Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total preparation and cooking time of 40 minutes, this recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimize cleanup by cooking everything in a single skillet.
- Seasonal Flavors: The combination of butternut squash, sage, and thyme captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash puree (see directions below)
- 1 lb (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 3 links (about 12 oz) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash Puree:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and remove the seeds.
- Place the halves cut side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Roast for about 30 minutes or until the flesh is tender.
- Allow to cool, then scoop out the flesh and puree in a food processor until smooth.
- Cook the Sausage:
- In a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat, cook the sliced sausage for about 5 minutes until browned.
- Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- In the same skillet, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth.
- Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Cover with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes until the gnocchi are tender.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the butternut squash puree and minced garlic to the skillet.
- Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and mix to combine.
- Add Herbs and Seasoning:
- Stir in the chopped sage and thyme.
- Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Serve:
- Garnish with additional sage and thyme if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes (excluding time to prepare butternut squash puree)
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the sausage and add mushrooms or spinach for added texture and flavor.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free gnocchi available in most supermarkets.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes, store-bought potato gnocchi works perfectly for this recipe.
2. How do I make butternut squash puree?
Roast halved butternut squash at 375°F (190°C) for about 30 minutes until tender, then scoop out the flesh and puree in a food processor until smooth.
3. Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Simply omit the sausage and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach.
4. How can I make this dish dairy-free?
Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
5. Can I freeze leftovers?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers. Let the dish cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
6. What can I serve with this dish?
Serve with a simple green salad and crusty bread for a complete meal.
7. Can I use a different type of sausage?
Yes, you can use sweet or mild Italian sausage, or even chicken sausage, depending on your preference.
8. Is it necessary to remove the sausage casings?
Removing the casings provides a better texture, but it’s optional. You can slice the sausage with the
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is a comforting one-pan dish that combines tender gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a luscious butternut squash sauce infused with fresh thyme and sage. Perfect for cozy weeknights, it’s bursting with seasonal autumn flavors and ready in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 1 lb (16 oz) potato gnocchi
- 3 links (12 oz) spicy Italian sausage, casings removed and sliced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash Puree:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Halve and deseed the squash, roast cut side down on parchment paper for 30 minutes.
- Cool, scoop flesh, and puree.
- Cook the Sausage:
- Brown sausage in a large skillet, about 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Gnocchi:
- In the same skillet, combine gnocchi, cream, and broth.
- Boil, cover, and cook 5 minutes until tender.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add squash puree and garlic, simmer to thicken.
- Return sausage to skillet, stirring to combine.
- Finish with Herbs and Seasoning:
- Mix in sage and thyme. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve:
- Garnish with fresh herbs and serve warm.
Notes
- Variations: Swap sausage for mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version. Use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-pan, sauté
- Cuisine: Italian
