Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

If you adore cozy, comforting meals bursting with rich flavors, you are absolutely going to fall in love with this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage. This dish brings together pillowy potato gnocchi swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce made from heavy cream and vibrant butternut squash puree. The savory Italian sausage adds that satisfying, hearty touch, while fresh herbs like thyme and sage inject wonderful aromatic freshness. The way the sage infuses the sauce and finishes the dish is simply unforgettable. Get ready for a warm hug on a plate featuring the irresistible combination of creaminess, spice, and earthy herbal notes, all perfectly balanced and lovingly crafted.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in creating layers of flavor and texture. From the spicy sausage to the silky butternut squash puree, every component makes the dish cozy, rich, and incredibly delicious.

• 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed: Provides savory, meaty flavor and a nice bit of texture.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the sausage beautifully without sticking.
• 10 oz potato gnocchi: Light, fluffy dumplings that soak up all the glorious sauce.
• 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, rich base for the sauce.
• ½ cup chicken broth: Adds depth and balances the richness of the cream.
• 1 cup butternut squash puree: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the sauce.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a sharp, aromatic kick that wakes up the dish.
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped: The star herb that adds warmth and earthiness throughout.
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme: Adds a subtle, woody freshness that pairs perfectly with sage.
• Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste: Crucial for seasoning to bring out all the flavors.

How to Make and Sage

Step 1: Prepare the Sausage

Start by removing the casings from the Italian sausage and slicing the meat into bite-sized pieces. Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage pieces and cook them undisturbed for about 4 minutes on one side until they develop a rich, golden brown crust. Then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. This initial browning step develops flavors that make the dish extra savory and satisfying.

Step 2: Cook the Gnocchi in Creamy Sauce

Once the sausage is browned, add the uncooked potato gnocchi straight to the skillet. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring everything to combine. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil over medium heat, then cover the pan. Let the gnocchi cook in the bubbling cream sauce for roughly 5 minutes. The gnocchi will puff up and soak in that luxurious sauce, making each bite utterly tender and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Butternut Squash and Garlic

After the gnocchi has cooked, stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Return the sauce to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a low-medium simmer. Cook gently for at least 3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken beautifully and the garlic to mellow. This step adds natural sweetness and complexity, perfectly balancing the savory richness of the sausage and cream. Adjust cooking time if you want an even thicker, more luscious consistency.

Step 4: Incorporate Fresh Herbs and Season

Finally, stir in half of your chopped fresh sage and half of the thyme. Season with salt and fresh coarse black pepper, tasting carefully since the sausage can already be quite salty. This finishing touch of herbs awakens the whole dish, layering in those herbal, woodsy notes that make and Sage such a memorable combination. Don’t forget to reserve the remaining fresh herbs for garnish when you serve!

How to Serve and Sage

Garnishes

The key to elevating this dish in presentation and flavor is topping it with the remaining fresh sage and thyme. Their vibrant green pops of color contrast delightfully with the creamy orange sauce, while their aroma invites you in for every bite. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper on top adds a touch of rustic charm and slight heat.

Side Dishes

This creamy, herb-imbued gnocchi pairs beautifully with crisp, fresh greens like arugula or a simple baby spinach salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted root vegetables or a warm crusty bread are also fantastic choices, helping soak up every last drop of sauce. Keeping sides light and fresh lets the flavors of and Sage really shine front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in individual shallow bowls with a sprinkle of toasted walnuts or pine nuts for crunch. You can also drizzle a touch of browned butter infused with sage over the top just before serving to amplify that incredible herb flavor. Serving alongside a glass of crisp white wine balances the richness, making for an elegant meal everyone will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool any leftovers to room temperature and transfer to an airtight container. This dish keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious — if not more — the next day.

Freezing

While the texture of gnocchi may soften slightly after freezing, you can freeze portions in airtight, freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers slowly over medium-low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently. Add a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much to bring back that creamy, dreamy consistency. Avoid microwaving at high heat to preserve the delicate texture of the gnocchi and sausage.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought butternut squash puree?

Absolutely! Using store-bought puree is a convenient shortcut that works perfectly well, especially when fresh butternut squash is out of season. Just make sure it’s plain, without added sugars or spices.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, swap out the sausage for sautéed mushrooms or plant-based sausage alternatives. The sage and thyme will still provide great flavor, and the creamy butternut squash sauce remains the star.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can make the sauce base up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, simply reheat gently and stir in freshly cooked gnocchi and sausage for best texture.

What type of sausage is best for this recipe?

Italian pork sausage with a hint of fennel or mild spice is perfect. It adds depth and a touch of savory heat that complements the sweetness of the butternut squash and freshness of and Sage wonderfully.

How can I adjust the creaminess level?

If you want a lighter sauce, reduce the heavy cream slightly and increase the chicken broth accordingly. For an ultra-rich experience, feel free to add a bit more cream or a pat of butter at the end.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is one of those dishes that just makes you feel good inside—like a warm embrace from a dear friend. The enchanting blend of herbs, combined with the luxurious sauce and tender gnocchi, transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping meal. Trust me, once you try this recipe, the magic of and Sage will have you coming back again and again. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let this comforting dish become a new favorite in your kitchen!

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