Name: Autumn Dinner: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 (17.6 oz/500g) package potato gnocchi; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 12 oz (340g) Italian sausage, casings removed; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 medium squash); 1 cup chicken broth; ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving); 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried); 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried); Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Hey y'all! Cozy up and get ready to make your kitchen smell absolutely amazing with this hearty Autumn Dinner: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage. Loaded with soft, pillowy gnocchi, creamy Butternut Squash sauce, juicy Italian sausage, and aromatic herbs, this dish is the ultimate celebration of fall flavors. Whether it's a weeknight, a lazy Sunday supper, or an autumn dinner party with friends, this recipe brings warmth and comfort in every bite. Let’s get cooking!

Autumn Dinner: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Why You'll Love This

Rich and Creamy: The butternut squash sauce is velvety-smooth and perfectly coats the gnocchi.
Savory & Herby: Sautéed sausage, thyme, and sage boost the cozy, earthy fall vibes.
Quick Weeknight Dinner: Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s simple enough for busy evenings.
Crowd-Pleasing: Comforting and indulgent, this meal feeds a hungry family or impresses at gatherings.
Seasonal Ingredients: Perfectly utilizes autumn produce like butternut squash and fresh herbs.

Ingredients

1 (17.6 oz/500g) package potato gnocchi
2 tablespoons olive oil
12 oz (340g) Italian sausage, casings removed
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed (about 1 medium squash)
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried)
1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons unsalted butter

Directions

Prep and Roast the Squash

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss butternut squash cubes with 1 tablespoon olive oil, a pinch of salt and pepper, then spread on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, until tender and beginning to caramelize.

Cook the Sausage and Aromatics

While squash roasts, heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add Italian sausage, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Stir in onion and sauté until soft, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove sausage mixture to a bowl and set aside.

Make the Butternut Squash Sauce

Transfer roasted butternut squash to a blender. Add chicken broth and blend until completely smooth, scraping the sides as needed. (Careful with hot ingredients!)
Pour butternut sauce into the skillet over low heat. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, thyme, sage, butter, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 3-4 minutes until velvety and warmed through. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Boil Gnocchi and Combine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil. Cook gnocchi according to package directions (typically 2-3 minutes, until they float). Drain and add directly into the sauce.
Return sausage mixture to the pan and gently fold everything together over low heat for 2 more minutes, ensuring gnocchi are well-coated and everything is heated through.

Serve

Spoon hot gnocchi into bowls and finish with extra Parmesan, fresh herbs, and black pepper. Enjoy immediately!

Notes

Shortcut: For speed, use pre-cut or even frozen butternut squash.
Sauciness: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth until you reach your ideal consistency.
Cheesy Finish: Always add some extra Parmesan for irresistible flavor!

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Omit sausage and use plant-based sausage or sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Spicy Italian: Use spicy Italian sausage and add extra red pepper flakes for a bold kick.
Gluten-Free: Swap regular gnocchi for your favorite gluten-free variety for a celiac-friendly meal.

Required Equipment

Baking sheet
Large skillet
Large pot
Blender (or food processor)
Colander
Cutting board and knife
Wooden spoon

Storage Instructions

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens during storage. Not recommended for freezing, as the sauce and gnocchi may separate or turn mushy.

Serving Ideas & Pairings

Pair with a crisp mixed greens salad with apples and walnuts.
Serve alongside toasted garlic bread or sliced ciabatta to soak up extra sauce.
A chilled glass of chardonnay or a light-bodied pinot noir complements the flavors beautifully.

Pro Tips

Don’t overcook gnocchi—once they float, they’re ready! Overcooking leads to a mushy texture.
Always taste and adjust seasoning after combining everything—salt can vary with sausage and Parmesan brands.
Fresh sage and thyme make a noticeable difference, but if you only have dried, use less and crush them between your fingers before adding.

FAQ

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The butternut squash sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the fridge. Reheat and assemble with fresh-cooked gnocchi and sausage when you're ready to eat.

What other proteins can I use instead of sausage?

Try crumbled bacon, diced rotisserie chicken, or keep it vegetarian with cooked lentils for a protein boost.

How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use your favorite unsweetened dairy-free cream and a vegan Parmesan substitute—the flavors are still rich and creamy!