Fall is officially here, and you know what that means: it’s comfort food season! And trust me, nothing screams “cozy night in” quite like a big bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Thyme and Sage. This recipe is seriously a hug in a bowl, combining sweet butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and those amazing little potato dumplings – gnocchi!
It’s all tossed in a creamy, dreamy sauce infused with fresh thyme and sage. My favorite part is how quick it is to make – we’re talking from-scratch deliciousness in under an hour. Seriously! You’ll be so proud of yourself.
I remember one particularly chilly October evening, I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend all night in the kitchen. I threw together this recipe on a whim, and wow! It was an instant hit. The kids devoured it, my partner raved, and I felt like a culinary genius. So, if you’re looking for a simple, satisfying, and totally delicious fall meal, look no further. This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is it!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Thyme and Sage: Gather Your Ingredients
Alright, let’s get prepped! Having all your ingredients ready to go makes this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage a breeze. You’ll want:
- 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed and sliced into roughly ½-inch pieces. Trust me, removing those casings makes a difference!
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing that yummy sausage.
- 10 oz potato gnocchi – the shelf-stable kind is perfect.
- 1 cup heavy cream – this is key to the creamy sauce, so don’t skimp!
- ½ cup chicken broth – low sodium is always a good idea, then you control the salt.
- 1 cup butternut squash puree – canned is totally fine (and saves time!), just make sure it’s unsweetened.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – fresh is best here, the flavor is just unbeatable.
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped – smells amazing, right?
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme – ditto!
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste – because seasoning is everything!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Thyme and Sage: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here’s where the magic happens! Don’t worry, it’s easier than it looks. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Thyme and Sage in no time!
Preparing the Sausage for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi
First, let’s get that sausage browned. Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add your sliced sausage and cook it for about 4 minutes on one side – you want a nice, golden-brown color. Flip it and cook for another 2 minutes. We’re not looking for fully cooked here, just a good sear to add flavor. Then, just leave the sausage in the pan. Easy peasy!
Combining Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Now, toss in the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth right into the skillet with the sausage. Give it a good stir to combine everything. We’re building flavor layers here, folks! Bring it all to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Once it’s boiling, cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
Cooking and Thickening the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi Sauce
Alright, uncover the skillet and stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Oh, that garlic smell! It’s the best, isn’t it? Bring it back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Keep stirring and cook for another 3 minutes (or more if needed) until the gnocchi are cooked through and the sauce has thickened up nicely. You want it to coat the back of a spoon. Don’t rush this step!
Finishing the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Herbs
Finally, the grand finale! Stir in half of the chopped fresh sage and half of the chopped fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, that sausage is already salty, so go easy on the salt at first. Give it a taste and adjust as needed. When you serve it, sprinkle the remaining sage and thyme on top for a pop of fresh flavor and a pretty presentation. And there you have it!
Tips for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Want to take your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage from good to *amazing*? Here are a few of my go-to tips! First, taste as you go. Seriously! The sausage can be salty, so adjust the salt carefully. Next, don’t overcook the gnocchi – you want them tender, not mushy. If the sauce is too thin, just simmer it a little longer, uncovered, until it reaches your desired consistency. A splash more cream never hurts either! My secret? A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick! You’ll thank me!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi
Okay, let’s talk swaps! Sweet Italian sausage is my go-to, but spicy Italian sausage works great if you like a little heat. No butternut squash? Acorn squash or even pumpkin puree can sub in a pinch. And if you’re fresh-herb-challenged, dried sage and thyme will do – just use about 1 teaspoon each. Trust me, it’ll still be delish!
Serving Suggestions for Your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage… now what? A simple side salad is always a winner – something with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Or, you know what? Crusty bread! Seriously, grab a loaf and get ready to soak up every last bit of that delicious sauce. My family loves it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese on top, too. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is just as good the next day. Let it cool completely, then pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3 days. When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy, then microwave it or warm it in a skillet over low heat. Stir it often, so it doesn’t stick. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Got questions about this amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are a few of the most common questions I get asked all the time.
Can I use different types of sausage in this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi recipe?
Absolutely! Sweet Italian sausage is my personal fave, but hot Italian sausage adds a kick. You could even use chicken or turkey sausage if you’re watching your fat intake. Just make sure to remove the casings!
Can I make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage vegetarian?
Yep! Just skip the sausage, and add some roasted vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. You could also use vegetarian sausage crumbles. To add some extra protein, toss in some white beans or chickpeas. Still delicious!!
How do I prevent the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi sauce from being too thin?
No one wants a watery sauce! If your sauce is too thin, just simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes. The sauce will thicken as the liquid evaporates. A tablespoon of cream cheese or mascarpone will also do the trick! Just stir it in at the end.
Estimated Nutritional Information for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Okay, so everyone always asks about the nutrition info. Here’s a *very* rough estimate for one serving of this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: around 550 calories, 35g fat, 20g protein, and 40g carbs. But remember, it depends on the exact ingredients you use! Just enjoy it, okay?
Enjoy Your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!
So, there you have it! My super simple, super delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. I really hope you love it as much as my family does! If you try it, please leave a comment and let me know what you think. And hey, if you’re feeling social, share a picture on Instagram and tag me! I love seeing your creations!
Disgustingly Good Butternut Squash Gnocchi Recipe in 45
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, thyme, and sage. This dish combines Italian sausage, potato gnocchi, and butternut squash puree in a rich, flavorful sauce.
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
Instructions
- Remove sausage from casings and slice it.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil on medium heat in a large, high-sided skillet.
- Add sliced sausage and cook on medium heat for about 4 minutes on one side to brown. Flip and cook for 2 more minutes.
- To the same skillet, add uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil on medium heat and stir. Cover and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat.
- Add butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Bring to a boil on medium heat, reduce to low-medium heat, and stir. Cook for about 3 or more minutes until gnocchi are cooked and sauce thickens.
- Stir in half of the fresh sage and half of the fresh thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
- When serving, top with the remaining sage and thyme.
Notes
- Adjust salt to taste, considering the saltiness of the sausage.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
