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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage


  • Author: Christophe

Description

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is a rich and cozy dish perfect for fall. Potato gnocchi is cooked directly in a flavorful, creamy sauce made with butternut squash puree, fresh herbs, and Italian sausage. The combination of earthy sage, aromatic thyme, and creamy squash creates a balanced and comforting dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. This one-pan recipe is ideal for an elegant, hassle-free dinner that brings together the best flavors of the season.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (about 3 sausage links)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 10 oz potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup butternut squash puree
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh sage, chopped (divided)
  • 2 tbsp fresh thyme (divided)
  • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1️⃣ Cook the Sausage:

  • Remove the sausage from its casings and slice it. In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
  • Add the sausage slices and cook for about 4 minutes on one side without turning, allowing them to brown. Flip to the other side and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

2️⃣ Add Gnocchi and Liquids:

  • To the skillet with the browned sausage, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium heat.
  • Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes, keeping the heat at medium, while the sauce simmers.

3️⃣ Incorporate the Butternut Squash and Garlic:

  • Remove the lid and stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to low-medium heat and stir to combine.
  • Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3 more minutes, or until the gnocchi is cooked through, the garlic is fragrant, and the sauce has thickened to your liking. Cook a bit longer if a thicker sauce is desired, then remove from heat.

4️⃣ Add Herbs and Seasoning:

  • Stir in half of the fresh sage and half of the fresh thyme, seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. (If the sausage is quite salty, you may not need additional salt.)

5️⃣ Serve and Garnish:

  • When serving, top each portion with the remaining fresh sage and thyme for added flavor and garnish.

Notes

For extra depth, add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese before serving or a dash of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a crisp green salad. Enjoy!