This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the perfect dish to warm you up during the cooler months of fall and winter. Combining the velvety sweetness of butternut squash, the richness of Italian sausage, and the fresh, earthy flavors of sage and thyme, this recipe strikes a balance between comfort and flavor. Its creamy sauce, infused with chicken broth and herbs, makes this a satisfying meal that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.

Overview of Main Ingredients

Butternut Squash: This nutrient-rich vegetable is high in fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to any meal. Its natural sweetness adds a creamy texture to the sauce without needing much dairy, creating a perfectly balanced, rich flavor.
Gnocchi: Gnocchi, particularly potato gnocchi, are soft, pillowy dumplings that absorb the flavors of any sauce they’re paired with. Their texture makes them ideal for rich, creamy sauces, and they cook quickly, making them a convenient choice for weeknight dinners.

Italian Sausage: Italian sausage adds a savory, spiced depth to the dish. Whether you choose sweet or spicy varieties, the sausage infuses the sauce with a rich, meaty flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the squash.
Herbs (Sage & Thyme): Fresh herbs are essential for elevating the flavors in this dish. Sage’s slight bitterness and thyme’s subtle earthiness balance the creaminess, providing depth and complexity to the sauce.
Cream and Chicken Broth: These two ingredients form the base of the luscious sauce. The cream creates a rich, velvety texture, while the chicken broth adds savory depth, lightening the sauce and enhancing the flavors of the sausage and squash.

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

1. Cook the Sausage

Why Browning is Important:
Browning the sausage is crucial because it creates a rich, caramelized crust that adds layers of flavor to the dish. When sausage is cooked without turning too quickly, it allows the fat to render out and the meat to develop a deep, savory taste. This browned crust enhances the overall complexity of the sauce and provides delicious crispy bits of sausage throughout the dish.
Removing Casings:
Removing the casings from the sausage allows the meat to break apart and cook evenly, ensuring that the sausage is distributed throughout the sauce. Without the casings, the sausage can be easily browned and crumbled, which makes the texture more tender and perfect for mixing with the gnocchi.
Slicing vs. Crumbling:
Whether to slice or crumble the sausage depends on the texture you want in the dish. Slicing the sausage will result in larger, meatier bites that stand out in the sauce, while crumbling creates a more uniform texture where the sausage mixes into the sauce. Both options are delicious, but crumbling ensures the sausage flavor is infused into every bite of gnocchi.

2. Add Gnocchi and Liquids

The Uncooked Gnocchi Method:
In this recipe, uncooked gnocchi is added directly to the skillet with the liquids. This method works because the gnocchi cooks as it absorbs the flavors from the sauce. Since gnocchi is made primarily of potato, it acts like a sponge, soaking up the cream, broth, and sausage flavors while it softens. This technique also eliminates the need for a separate pot, streamlining the cooking process.
Bringing the Mixture to a Boil:
After adding the gnocchi, cream, and chicken broth to the skillet, the mixture is brought to a boil. This step is essential because the high heat helps the gnocchi cook through while allowing the sauce to begin thickening. The cream and broth reduce slightly as they boil, intensifying the flavors and creating a rich, velvety base for the dish.
Covering the Pan:
Once the mixture is boiling, it’s important to cover the skillet. Covering traps the heat and moisture, ensuring the gnocchi cooks evenly and fully absorbs the flavors of the sauce. The lid also prevents the sauce from reducing too quickly, allowing it to thicken at a steady pace while maintaining the right consistency.

3. Add the Butternut Squash

Incorporating Butternut Squash:
Once the gnocchi has cooked in the liquid, the butternut squash puree is stirred in. The puree not only thickens the sauce but also adds a naturally sweet, earthy flavor that complements the savory sausage and creamy sauce. As the squash blends with the cream and broth, it creates a smooth, vibrant sauce that clings to the gnocchi and sausage.
Minced Garlic for Depth:
Adding minced garlic at this stage allows it to infuse the sauce without becoming overpowering or burning. The garlic’s sharp, aromatic flavor enhances the richness of the sausage and balances the sweetness of the squash. Sautéing the garlic briefly in the sauce ensures that its flavor mellows and integrates perfectly with the other ingredients.
Adjusting the Consistency:
At this point, you can adjust the sauce’s thickness to your liking. If the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen it up. This flexibility allows you to customize the texture based on personal preference or the needs of the dish.

4. Seasoning with Herbs and Final Touches

Adding Sage and Thyme:
Fresh herbs like sage and thyme are best added toward the end of the cooking process to retain their bright, aromatic qualities. Stirring in half of the chopped herbs just before serving allows their flavors to meld into the sauce without becoming too muted. Sage adds a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the cream, while thyme’s earthy notes round out the dish’s savory elements.
Adjusting Salt and Pepper:
Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning. The saltiness of the sausage will vary depending on the type used, so additional salt may not be necessary. However, a pinch of salt can help bring out the natural sweetness of the butternut squash and the savory notes of the sausage. Coarsely ground black pepper adds a subtle spice that enhances the flavors without overwhelming the delicate balance of the dish.

By following these steps, you’ll create a flavorful, creamy butternut squash gnocchi with perfectly cooked sausage and a beautifully balanced sauce.

