This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is like a warm hug on a plate! The sweet squash pairs perfectly with savory sausage, making every bite delightful.
I love how the sauce is so smooth and rich! It’s super easy to make too—I just cook everything in one pan, and dinner is ready in no time. Perfect for cozy nights! 🥰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Butternut Squash Gnocchi: I love using store-bought gnocchi for convenience, but homemade can add a special touch! If you can’t find butternut squash gnocchi, regular potato gnocchi works too, or you can make your own with sweet potatoes for a twist.
Italian Sausage: Feel free to use either mild or spicy sausage based on your preference. If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey sausage is a great alternative. Vegetarian sausage works too if you’re shying away from meat!
Heavy Cream: While the heavy cream adds a lot of richness, you can lighten it up by using half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just be aware it might change the flavor slightly.
Fresh Spinach: Baby spinach is mild and wilt nicely, but you can swap it for kale or Swiss chard. Just give them a little extra cooking time to soften up.
How Do I Get the Gnocchi Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking the gnocchi can be tricky! You want them beautifully browned while still soft inside. Here’s how I do it:
- After browning the sausage and onions, add the gnocchi directly to the same skillet; this way, they absorb all those delicious flavors!
- Let them cook undisturbed for a few minutes to get that lovely golden crust. Stir gently to flip them, allowing other sides to brown as well.
- Keep a close eye on them; they only need about 4-5 minutes in total. If they start to float, they’re done!
Trust me, following these steps will give you gnocchi that’s both crispy on the outside and fluffy inside!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound butternut squash gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 pound Italian sausage (mild or spicy), casing removed and crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup fresh baby spinach leaves
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh thyme sprigs, for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 25 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want something comforting and flavorful without spending all evening in the kitchen!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Sausage:
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage to the pan. Cook it, breaking it apart with a spoon as it browns, for about 5-7 minutes until it’s cooked through and nicely browned. Once done, remove the sausage from the pan and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet with the leftover flavors from the sausage, toss in the finely chopped onion. Sauté this for about 3 minutes until it’s soft and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring continuously so it doesn’t burn.
3. Brown the Gnocchi:
Add the butternut squash gnocchi to the skillet. Let them cook for about 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye on them so they brown lightly but don’t stick to the pan too much.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Once the gnocchi is lightly browned, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir everything together and add in the smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes if you’d like some heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld.
5. Add Spinach and Sausage:
Stir in the cooked sausage along with the fresh baby spinach leaves. Allow this to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6. Finish with Cheese and Seasoning:
Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Give everything one final stir to combine!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the pan from heat. Serve the creamy gnocchi in bowls, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh thyme sprigs on top. Enjoy your comforting and delicious dish!
Can I Use Frozen Gnocchi for This Recipe?
Yes! Frozen gnocchi is convenient and works perfectly. Just cook them straight from frozen, but be sure to adjust the cooking time by a few minutes. They usually take a bit longer to brown, so keep an eye on them!
What Can I Substitute for Heavy Cream?
If you’re looking to lighten the dish, you can use half-and-half or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option. Just note that the texture may be slightly different, but it will still be creamy!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave portion sizes or warm them up on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce is too thick.
Can I Make This Vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can substitute the Italian sausage with a plant-based sausage or skip it altogether. Adding more vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers can also enhance the flavor and texture of the dish.