you sneak an extra sausage or two (oops!). So, take this with a grain of salt, okay?

That being said, here’s a rough idea of what you’re looking at per serving:

Calories: Around 550 (give or take!)
Fat: About 35g (again, depends on the sausage!)
Carbs: Roughly 40g
Protein: Maybe 20g

Remember, this is just a ballpark! If you’re super serious about the numbers, plug the ingredients you actually used into a proper nutrition calculator. But honestly, just enjoy the creamy butternut squash gnocchi – life’s too short to count every single calorie!

Enjoy Your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Sage and Thyme!

Alright, you did it! Time to dig in and enjoy your amazing creamy butternut squash gnocchi! If you loved it as much as my family does, please leave a comment and rate the recipe! I’d love to hear what you think!