Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Sage, and Thyme Recipe
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi recipe combines tender potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage, fragrant thyme, and sage, all enveloped in a rich, velvety butternut squash and cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 40 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Sausage and Gnocchi
- 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed, about 3 sausage links)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 10 oz potato gnocchi
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup butternut squash puree
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons fresh sage (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (chopped)
- Salt (to taste)
- Coarsely ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sausage: Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and slice the sausage into pieces.
- Heat the Pan: Add 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a large, high-sided skillet and heat it over medium heat.
- Cook the Sausage: Place the sliced sausage in the skillet and cook on medium heat for about 4 minutes without turning to brown one side. Then flip the sausage slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side.
- Add Gnocchi and Liquids: Add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth to the skillet with the sausage. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat and stir well to combine.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook in the boiling sauce for about 5 minutes over medium heat, allowing the gnocchi to soften and absorb the flavors.
- Add Squash and Garlic: Stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic to the skillet. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce heat to low-medium. Stir well and simmer for about 3 or more minutes until the gnocchi is cooked through, the garlic is tender, and the sauce thickens. Continue cooking longer if a thicker sauce is desired.
- Season and Add Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the chopped fresh sage and thyme. Season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the saltiness of the sausage.
- Serve: When plating, garnish the dish with the remaining fresh sage and thyme to add a fresh, aromatic finish.
Notes
- Use your best judgment when adding salt, as the Italian sausage may already be salty enough.
- If a thicker sauce is preferred, continue simmering after adding the butternut squash puree until the desired consistency is reached.
- Fresh herbs enhance the aroma and flavor; feel free to adjust the amount based on your preference.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the sausage with plant-based sausage or omit it and increase herb amounts.
- Ensure the gnocchi is cooked through by testing a piece before finishing the recipe.
