This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is so cozy and comforting. The soft gnocchi pairs perfectly with the rich, creamy sauce and savory sausage for a delightful meal!
I love how it feels like a warm hug on a plate, especially on chilly nights. Plus, it’s easy to whip up after a long day—just toss everything together and enjoy! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash Gnocchi: You can find this in most grocery stores, but if it’s not available, you can use potato gnocchi instead, or even make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!
Italian Sausage: For a different flavor, feel free to swap the Italian sausage with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or even a plant-based alternative if you’re looking for a lighter or vegetarian option.
Sauce Ingredients: Shallots add a sweet touch, but onions work just as well. You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a lighter version, though this will change the flavor a bit.
Parmesan Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, Pecorino Romano can be a great substitute. Nutritional yeast is a good option for a vegan substitute that adds a cheesy flavor.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Crispy Gnocchi?
To get that delightful crispy texture, make sure your skillet is properly heated and well-oiled before adding the gnocchi. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it’s better to cook in batches. This way, you give each piece enough space to brown nicely without steaming.
- Use medium-high heat for a good sear.
- Let the gnocchi sit for a bit before flipping—this encourages browning.
- Don’t be afraid to let them get a little golden for that perfect texture!
What’s the Best Way to Infuse Flavors into the Sauce?
Creating a flavorful sauce is all about layering ingredients. Start by sautéing the shallots until they’re soft, then add garlic and sage to build a tasty base. Deglazing with white wine enriches the sauce with a winey depth.
- Make sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to get all those tasty browned bits.
- Let the sauce simmer after adding the cream and cheese—it thickens the sauce while marrying the flavors beautifully.
By focusing on these key ingredients and techniques, you’ll create a creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage that’s sure to impress! Enjoy your cooking!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients:
- 1 (16-ounce) package butternut squash gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage, chopped, plus whole leaves for garnish
- 1/2 cup shallots, finely diced (or substitute with yellow onion)
- 1/2 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh sage leaves for garnish
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time. With creamy sauce, crispy gnocchi, and flavorful sausage, it’ll feel like a gourmet meal without taking all night to prepare!
Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the Italian sausage and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage with a slotted spoon and set it aside, leaving the tasty drippings in the pan.
2. Sauté the Gnocchi:
In the same skillet, pour in another tablespoon of olive oil and add 3 tablespoons of butter. When the butter is melted and bubbling, add the butternut squash gnocchi in a single layer. Let them cook until they are golden brown and slightly crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the gnocchi and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce Base:
Tune down the heat to medium-low, and add the finely diced shallots to the pan. Sauté until they are softened and translucent, about 2 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped sage, cooking for about 1 minute until they are fragrant.
4. Deglaze the Pan:
Pour in the white wine (or chicken broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits off the bottom. Let this simmer and reduce by half for approximately 3-4 minutes, which will intensify the flavors.
5. Add Cream and Cheese:
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Allow it to thicken slightly for about 3 minutes. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it’s melted and smooth. Taste the sauce, seasoning with salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
6. Combine Everything:
Gently return the cooked sausage and gnocchi back to the skillet. Toss everything together carefully until the gnocchi and sausage are well coated in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to reheat everything and meld those amazing flavors.
7. Serve:
To serve, garnish with fresh whole sage leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, if desired. Then, dig in and enjoy your creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage!
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This recipe creates a wonderfully rich and comforting dish, where the sweet notes of butternut squash gnocchi pair harmoniously with the savory sausage and aromatic sage within a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for a lovely dinner any night of the week!
Can I Use a Different Type of Gnocchi?
Absolutely! While butternut squash gnocchi adds a delicious sweetness, you can substitute it with traditional potato gnocchi or even spinach gnocchi if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Yes! Simply replace the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or roasted vegetables, such as mushrooms and peppers, for a hearty vegetarian version. Using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth will keep it entirely meat-free!
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the sausage in advance, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, cook the gnocchi and combine everything for a quick and delicious meal!
