1. Can I use other types of sausage in this recipe?

Yes! While spicy Italian sausage works wonderfully in this recipe, you can use sweet or mild Italian sausage as an alternative if you prefer a less spicy flavor. You can also opt for chicken sausage or any other sausage variety that suits your taste.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the butternut squash puree in advance to save time. The entire dish can be assembled and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed.

3. How do I store leftovers of creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage?

Store the leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a small amount of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

4. Can I substitute gnocchi with something else?

If you're looking for a substitute, you can try using pasta such as pappardelle or rigatoni. While the texture won’t be identical, the creamy sauce will still pair wonderfully with any pasta of your choice.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage - 40-Minute Comfort

Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 10 oz potato gnocchi; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ 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); Freshly ground coarse black pepper (to taste)

Description

Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a comforting and hearty autumn dish. The rich, creamy sauce made with butternut squash puree perfectly complements the savory Italian sausage and tender potato gnocchi. This quick 40-minute recipe is an ideal meal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

12 oz Italian sausage (casings removed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
10 oz potato gnocchi
1 cup heavy cream
½ 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)
Freshly ground coarse black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add sliced Italian sausage and cook for about 4-5 minutes until browned on one side. Flip the sausage and cook for another 2 minutes.
To the skillet with sausage, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil.
Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat, allowing the gnocchi to cook in the sauce.
Add butternut squash puree and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 3-4 more minutes, ensuring the gnocchi is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
Stir in fresh sage and thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Remove from heat and serve hot, garnished with extra sage and thyme.

Notes

Prepare the butternut squash puree in advance to save time.
If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute spicy Italian sausage with sweet or mild sausage.
This recipe can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of cream to maintain the creamy texture.
If you’re looking for a dairy-free version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 674 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Unsaturated Fat: 28g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 70mg