Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is the kind of meal I turn to when I need something cozy, quick, and full of flavor. This one-pan dinner blends soft gnocchi, rich Italian sausage, and velvety squash puree into a dish that’s comforting without being complicated.
My love for food started when I was little, always by my mom’s side in the kitchen, sneaking bites and watching the oven like it was magic. Today, that same warmth lives in recipes like this. With just a few simple ingredients, you can bring that homemade comfort straight to your table.
Table of Contents
What Type of Gnocchi to Use?
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage works best with soft, pillowy potato gnocchi. I always go for store-bought gnocchi made with a high percentage of real potato it cooks quickly and holds the sauce beautifully. You don’t need anything fancy here; just quality basics that soak up all the flavor.
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a great way to use pantry staples. I keep a pack of gnocchi in my cabinet right next to the essentials for other comfort meals like this creamy cajun sausage pasta or my go-to easy chicken pot pie. If you’re gluten-free, cauliflower or chickpea-based gnocchi work too but the texture may be a little softer.
Do You Need to Pre-Cook the Gnocchi?
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage doesn’t require pre-cooking the gnocchi, which makes this recipe even easier. You add the gnocchi directly to the pan with the sausage, cream, and broth it cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor. No extra pot, no draining, no mess.
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is one of my favorite one-pan recipes for busy evenings. It saves time just like my creamy marry me chicken soup with gnocchi or the kid-friendly smoked mac and cheese. Less cleanup means more time to enjoy dinner at the table where it really counts.
What Type of Sausage to Use?
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage gets its bold flavor from spicy Italian sausage. I usually remove the casings and slice it thin, so it browns evenly and blends right into the creamy sauce. Mild or sweet sausage works too, especially if you’re cooking for kids or want a softer finish.
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is also delicious with chicken or turkey sausage for a lighter version. For more ways to use sausage in easy dinners, check out my beef sausage recipe collection or try this flavorful kielbasa pasta. Either way, a good-quality sausage makes all the difference in this recipe.
How to Make Butternut Squash Puree
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage tastes best with smooth, homemade butternut squash puree. I like to roast the squash first it brings out a rich, sweet flavor. Just slice it in half, remove the seeds, place it cut-side down, and roast until fork-tender. Then, scoop out the flesh and blend until creamy.
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is also a great way to use up leftover puree. I often make a big batch when prepping for fall recipes like my healthy buffalo chicken dip or cozy spinach dip in a bread bowl. If you’re in a hurry, canned puree works too just make sure it’s plain, with no added spices or sugar.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step Instructions)
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a one-pan meal that comes together in under 40 minutes. First, I heat olive oil in a large skillet and cook the sausage slices until browned. Once they’re golden and crisp on the edges, I add the uncooked gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth right into the same pan.
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage thickens beautifully once I stir in the squash puree and fresh garlic. I let it simmer for a few more minutes, then finish with chopped sage and thyme. For a full meal, I sometimes pair this with artisan Italian bread or another quick favorite like english muffin pizzas. It’s hearty, creamy, and always satisfying.
How to Store and Reheat
Leftovers from this butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe keep really well, making it a great meal prep option. I store mine in an airtight container in the fridge for up to five days. The flavors actually deepen a bit overnight, which makes the next-day bite just as good—sometimes better.
To reheat butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, I use the microwave for convenience, but the stovetop works too. If the sauce thickens too much, just add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up. This dish also freezes well for up to three months. For more cozy make-ahead meals, try my marry me chicken soup or baked ziti without meat.
What to Serve with It
When I make butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, I like to keep the sides simple. The sauce is already creamy and rich, so a fresh salad or a slice of crusty bread balances it perfectly. A quick arugula salad with apples and pecans adds crunch and freshness without much effort.
Sometimes I serve butternut squash gnocchi with sausage alongside homemade garlic bread or a warm slice of artisan Italian bread. If you’re hosting, start with a shareable dip like this spinach dip in a bread bowl to keep things cozy and casual. This dish also pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Other Recipe Suggestions
If you love comforting fall meals like butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, you’ll find plenty more to enjoy. I often rotate it with recipes that are just as creamy, cozy, and easy to make. One of my go-to dinners is this cajun sausage pasta it’s bold, quick, and packed with flavor.
On chillier nights, I reach for soup. My marry me chicken soup with gnocchi hits the same comfort notes, with a creamy base and tender gnocchi in every spoonful. These recipes all bring that homemade, feel-good vibe to the table just the way I like it.
FAQs
Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree?
Yes! While I love roasting my own squash, store-bought puree works well in this butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and has no added spices.
Do I need to boil gnocchi before adding it?
No. The gnocchi cook directly in the sauce with the sausage, cream, and broth. That’s what makes butternut squash gnocchi with sausage such an easy one-pan dinner.
What sausage works best with butternut squash gnocchi?
Spicy Italian sausage adds the most flavor, but mild or sweet sausage also works. You can even use turkey or plant-based sausage for a lighter take on butternut squash gnocchi with sausage.
How long does this dish keep in the fridge?
You can store butternut squash gnocchi with sausage in the fridge for up to five days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream to bring the sauce back to life.
Conclusion
Butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is everything I want in a fall dinner—warm, creamy, satisfying, and simple. With just one pan, a few seasonal ingredients, and less than an hour, you can serve a meal that feels like comfort in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this recipe brings cozy flavor to the table with very little effort.
If you loved this, don’t miss my other easy comfort meals especially kielbasa pasta and smoked mac and cheese. Happy cooking!
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Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy and cozy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a quick one-pan fall dinner ready in just 40 minutes.
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 black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add sliced sausage and cook until browned, about 5–6 minutes.
3. Add uncooked gnocchi, cream, and broth to the skillet.
4. Stir well and bring to a light boil. Cover and cook for 5 minutes.
5. Add squash puree and garlic. Stir and simmer for another 3–4 minutes.
6. Add fresh sage and thyme. Season with salt and pepper.
7. Serve hot with extra herbs on top.
Notes
If using pre-made squash puree, ensure it’s unsweetened.
This dish pairs well with garlic bread or arugula salad.
Store leftovers in the fridge up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 674
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, fall dinner, one pan meal