Expert Tips and Recipe Modifications

Expert Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Gnocchi:
When selecting gnocchi, store-bought potato gnocchi is a great option for convenience. Look for brands that use real potato for a more authentic texture, such as De Cecco or Rana. If you want to go the homemade route, making gnocchi from scratch can be a rewarding experience, though it’s a bit more time-consuming. Homemade gnocchi tends to be lighter and fluffier, offering a more delicate bite.
Making Butternut Squash Puree:
To make homemade butternut squash puree, start by roasting a halved, deseeded squash at 400°F for about 40 minutes until it’s soft. Once cool, scoop out the flesh and blend until smooth. If you’re short on time, canned butternut squash puree is a great shortcut, just be sure to use unsweetened varieties to keep the dish savory.
Timing with Fresh Herbs:
Using fresh herbs like sage and thyme enhances the dish’s flavor, but timing is key. Fresh herbs should be added toward the end of the cooking process to maintain their bright, aromatic qualities. If using dried herbs, add them earlier in the cooking process so they have time to release their flavors and blend into the sauce.

Recipe Modifications and Substitutions

Substitute Sausage Options:
If you’re looking for a lighter alternative to Italian sausage, try using turkey or chicken sausage. These options offer a similar flavor with less fat. For vegetarians, plant-based sausages, such as Beyond Meat or Field Roast, work well and still provide the meaty texture and flavor needed to balance the dish.
Dairy-Free Version:
For a dairy-free version of this creamy sauce, swap the heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. Both alternatives provide a rich, creamy texture without the dairy, though coconut cream will add a slight sweetness, while cashew cream keeps the flavor more neutral. Almond milk mixed with a little cornstarch can also work as a lighter substitute.
Additional Vegetables:
To increase the nutritional value of the dish, consider adding leafy greens like spinach or kale. Mushrooms also pair well with the sausage and butternut squash, adding an earthy flavor and a heartier texture. Simply stir them in when adding the garlic to ensure they cook through and blend seamlessly into the sauce.

Gnocchi Alternatives:
If gluten is a concern, gluten-free gnocchi, available from brands like Schär or Trader Joe’s, makes an excellent alternative. Alternatively, you can substitute gnocchi with other types of pasta such as orecchiette or rotini, which will also hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serving Suggestions

Presentation Tips:
For an elegant presentation, serve the creamy butternut squash gnocchi in shallow bowls to showcase the rich sauce and tender gnocchi. Garnish each bowl with a sprinkle of freshly chopped sage and thyme to enhance the dish’s aroma and visual appeal. A light drizzle of olive oil or a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan can also elevate the final look. Be sure to serve the dish hot to maintain the creamy texture of the sauce, which thickens as it cools.
Meal Accompaniments:
To round out the meal, pair the gnocchi with a simple side salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette, which adds a bright, zesty contrast to the rich dish. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up any remaining sauce. Roasted vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts or carrots, can provide additional texture and complement the earthy flavors of the herbs and squash.

Wine and Beverage Pairings

For wine lovers, a crisp Pinot Grigio or a creamy, oak-aged Chardonnay pairs beautifully with the richness of the sauce. Both wines offer enough acidity to cut through the creaminess while enhancing the savory notes of the sausage and herbs.

For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon provides a refreshing contrast, while an herbal tea like chamomile or mint serves as a soothing balance to the dish’s robust flavors, making the meal feel even more comforting.

Nutritional Information and Health Benefits

Nutritional Breakdown

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi dish offers a balanced mix of macronutrients, providing approximately 550-600 calories per serving. The inclusion of Italian sausage adds about 25 grams of protein per serving, making this a hearty and satisfying meal. The heavy cream and sausage contribute to the dish’s richness, with about 30 grams of fat, of which a portion is saturated fat. The gnocchi, made primarily of potatoes, supplies 45-50 grams of carbohydrates, offering energy, while the butternut squash adds a dose of natural fiber, keeping the dish filling and promoting digestive health.

In terms of vitamins and minerals, butternut squash is a great source of vitamin A, providing over 100% of your daily requirement per serving. It also contains vitamin C and potassium, supporting immune function and heart health.

Health Benefits

Butternut squash is rich in antioxidants like beta-carotene, which supports vision and skin health. When enjoyed in moderation, this dish provides a comforting, nutrient-dense meal. The balance of protein, healthy fats, and fiber helps to keep you satisfied while providing important vitamins and minerals for overall health.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of sausage works best for this recipe?
Italian sausage, either sweet or spicy, works well. Sweet sausage complements the butternut squash’s sweetness, while spicy sausage adds a kick of heat.

Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree instead of homemade?
Yes, store-bought puree is a great time-saving option. Just make sure it’s unsweetened for savory dishes.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, freeze the cooked dish in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly.

What can I use as a substitute for gnocchi?
You can use other pasta, such as orecchiette or rotini, for a similar texture.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Use plant-based sausage or omit the sausage entirely for a vegetarian version.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
Let the sauce simmer longer to reduce, or stir in a little cornstarch slurry.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the dish, then reheat gently when ready to serve. Add fresh herbs before serving.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage