Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the kind of dish that defines cozy autumn cooking. It brings together pillowy potato gnocchi, deeply savory Italian sausage, and a luxurious butternut squash cream sauce infused with garlic, fresh thyme, and fragrant sage. The result is a one-pan meal that feels indulgent and elegant, yet comes together in just 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights, relaxed weekends, or even casual entertaining.

This dish captures everything we love about fall comfort food: warm colors, earthy herbs, rich textures, and a balance of savory and subtly sweet flavors. The butternut squash purée gives the sauce a velvety body and natural sweetness, while the sausage adds depth and saltiness that keeps every bite interesting. Fresh herbs elevate the entire dish, making it taste restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

In this in-depth guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about making the best Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage—from ingredient breakdowns and step-by-step cooking tips to variations, storage advice, serving ideas, and troubleshooting. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just discovering gnocchi for the first time, this recipe is designed to be approachable, flexible, and deeply satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

There are countless reasons this recipe deserves a permanent place in your fall and winter dinner rotation:

• One-pan convenience: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy your meal.

• Quick yet impressive: Despite its rich flavor and elegant presentation, this dish is ready in about 40 minutes.

• Perfect balance of flavors: Sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, creamy sauce, and fresh herbs work in harmony.

• Comfort food without heaviness: The sauce is creamy and luxurious, but the squash keeps it from feeling overly rich.

• Highly adaptable: Easy to customize with different proteins, herbs, or dairy alternatives.

• Seasonal and cozy: This recipe celebrates fall ingredients and flavors in the most comforting way possible.

If you’re looking for a dish that feels special but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen, Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is exactly what you need.

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Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Servings: 4
Calories: 674 kcal per serving

This recipe is designed for efficiency. Using shelf-stable gnocchi and pre-made butternut squash purée keeps prep time minimal, while fresh herbs and good-quality sausage ensure bold, homemade flavor.

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Ingredients Breakdown

Understanding each ingredient helps you get the best possible result from this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage.

Italian Sausage

• Amount: 12 oz, casings removed and sliced

• Why it matters: Sausage adds richness, salt, and savory depth to the dish. Mild Italian sausage works beautifully, but spicy sausage adds a pleasant kick if you enjoy heat.

• Tip: Because sausage varies in saltiness, always taste the sauce before adding extra salt.

Olive Oil

• Amount: 1 tablespoon

• Why it matters: Helps brown the sausage evenly and builds flavor in the pan.

Potato Gnocchi

• Amount: 10 oz, uncooked

• Why it matters: Gnocchi are soft, pillowy, and cook directly in the sauce, absorbing flavor as they simmer.

• Tip: Shelf-stable gnocchi work best here, but refrigerated gnocchi can also be used with close monitoring.

Heavy Cream

• Amount: 1 cup

• Why it matters: Provides richness and creaminess, balancing the sweetness of the squash.

• Substitution: Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, though it will be slightly thinner.

Chicken Broth

• Amount: ½ cup

• Why it matters: Loosens the sauce and adds savory depth without overpowering the squash.

Butternut Squash Purée

• Amount: 1 cup

• Why it matters: This is the heart of the dish, giving the sauce its color, body, and gentle sweetness.

• Tip: Homemade purée offers the best flavor, but canned or packaged purée works well if it’s unsweetened.

Garlic

• Amount: 3 cloves, minced

• Why it matters: Adds aromatic warmth and depth.

Fresh Sage

• Amount: 2 tablespoons, chopped (divided)

• Why it matters: Sage pairs exceptionally well with squash and sausage, adding an earthy, classic fall flavor.

Fresh Thyme

• Amount: 2 tablespoons (divided)

• Why it matters: Thyme brings a subtle, savory freshness that balances the creaminess of the sauce.

Salt and Coarsely Ground Black Pepper

• To taste

• Why it matters: Essential for balancing flavors. Always season gradually.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Brown the Sausage

Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced Italian sausage in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes to develop a deep, golden-brown sear. Flip the sausage and cook for an additional 2 minutes until fully browned. This step builds the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

2. Cook the Gnocchi

Without removing the sausage, add the uncooked gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth directly to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cover the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the gnocchi are tender and the sauce begins to thicken.

3. Make the Sauce

Stir in the butternut squash purée and minced garlic. Return the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low-medium. Cook for 3–5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sauce becomes smooth, thick, and glossy. The garlic should be fully cooked and fragrant.

4. Finish with Herbs

Remove the skillet from heat. Stir in half of the chopped sage and thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting carefully.

5. Serve

Garnish with the remaining sage and thyme. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

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Helpful Tips for Perfect Results

• Prep ahead: Roast and purée the butternut squash in advance to save time.

• Sauce control: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.

• Don’t overcook the gnocchi: Once tender, they’re ready—overcooking can make them mushy.

• Enhance flavor: A sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or a drizzle of brown butter adds incredible depth.

• Herb balance: Fresh herbs make a big difference—use them generously for the best flavor.

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Variations and Customizations

One of the strengths of Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is how adaptable it is.

Make It Vegetarian

• Swap sausage for sautéed mushrooms or crispy fried sage leaves.

• Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

Make It Spicy

• Use hot Italian sausage.

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Make It Lighter

• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or evaporated milk.

• Use chicken sausage instead of pork sausage.

Add Extra Veggies

• Spinach or kale stirred in at the end

• Roasted Brussels sprouts or mushrooms for added texture

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Serving Suggestions

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

• A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread

• Roasted vegetables like carrots or asparagus

• A glass of dry white wine or light red

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Storage & Reheating

Refrigerator

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce and restore its silky texture. Avoid high heat, which can cause the sauce to separate.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 674 kcal

• Fat: 53 g

• Saturated Fat: 24 g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 5 g

• Protein: ~22 g

• Carbohydrates: ~38 g

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is more than just a comforting fall dinner—it’s a celebration of seasonal ingredients, simple techniques, and big flavor. This dish proves that you don’t need complicated steps or a long ingredient list to create something truly special. With its velvety squash sauce, savory sausage, and fragrant herbs, it strikes the perfect balance between rustic comfort and refined elegance.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or simply treating yourself to a cozy night in, this recipe delivers every time. It’s warm, satisfying, and deeply nourishing—exactly the kind of meal we crave when the weather cools and evenings grow longer. Once you make it, chances are it will become a repeat favorite in your autumn and winter kitchen.