Description
This recipe for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a soul-warming, fall-inspired dinner. It combines soft gnocchi, creamy butternut squash sauce, and hearty sausage for a decadent yet simple meal. Perfect for cozy weeknights or seasonal gatherings, this dish balances the sweetness of squash with savory sausage and a cheesy finish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound Italian sausage, casings removed
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup roasted butternut squash, mashed or pureed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 16 oz potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, loosely packed
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook for 7-8 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Stir in minced garlic, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Lower the heat, then pour in the heavy cream and stir in the mashed butternut squash. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Meanwhile, bring salted water to a boil in a separate pot and cook the gnocchi according to package directions, until they float (about 2-3 minutes).
- Drain the gnocchi and transfer them immediately into the skillet with the sauce.
- Toss gently to coat the gnocchi evenly. Add the spinach and cook until just wilted.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving.
Notes
- For a smoother sauce, ensure your butternut squash puree is smooth.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or vegetable broth.
- For a vegetarian version, replace sausage with mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Use gluten-free gnocchi for a gluten-free option.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta, Fall Recipes
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg