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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage – A Cozy Autumn Dinner

When the air gets crisp and the leaves start to fall, there’s nothing more comforting than a bowl of rich, creamy pasta. This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the ultimate autumn comfort food. Pillowy gnocchi gets tossed in a silky butternut squash cream sauce, flavored with garlic, fresh thyme, and earthy sage. Juicy chicken sausage adds savory depth, while Parmesan cheese ties everything together with nutty richness. It’s a cozy one-pan dinner that feels fancy enough for entertaining but is quick enough for a weeknight meal. Pair it with a crisp green salad, a loaf of crusty bread, and maybe a glass of sparkling water with lemon, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy fall dinner at home.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For 4 servings:
Protein:
  • 1 lb Italian-style chicken sausage casings removed if in links
Vegetables & Aromatics:
  • 2 cups cubed butternut squash fresh or frozen
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 6 –8 fresh sage leaves chopped
Pasta:
  • 1 lb potato gnocchi shelf-stable, refrigerated, or homemade
Sauce & Seasonings:
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for lighter option
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese grated
  • Salt & black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes optional

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Blender or immersion blender (to puree butternut squash sauce if needed)
  • Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Sausage
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chicken sausage, breaking it apart with a spoon.
  3. Cook until browned and cooked through (6–8 minutes). Remove from pan and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Vegetables
  1. In the same skillet, add onion and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Add cubed butternut squash, thyme, and sage. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Pour in chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 12–15 minutes until squash is tender.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
  1. Use an immersion blender (or transfer mixture to a blender) to puree squash into a smooth sauce.
  2. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi
  1. Add gnocchi directly into the sauce.
  2. Simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until gnocchi are tender and coated in sauce.
Step 5: Add Sausage & Finish
  1. Stir cooked sausage back into the skillet.
  2. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  3. Garnish with extra Parmesan, thyme, or sage.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Not recommended—gnocchi and cream sauce don’t hold up well.
Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
🥄 Variations
Vegetarian Option: Skip sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or roasted chickpeas.
Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Gruyere instead of Parmesan.
Extra Veggies: Add spinach, kale, or roasted Brussels sprouts.
Nutty Twist: Top with toasted walnuts or pine nuts.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of cream.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Yes! Shelf-stable or refrigerated gnocchi works perfectly.
2. Can I make this ahead?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the sauce and sausage ahead of time.
3. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, it saves prep time and cooks faster.
4. How do I make this dairy-free?
Use coconut milk instead of cream and dairy-free Parmesan.
5. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, turkey sausage, ground chicken, or even shrimp would work.
6. What wine pairs with this dish?
Instead of wine, pair with sparkling water and lemon or apple cider for a cozy autumn dinner.
7. Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes, but fresh sage gives the best flavor. Use 1 tsp dried if substituting.
8. How do I thicken the sauce more?
Simmer uncovered for a few minutes or add extra Parmesan.
9. Can I add pasta instead of gnocchi?
Yes, rigatoni or penne make a great substitute.
10. What sides go best?
Garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the definition of cozy autumn comfort food. With tender gnocchi, savory chicken sausage, and a velvety squash sauce infused with fragrant herbs, every bite is warm and satisfying.
It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve for guests. Once you try it, this dish will become your go-to fall favorite.