Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Introduction

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy dinners. The soft, pillowy gnocchi pairs beautifully with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and savory Italian sausage. It’s a satisfying meal that brings warmth and elegance to your table.

Ingredients

• 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Step 1: Boil the butternut squash in a pot of water until soft and easily mashed. Drain well and let it cool slightly.
2. Step 2: Mash the cooled butternut squash into a smooth puree and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
3. Step 3: Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the puree. Mix gently until a dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
4. Step 4: Roll the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces and gently press each piece with a fork to create ridges.
5. Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface, about 2–3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
6. Step 6: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add half the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm.
8. Step 8: Heat olive oil in a separate pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the remaining minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
10. Step 10: Gently combine the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce, stirring carefully to coat all pieces evenly.
11. Step 11: Serve the gnocchi topped with the savory sausage mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use a fork or gnocchi board to create ridges on the gnocchi, which help hold the sauce better.
• For a vegetarian option, omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead.
• If the dough feels too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour, but avoid adding too much to keep the gnocchi soft.

Storage

Store any leftover gnocchi with sausage and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to warm thoroughly without drying out.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of making it from scratch?

Yes, you can substitute with store-bought gnocchi to save time. Cook according to package instructions and toss with the creamy sauce and sausage as directed.

How can I tell when the gnocchi is cooked properly?

The gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes. They should be soft but not mushy.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 97 reviews

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting, rich dish combining soft, pillowy gnocchi made from roasted butternut squash with a luscious garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce and a savory, spicy Italian sausage topping. Perfect for a hearty dinner, this recipe balances sweet squash flavors with the boldness of sausage and a creamy finish.

• Author: Grace
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

Instructions

1. Making the Gnocchi: Boil the peeled and cubed butternut squash until soft and easily mashed. Drain and let cool slightly. Mash the squash into a smooth puree and transfer it to a mixing bowl. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper, mixing to form a workable dough. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each gnocchi piece. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
2. Preparing the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then remove from heat.
3. Cooking the Sausage: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the Italian sausage and break it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Continue cooking until the sausage is browned and fully cooked through.
4. Bringing It All Together: Combine the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat the gnocchi evenly. Plate the creamy butternut squash gnocchi, then top each serving with the savory sausage mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Ensure the butternut squash is well cooked and mashed into a smooth puree to prevent lumps in the gnocchi dough.
• Do not overwork the gnocchi dough, as too much kneading can make the gnocchi tough.
• Adding ridges to the gnocchi helps sauce cling better, enhancing flavor.
• Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the sausage mixture to control heat level.
• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend suitable for gnocchi.

Keywords: butternut squash gnocchi, creamy gnocchi, Italian sausage gnocchi, homemade gnocchi, creamy Parmesan sauce, fall recipes