Fall comfort food doesn’t get much better than this creamy, rich, and hearty butternut squash gnocchi with sausage. In this post, I’ll share exactly how to make this flavorful one-skillet dinner, what makes it so satisfying, smart cooking tips, and easy substitutions. If you’re looking for a meal that tastes like autumn in a bowl—without much cleanup—you’re in the right place. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this is the dish you’ll come back to all season long.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Family Favorite with a Cozy Twist
Hi there, and welcome to Frosty Recipes! I’m Emily Frost, a busy mom of two, passionate home cook, and the creator behind this cozy corner of the internet. One chilly October evening, I had leftover roasted squash, some Italian sausage in the fridge, and a pack of gnocchi hiding in the pantry. In less than 30 minutes, this butternut squash gnocchi with sausage came to life—and it instantly became a new family favorite.
This one-skillet wonder is rich, creamy, and packs in serious comfort. It reminds me of our go-to Chicken Gnocchi Soup Recipe but more hearty and perfect for dinner. The gnocchi cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor without dirtying an extra pot. And the aroma? Absolute fall magic.
Perfectly Balanced Flavors & Texture
What sets this dish apart is how each ingredient shines. The creamy butternut squash sauce coats every piece of gnocchi like velvet. Italian sausage brings a rich, savory bite that plays perfectly against the gentle sweetness of the squash. Fresh sage and thyme layer in those unmistakable fall flavors.
This recipe has the same soul-warming quality as my Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe. It fills the house with warmth and makes your dinner table feel like the best place to be.
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Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: Easy Creamy Comfort Food
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a comforting one-skillet fall dinner, rich with flavor and easy to make in 30 minutes.
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed
1 tbsp olive oil
10 oz potato gnocchi
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
1 cup butternut squash puree
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped
2 tbsp fresh thyme
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Remove sausage from casings and slice it.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
3. Add sausage slices and cook 4 minutes without turning. Flip and cook 2 more minutes.
4. Add uncooked gnocchi, heavy cream, and broth. Bring to a boil, stir, and cover. Cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add squash puree and garlic. Boil, then reduce heat and cook for 3+ minutes until sauce thickens.
6. Stir in half the sage and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Top with remaining herbs when serving.
Notes
Roast squash in advance to save time.
Leftover squash puree can be stored in fridge or frozen.
Use dried herbs if fresh is unavailable—reduce the amount accordingly.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 23g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Butternut Squash and Gnocchi – A Match Made in Fall Heaven
What Makes This Dish Work
The combination of butternut squash and gnocchi is comfort food at its finest. Gnocchi brings that soft, pillowy texture that contrasts beautifully with the hearty sausage and smooth squash puree. This dish delivers the kind of balance you want in a creamy dinner—rich, but not heavy.
Cooking gnocchi in cream and broth lets it absorb the flavors directly in the skillet. There’s no draining or boiling in a separate pot, making this meal simple and efficient. It’s very similar to the all-in-one method I use in my Southwest Chicken Casserole Recipe, which makes it perfect for busy nights.
Ingredient Spotlight: Fresh Herbs and Puree Tips
To get the best flavor, use homemade roasted butternut squash puree. It adds a deeper, more caramelized flavor than canned. Roast in advance and freeze extras for future meals like my Creamy Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Soup Recipe.
Fresh sage and thyme are essential in this recipe. Their woodsy notes bring a warm, herbal brightness that cuts through the richness. If fresh isn’t available, dried works too—just reduce the amount. Good-quality chicken broth is also key here, as it forms the base of your creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Want the creamiest, most flavorful butternut squash gnocchi with sausage? Here’s how to avoid the most common missteps.
First, always brown your sausage well. Let it sit in the pan for a few minutes without stirring so it develops that golden crust. This adds rich, savory flavor right from the start—just like I recommend in my Italian Sausage Gnocchi Soup Recipe.
Don’t overcook the gnocchi. Let it simmer gently in the sauce so it cooks through while staying tender. Stir occasionally but avoid overmixing, which can cause it to break down.
Taste before adding salt. The sausage and broth already bring saltiness, so don’t season too early.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This recipe stores beautifully. Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or broth to bring the sauce back to life.
To make ahead, prep the squash puree and even brown the sausage a day in advance. On cooking day, everything comes together in under 20 minutes—ideal for fast weeknight meals.
Freezing tip: While the assembled dish doesn’t freeze well (gnocchi texture gets mushy), you can freeze the squash puree and cooked sausage for next time. That’s the same trick I use for meal planning with my Creamy Ranch Chicken Recipe.
Easy Variations and Substitutions
Try These Flavor Swaps
Looking to make this dish your own? There are lots of easy substitutions that work well.
- Use turkey or chicken sausage instead of pork
- Add baby spinach or kale for a veggie boost
- Try rosemary instead of thyme for a deeper flavor
- Swap in cauliflower gnocchi for a gluten-free option
For a vegetarian twist, skip the sausage and add roasted mushrooms. Their earthy flavor pairs beautifully with the squash and herbs.
This versatility is why I also love dishes like my Greek Lemon Chicken Soup Recipe, which allows easy customization while staying delicious.
Make It Your Own – Serving Suggestions
Serve this butternut squash gnocchi with sausage with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to round out the meal. It’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but sides bring balance.
For a holiday touch, top with toasted pine nuts and a sprinkle of Parmesan. Or drizzle with brown butter for an elegant finish—perfect for a fall dinner party.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought squash puree for this gnocchi recipe?
Yes, canned squash puree works in a pinch. However, homemade roasted puree gives deeper flavor and texture.
What type of gnocchi works best with sausage and squash?
Shelf-stable potato gnocchi is perfect for this one-pan recipe. You can also use refrigerated or cauliflower gnocchi.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. Prepare the puree and brown the sausage ahead. Store in the fridge and combine everything fresh for fast cooking.
How can I make butternut squash gnocchi with sausage dairy-free?
Use coconut cream or dairy-free alternatives like oat cream. Make sure your gnocchi is also dairy-free—some brands contain cheese.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and full of fall flavor, this butternut squash gnocchi with sausage checks all the boxes. It’s easy to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for cozy evenings with your family or guests. With simple ingredients and a one-pan method, it’s bound to become a favorite in your home just like it has in mine.
Looking for more comforting dinners? Don’t miss my Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup Recipe or the hearty Loaded Potato Ranch Chicken Casserole Recipe.
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