Description
This rich and creamy butternut squash gnocchi dish combines the savory flavors of Italian sausage, fresh sage, and thyme, all enveloped in a silky sauce of butternut squash puree. Perfect for a cozy fall or winter meal!
Ingredients
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed, about 3 links)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 10 oz potato gnocchi
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme
- Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1️⃣ Cook the sausage:
Remove sausage from casings and slice it. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage slices and cook for about 4 minutes on one side without turning to brown them. Flip the sausage and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
2️⃣ Add gnocchi and liquids:
To the same skillet, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir everything well and bring to a boil over medium heat. Once boiling, cover the skillet with a lid and cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the gnocchi to absorb some of the flavors.
3️⃣ Add the butternut squash:
Stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic into the skillet. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Stir well and cook for about 3 minutes, ensuring the gnocchi are fully cooked, the garlic is fragrant, and the sauce has thickened to your desired consistency. If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook for a few more minutes.
4️⃣ Add herbs and season:
Stir in half of the fresh sage and thyme. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if necessary (depending on the saltiness of the sausage, you may not need much salt).
5️⃣ Serve:
When serving, top with the remaining fresh sage and thyme for extra flavor and garnish. Serve hot and enjoy the creamy goodness!
Notes
- For extra richness, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning: The sausage and chicken broth can vary in saltiness, so taste as you go.
- Butternut squash puree: If using store-bought puree, make sure it’s unsweetened. You can also roast and blend fresh butternut squash for added depth of flavor.