There’s something special about a warm, comforting bowl of creamy pasta during the chilliest nights of the year. This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi dish is a perfect combination of sweet and savory flavors. It’s a simple recipe that comes together quickly, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner. A blend of sautéed sausage, crispy sage leaves, and soft butternut squash creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the soft gnocchi perfectly, making it a hearty meal to enjoy with loved ones. Ready in about 40 minutes, it’s a perfect comfort food recipe for cozy nights.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner because it’s ready in no time, giving you more time to focus on other activities.
- You’ll love the combination of sweet and savory flavors in this dish, creating a unique taste experience that’s sure to satisfy.
- This recipe makes for a great leftover meal because the sauce only gets better with time, making it a great option for meal prep.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Butternut squash
- Gnocchi
- Sausage
- Onion
- Sage leaves
- Thyme
- Garlic
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Milk
- Heavy cream
How to Make It
- Preheat the oven to a medium-high temperature. Cut the butternut squash in half and roast it in the oven until it’s tender and caramelized.
- While the squash is cooking, cook the sausage in a pan until browned, then set it aside. Mince the onion, sage, thyme, and garlic, and sauté them in a pan until softened.
- Once the squash is cooked, let it cool slightly and then peel off the skin. Scoop out the flesh and mash it in a bowl until smooth.
- Add the mashed squash to the pan with the onion mixture and stir in the heavy cream and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Return the cooked sausage to the pan and stir to combine. Cook until heated through, then serve the gnocchi in a bowl with the sauce spooned over the top. Top with crispy sage leaves for a beautiful presentation.
Helpful Tips
- To get ahead with this recipe, roast the butternut squash a day in advance. It will keep in the fridge for up to 24 hours.
- Make sure to squeeze out as much excess liquid from the cooked squashest as possible before mashing it. This will help the sauce to thicken more easily.
- This recipe freezes well, so feel free to make a double batch and freeze it for later use.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi is the perfect comfort food recipe for cozy nights in. It’s a rich and satisfying dish that’s full of warm, comforting flavors — the perfect thing to curl up with on a chilly evening. The soft gnocchi and velvety sauce make for a satisfying mouthfeel, and the sautéed sausage adds a nice textural element to the dish. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite in your household, making it a great addition to your collection of comfort food recipes.
