Description
Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi is a warm, comforting, and flavorful dish that comes together in under 30 minutes. Featuring tender gnocchi, sweet roasted butternut squash, and savory Italian sausage, this one-pan recipe is perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough for family and friends. Adaptable with various herbs, spice levels, and dietary options, it delivers the best of autumn flavors with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
- 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced into even cubes
- 8 oz Italian or spicy sausage, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh sage or rosemary, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Butternut Squash: Peel and dice the butternut squash into even cubes. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add the squash, and cook until tender and slightly caramelized, about 8-10 minutes.
- Cook the Sausage: Remove the squash from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the crumbled sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Herbs: Add the minced garlic and fresh sage or rosemary to the cooked sausage. Stir for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a separate pot of water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions until they float to the surface (2-3 minutes). Drain well.
- Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked gnocchi and reserved butternut squash back into the skillet with the sausage and herbs. Gently toss over medium heat to combine and warm through, coating everything in the flavorful oil.
- Finish with Cheese and Seasoning: Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen gnocchi for best texture; avoid dried gnocchi.
- Cook in batches if the pan is crowded to ensure proper browning.
- Opt for flavorful Italian sausage to enhance depth of taste.
- Lightly toast fresh herbs in the pan to amplify their aroma.
- If the dish is too dry, add a splash of reserved gnocchi cooking water to loosen the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg