Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage recipe is a comforting blend of sweet, earthy squash and savory Italian sausage. Perfect for cozy dinners, it combines tender homemade gnocchi with a rich, cheesy sauce that will delight your taste buds.

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 cubes in salted water until soft, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and let cool.
2. Step 2: Mash the cooled squash into a smooth puree and transfer 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 and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each gnocchi piece.
5. Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 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 butter over medium heat. Add 2 cloves minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
7. Step 7: Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: In a separate pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes.
9. Step 9: Add Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Stir in remaining minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
10. Step 10: Combine the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat.
11. Step 11: Serve gnocchi topped with the sausage mixture. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh butternut squash for the best flavor and texture.
• Be gentle when mixing the gnocchi dough to keep it tender and light.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• For a vegetarian option, replace sausage with sautéed mushrooms or lentils.

Storage

Store leftover gnocchi and sausage sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed. Gnocchi may become soft after freezing and reheating, so fresh preparation is best.

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, store-bought gnocchi can be used to save time. Simply cook according to package instructions and combine with the creamy sauce and sausage as described.

How can I tell when the gnocchi are done cooking?

The gnocchi are ready when they float to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes only 2 to 3 minutes. Once they float, remove them promptly to prevent overcooking.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

---

★★★★★

4.8 from 80 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Pin Recipe

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage recipe combines the naturally sweet, velvety texture of homemade butternut squash gnocchi with a rich, garlic-infused creamy Parmesan sauce and spicy Italian sausage. The dish offers a perfect balance of comforting creaminess and savory boldness, making it ideal for cozy family dinners or special occasions.

---

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. Prepare the Butternut Squash: Boil the peeled and cubed butternut squash in salted water until very soft and easily mashed, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
2. Make the Gnocchi Dough: Mash the cooked butternut squash into a smooth puree. Transfer to a large mixing bowl. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper. Mix gently until a soft dough forms, being careful not to overwork it.
3. Shape the Gnocchi: On a floured surface, roll the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces and create ridges on each piece using a fork to help hold the sauce.
4. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches; cook until they float to the surface, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook the Sausage Mixture: In a separate skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté finely chopped onion until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until sausage is browned and fully cooked through, about 7-10 minutes.
7. Combine and Serve: Toss the cooked gnocchi gently in the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Plate the gnocchi and top each serving with the browned sausage mixture. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

• Use fresh butternut squash for best flavor and optimal texture in gnocchi.
• Avoid overmixing the gnocchi dough to keep the gnocchi tender and light.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred level of spiciness.
• Creating ridges on the gnocchi helps the sauce cling better for enhanced flavor.
• Drain the boiled squash thoroughly to avoid soggy gnocchi dough.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: butternut squash gnocchi, creamy sauce, Italian sausage, homemade gnocchi, comfort food, garlic, Parmesan cheese, spicy sausage