The Best Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

When you’re craving cozy comfort food, nothing beats a warm bowl of Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage. This dish is the perfect mix of creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The pillowy gnocchi pairs beautifully with a velvety butternut squash sauce, while the sausage adds richness and depth. Fresh thyme and sage round everything out with an earthy aroma that makes your whole kitchen smell amazing.

It’s an easy recipe that feels gourmet without the stress. Most ingredients are pantry-friendly, and you can have it ready in under an hour. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal for guests, this dish delivers comfort, elegance, and flavor in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

There are plenty of pasta recipes out there, but this one stands out. Here’s why:

• Comforting and cozy: Creamy butternut squash sauce makes gnocchi extra luscious.
• Nutritious yet indulgent: Squash adds vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness.
• Herb-infused flavor: Fresh thyme and sage bring that signature autumn taste.
• Versatile: Works with chicken sausage, turkey sausage, or even vegetarian swaps like mushrooms or spinach.
• Quick and simple: Ready in less than an hour with minimal effort.

This recipe strikes the balance between hearty and healthy, making it one you’ll want on repeat all season long.

What You’ll Need

To make this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage, you’ll need simple ingredients that pack in big flavor. Most are easy to find in any U.S. grocery store:

• 1 lb gnocchi (fresh, refrigerated, or shelf-stable)
• 1 lb sausage (chicken or turkey sausage works perfectly)
• 3 cups butternut squash (peeled, cubed, about 1 medium squash)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
• ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves (or ½ tsp dried)
• 6–8 fresh sage leaves (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional, for serving)

These ingredients work together to create a sauce that’s smooth, flavorful, and satisfying without being heavy.

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

1. Cook the squash: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add cubed butternut squash and onion, cooking until softened (about 10 minutes). Stir in garlic.
2. Simmer the sauce base: Add chicken broth, thyme, and sage. Cover and cook until squash is very tender (another 10 minutes).
3. Blend to creamy: Transfer mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender. Puree until smooth and creamy. Return to skillet.
4. Brown the sausage: In a separate pan, cook sausage until golden and fully cooked. Slice or crumble as needed.
5. Cook the gnocchi: Boil gnocchi in salted water until they float (2–3 minutes). Drain well.
6. Combine everything: Add heavy cream to the squash puree and stir. Toss in gnocchi and sausage, coating well with the sauce. Adjust with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

That’s it—rich, creamy butternut squash gnocchi ready in about 40 minutes!

You Must Know

Before making this dish, there are a few key things that will help you get the best results every time:

• Butternut squash is the star. Fresh squash works best for the sweetest flavor, but pre-cut squash from the store is a huge time saver. Frozen can also work—just cook it a little longer until very tender.
• Gnocchi cooks fast. It only takes 2–3 minutes in boiling water. Once it floats, it’s ready—don’t overcook or it will get mushy.
• Herbs matter. Fresh thyme and sage really shine here. If you only have dried herbs, use less since they’re more concentrated.
• Balance the flavors. Butternut squash has natural sweetness, so seasoning with salt and pepper is important to keep the dish savory. A little Parmesan at the end adds the perfect sharp bite.
• Customize the protein. While chicken or turkey sausage is delicious, you can skip it for a vegetarian version and replace with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even roasted chickpeas.

Knowing these small details makes the cooking process smoother and ensures your gnocchi comes out perfectly creamy and flavorful every time.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

The secret to making this dish taste like restaurant-quality comfort food lies in the process:

• Cook squash until extra tender. The softer the squash, the smoother your sauce will blend. If it’s undercooked, the texture won’t be as creamy.
• Use a blender or immersion blender. Don’t just mash the squash with a spoon—pureeing it creates that silky sauce that clings to the gnocchi.
• Brown the sausage well. Let it develop a little caramelization in the pan before adding it to the sauce. This brings out deeper flavor.
• Add cream at the right time. Stir the cream into the blended squash just before tossing in the gnocchi. This keeps it rich but not overly thick.
• Finish with herbs and cheese. A sprinkle of fresh thyme, sage, or Parmesan at the end brightens everything and makes it feel extra special.

When done right, every bite is pillowy gnocchi coated in a luxurious sauce with bursts of savory sausage and fragrant herbs.

Add Your Touch Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

One of the best parts of this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is how easily you can make it your own. Here are some ideas to customize:

• Cheese lovers: Stir in extra Parmesan, or try goat cheese for tang or ricotta for creaminess.
• Vegetable boost: Add spinach, kale, or roasted Brussels sprouts for extra greens.
• Spice it up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika gives the sauce a little kick.
• Protein swap: Try turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or go meatless with mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
• Nutty twist: Toasted walnuts or pine nuts on top add crunch and richness.
• Fresh garnish: Finish with fresh parsley, basil, or even a drizzle of olive oil for brightness.

This recipe is flexible enough to fit different tastes, diets, and occasions—making it one you’ll return to again and again.

Storing & Reheating

Leftovers? No problem—this dish stores and reheats beautifully:

Perfect for weeknight dinners

• Refrigerator: Place in an airtight container and keep for up to 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Store cooled gnocchi and sauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating on stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Reheating in microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

The sauce may thicken a little after storing, but adding a touch of cream, milk, or broth brings it right back to life.

Chef’s Helpful Tips for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Making this dish is simple, but a few chef-inspired tricks can make it truly shine:

Discover more comfort food

• Roast the squash for deeper flavor. While sautéing works, roasting butternut squash in the oven caramelizes its edges, giving the sauce a sweeter, richer taste.
• Season in layers. Add a little salt when cooking the squash, again when browning the sausage, and adjust at the end. This builds balanced flavor instead of adding salt only at the finish.
• Cook gnocchi last. Since gnocchi cooks so quickly, boil it right before combining everything. This keeps it fluffy instead of sticky.
• Save pasta water. A splash of the starchy gnocchi water can help thin the sauce and make it cling to the gnocchi even better.
• Use fresh herbs if possible. Sage and thyme lose some aroma when dried, so fresh makes a big difference in fragrance and taste.
• Don’t skimp on toppings. Parmesan, olive oil, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes give the final dish that extra gourmet touch.

Following these little steps will take your gnocchi from good to outstanding.

FAQ for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Fresh, shelf-stable, or even frozen gnocchi all work. Fresh cooks fastest, but all give delicious results.

Quick and easy idea here

Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely—just skip the sausage and add extra veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or roasted cauliflower.

Can I use a different squash?
Yes. Acorn squash or even pumpkin can be swapped in if butternut isn’t available.

What type of sausage works best?
Chicken or turkey sausage pairs well, but mild Italian-style is also delicious. Avoid heavily spiced versions so the squash sauce still shines.

Can I make it ahead?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce a day in advance. Reheat gently and add freshly cooked gnocchi and sausage before serving.

How do I make it lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and swap in turkey sausage for a leaner protein.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is cozy, flavorful, and easy to make. The creamy squash sauce, savory sausage, and fresh herbs come together for a comforting meal that feels gourmet without the effort. It’s versatile enough for busy weeknights or special dinners and reheats beautifully for leftovers. Once you try it, this dish is sure to become a fall favorite in your kitchen.