When the air turns crisp and you’re craving a meal that is both elegant and deeply comforting, this Butternut Squash Sausage Gnocchi is the answer. This is one of those perfect Autumn Recipes that celebrates the season with the sweet, velvety flavor of butternut squash and savory Italian sausage. This Creamy Sausage Gnocchi features tender, pillowy gnocchi tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and topped with crumbles of perfectly browned sausage. While the recipe shows you how to make everything from scratch for a truly impressive meal, it can also be adapted for a quicker weeknight dinner.
Why This is One of the Best Fall Gnocchi Recipes
This dish is a true showstopper that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or for impressing guests.
- A Perfect Fusion of Flavors: The sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory spice of the sausage, and the rich, creamy sauce create a perfectly balanced and unforgettable taste.
- Ultimate Comfort Food: This is the epitome of cozy, satisfying comfort food, ideal for a chilly evening.
- Versatile and Adaptable: You can make the gnocchi from scratch for a rewarding weekend project or use store-bought gnocchi for a quick and easy Gnocchi Skillet Recipe.
- Hearty and Satisfying: This is a complete and filling meal that will leave everyone happy and satisfied.
Your Ingredient Checklist
This recipe is broken down into its three delicious components.
For the Butternut Squash Gnocchi:
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Savory Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
For the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps to create an incredible, restaurant-quality meal.
Part 1: Prepare the Gnocchi and Sausage
- Make the Gnocchi: Boil the cubed butternut squash in salted water until very soft. Drain well and let it cool. Mash the squash into a smooth puree. On a floured surface, mix the puree with the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to form a soft dough. Roll the dough into long ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and boil them in salted water until they float to the surface. (For a shortcut, you can use a 1 lb package of store-bought gnocchi).
- Cook the Sausage: While the gnocchi cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened. Add the Italian sausage and use a spoon to break it into crumbles as it cooks. Once the sausage is browned, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for one more minute until fragrant. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
Part 2: Make the Sauce and Combine
- Start the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly. Season with salt and pepper.
- Bring it All Together: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss gently to coat every piece. Serve the gnocchi in bowls, topped with a generous portion of the cooked sausage mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this a one-pan or sheet pan meal? Yes! For an easy One Pan Gnocchi Recipe, you can use store-bought gnocchi. A great variation is Sheet Pan Gnocchi Sausage. Toss cubed butternut squash with olive oil and seasonings and roast at 400°F for 15 minutes. Then, add the uncooked gnocchi and crumbled raw sausage to the pan, toss everything together, and roast for another 15-20 minutes, or until the gnocchi is tender and the sausage is cooked through.
2. How can I make a Healthy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe? To make this a Healthy Sausage Gnocchi Recipe, you can make a few simple swaps. Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork. You can also make a lighter sauce by using half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, though it will be less rich. Adding extra vegetables like spinach or kale to the final dish is also a great way to boost the nutrition.
3. What are some other popular Fall Gnocchi Recipes? Some other fantastic Fall Gnocchi Recipes include Gnocchi with Brown Butter and Sage, Creamy Mushroom Gnocchi, or a simple Gnocchi with Pumpkin Sauce. The pillowy texture of gnocchi is a perfect canvas for all the cozy flavors of autumn.
4. Can I use pre-packaged gnocchi to save time? Absolutely. While homemade gnocchi is a rewarding process, using a good quality store-bought potato or cauliflower gnocchi is a perfect shortcut for turning this into a quick and easy weeknight Gnocchi Skillet Recipe. Just cook the gnocchi according to the package directions before adding it to the cream sauce.
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Equipment
- Large pot for boiling squash and gnocchi
- Colander
- Skillet for cooking sausage and sauce
- Mixing spoon
- Cutting board & knife
Ingredients
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Boil cubed butternut squash in salted water until soft. Drain and mash into a smooth puree. Mix with flour, egg, salt, and pepper to form dough. Roll into ropes, cut into bite-sized gnocchi, and boil until they float. (Or use 1 lb store-bought gnocchi.)
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Add chopped onion and cook until softened. Add sausage, breaking into crumbles, and cook until browned. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking 1 minute. Remove sausage and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and simmer. Reduce heat, add Parmesan, and stir until smooth and slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add cooked gnocchi to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve gnocchi in bowls, topped with the cooked sausage mixture. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.