If you love cozy, comforting meals packed with flavor, this creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, thyme, and Sage is absolutely going to win your heart. It’s a dish where soft, pillowy gnocchi meet rich, velvety sauce, brightened by the earthy warmth of fresh herbs — especially the star ingredient and Sage, whose aromatic presence lifts every bite to a new level of deliciousness. Every forkful feels like a hug on a plate, making it a perfect recipe to share with friends or enjoy on a quiet night in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role. From the savory Italian sausage adding depth, to the sweet purity of butternut squash puree enhancing the creaminess, these simple yet essential components come together beautifully. The fresh herbs, especially and Sage, bring a vibrant herbal touch that makes this dish unique and irresistible.

Italian sausage (12 oz, casings removed): Provides rich, savory flavor and a hearty texture that complements the softness of the gnocchi.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Used to brown the sausage and add a subtle fruity undertone.
Potato gnocchi (10 oz): The tender, pillowy base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
Heavy cream (1 cup): Creates that luscious, silky sauce that holds everything together.
Chicken broth (½ cup): Adds a light, savory background to balance the richness.
Butternut squash puree (1 cup): Brings natural sweetness and a smooth, comforting texture.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Offers a bold, aromatic punch that enhances the overall flavor.
Fresh sage (2 tablespoons, chopped): The hero herb here, and Sage delivers earthy, slightly peppery notes that sparkle throughout the dish.
Fresh thyme (2 tablespoons): Complements and Sage with its subtle, slightly minty aroma.
Salt and coarsely ground black pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors.

How to Make and Sage

Step 1: Prepare and Brown the Sausage

Start by removing the sausage from its casings and slicing it into bite-sized pieces. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to ensure even cooking and browning. Add the sliced sausage, searing it undisturbed for about 4 minutes to get that beautiful caramelized crust, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes. This step is crucial for maximum flavor and texture — those crispy edges create a fantastic contrast against the creaminess to come.

Step 2: Add Gnocchi and Build the Sauce

Next, throw in the uncooked potato gnocchi right alongside the browned sausage. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring everything to a boil on medium heat, stirring to combine all the ingredients. Once boiling, cover the skillet and let the gnocchi cook for approximately 5 minutes. This allows the gnocchi to plump up and absorb the savory, creamy liquid, starting to thicken the sauce in the process.

Step 3: Incorporate Butternut Squash Puree and Garlic

Now for the magic touch: add the butternut squash puree and minced garlic to the pan. The sweet creaminess of the squash melts perfectly into the sauce, while the garlic infuses a warm, savory note. Bring the mixture back to a boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium, stirring thoroughly. Simmer for around 3 minutes or longer if you want a thicker sauce. Watch how the sauce turns luxuriously thick while the gnocchi finish cooking — pure heaven in the making!

Step 4: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Seasoning

Turn off the heat and stir in half of the fresh sage and thyme. This last addition of and Sage is what transforms this dish, layering it with its unmistakable earthy aroma. Season carefully with salt and freshly ground black pepper — remember, the sausage may already provide some saltiness, so taste before adding more. Save the rest of the herbs for garnishing to keep that fresh, lively flavor bright on the plate.

How to Serve and Sage

Garnishes

When plating, sprinkle the remaining chopped fresh sage and thyme on top for a burst of color and aroma that makes the dish pop visually and flavor-wise. You might also drizzle a little extra olive oil or scatter some shaved Parmesan for an indulgent finish. These simple garnishes complement the warm, creamy flavors without overpowering the delicate balance of and Sage.

Side Dishes

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage goes wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some roasted seasonal vegetables to add a pleasant textural contrast. Garlic bread or crusty sourdough are perfect for swooping up any leftover sauce – because trust me, you’ll want every last bite!

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, serve this dish family-style in a large, rustic skillet so everyone can help themselves, enjoying the visual appeal of the colorful herbs and golden sausage slices nestled in creamy sauce. Alternatively, try plating it elegantly with a twirl of gnocchi stacked high, topped with fresh sprouts or edible flowers for a stunning presentation that highlights the fresh and Sage flavor profile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop more deeply after resting overnight, especially those from and Sage. It should stay fresh for up to 2 days, but keep an eye on the sauce texture as gnocchi can sometimes soak up liquid and thicken quite a bit.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is doable but with a small caveat — the texture of the gnocchi may change slightly after thawing, becoming a bit softer. If you want to freeze, cool the dish completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.

Reheating

When it’s time to enjoy again, reheat the gnocchi gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce to its original creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive the beautiful flavors of and Sage that make this recipe such a standout.

FAQs

Can I use turkey sausage instead of Italian sausage?

Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a leaner alternative and will work well in this recipe. Just keep in mind that it might be less fatty, so you may want to add a touch of olive oil when cooking to keep the dish moist and flavorful. The and Sage will still shine through beautifully.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the sausage for hearty mushrooms or plant-based sausage for a vegetarian version. The creamy butternut squash and fresh herbs, especially and Sage, will still provide plenty of rich, comforting flavor in every bite.

How important is fresh sage in this recipe?

Fresh sage is a game-changer here. It adds a bright, earthy aroma that dried sage can’t quite replicate. If you can’t find fresh and Sage, dried can be used in a pinch, but use less to avoid overpowering the dish.

Can I make the butternut squash puree from scratch?

Definitely! Roasting fresh butternut squash until tender then blending it into a smooth puree infuses the dish with an even fresher, sweeter flavor. Homemade and Sage butter roasted squash can elevate the overall taste wonderfully.

What wine pairs well with creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, thyme, and Sage?

A slightly chilled glass of Chardonnay or a light Pinot Noir pairs beautifully here. Their acidity balances the richness of the creamy sauce and complements the earthiness of the and Sage, making for a harmonious dining experience.

Final Thoughts

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, thyme, and Sage is one of those feel-good meals that feels as special as it does satisfying. The way the fresh and Sage elevates the flavors makes it feel like a personal secret worth sharing with everyone you know. I hope you give this recipe a try and discover just how wonderfully comforting and delicious home cooking can be with the right touch of herbs and love.