Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage 6 Easy Comfort Tips

When the air starts to chill and you’re craving something that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage comes to the rescue. This recipe has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen—not just because it’s delicious, but because it feels like fall in every bite. The mix of hearty sausage, creamy sauce, and that slightly sweet gnocchi is pure magic.

This dreamy dish is a fall-inspired masterpiece—soft, pillowy gnocchi made from sweet butternut squash, tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, and topped with savory, spicy sausage. It’s comfort food with a touch of elegance and a whole lot of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

This recipe is basically your new best friend for those busy nights when you’re juggling a million things but still want something home-cooked and soul-satisfying. Here’s why it works:

• One Dish, Layers of Flavor: Butternut squash brings a natural sweetness, the sausage adds a savory punch, and the creamy sauce ties it all together like a cozy scarf.
• Homemade Gnocchi Without the Fuss: No fancy tools required. Just a fork, your hands, and a little bit of patience.
• Freezer-Friendly: Double the gnocchi batch and freeze half for a rainy day. Future-you will thank you.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Step 1: Make the Gnocchi

1. Boil the butternut squash until fork-tender. Drain and cool.
2. Mash into a smooth puree. In a large bowl, mix with flour, egg, salt, and pepper to form a dough.
3. Roll the dough into ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and gently press each piece with a fork for that classic gnocchi shape.
4. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in, and when they float to the top, they’re done! Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
3. Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
4. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Sausage

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onions and cook until translucent.
2. Add sausage, breaking it up into crumbles as it cooks.
3. Add garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until the sausage is browned and cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble

1. Toss the cooked gnocchi in the creamy sauce.
2. Plate and top with the sausage mixture.
3. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overwork the Dough: Gnocchi dough is a bit like a toddler—handle it too much, and things get fussy. Mix just until combined.
• Adjust Flour As Needed: Butternut squash can vary in moisture. If your dough feels sticky, add a touch more flour until it holds.
• Spice Level: Want it milder? Skip the red pepper flakes. Want to sweat a little? Add more!

Mounia’s Moment

This recipe saved me during a hectic week where every dinner felt like a race against the clock. The gnocchi were surprisingly simple to make (and oddly therapeutic to shape!), and the sausage added the kind of flavor punch that makes everyone at the table do a happy dance. Even my pickiest eater asked for seconds. That’s a win in my book!

FAQs About Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

A Comforting Ending

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the perfect comfort food when life feels chaotic and dinner needs to be both easy and indulgent. It’s hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself with a glass of wine in hand, this dish brings that feeling of home straight to your table.

Go ahead—save this one. You’ll be coming back to it all season long.

More Cozy Recipes to Try Next

If you loved this dish, here are a few more comfort-packed recipes you won’t want to miss:

• Warm up with this ultra-satisfying Creamy Sausage Tortellini Soup—perfect for chilly nights when you want something hearty and indulgent.
• Get cozy fall vibes from this flavorful Autumn Sausage Pasta with Squash—a beautiful companion to today’s gnocchi recipe.
• Switch things up with the creamy, dreamy Pumpkin Feta Pasta—a vegetarian-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on comfort.
• Need a quick and crowd-pleasing appetizer? These Crack Chicken Pinwheels are always a hit and super easy to prep ahead.

Mix, match, and make your weeknight meals feel like a hug in every bite!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is the cozy, indulgent dinner your fall evenings deserve. Featuring pillowy homemade gnocchi, a velvety Parmesan cream sauce, and savory Italian sausage, it’s the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Bonus: it’s freezer-friendly and utterly irresistible!

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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

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Instructions

1. Make the Gnocchi:

   • Boil butternut squash until fork-tender. Drain and let cool.

   • Mash into a smooth puree. Add flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix into a dough.

   • Roll dough into ropes and cut into gnocchi-sized pieces. Press lightly with a fork.

   • Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Sauce:

   • Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.

   • Stir in cream and bring to a simmer. Add Parmesan and stir until thickened.

   • Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Cook the Sausage:

   • In a skillet, heat olive oil. Add onion and cook until translucent.

   • Add sausage, breaking into crumbles. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned.

4. Combine and Serve:

   • Toss cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce.

   • Plate and top with sausage. Garnish with fresh herbs and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Add extra flour if dough is too sticky—some squashes hold more moisture.
Want to skip homemade gnocchi? Use store-bought for a quicker version.
Freeze uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then store in a zip bag for up to 2 months.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 of recipe)
• Calories: 640 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 950 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg