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Irresistible Butternut Squash Gnocchi Recipe with Sausage

butternut squash gnocchi - featured image

This creamy, slightly sweet butternut squash gnocchi paired with savory sausage is a hearty yet elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup roasted butternut squash, mashed (about 250g)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour, if needed)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for added flavor)
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 pound Italian sausage, crumbled
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried sage (or fresh sage leaves, chopped)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Peel and cube the squash, then roast it on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes until tender. Once cooled, mash it into a smooth puree.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed squash, flour, egg, Parmesan (if using), and salt. Stir until a soft dough forms. If it feels sticky, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
  3. Divide the dough into four portions. Roll each into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick, then cut into small pillows. Lightly flour the gnocchi to prevent sticking.
  4. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface (about 2–3 minutes). Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks.
  6. Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute. Stir in chicken broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and sage. Let it simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
  7. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat. Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

Roasting the butternut squash enhances its natural sweetness. Avoid overworking the gnocchi dough to keep it light and fluffy. Work in batches when boiling gnocchi to prevent overcrowding.

Nutrition

Keywords: butternut squash gnocchi, sausage gnocchi, fall comfort food, homemade gnocchi, easy gnocchi recipe