Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Sage, and Thyme

Warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor, this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage, Sage, and Thyme is the perfect dish to enjoy during the cooler months. The combination of pillowy gnocchi, savory Italian sausage, and a creamy butternut squash sauce creates a rich and satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare yet tastes like you’ve spent hours in the kitchen. Fresh sage and thyme add an earthy, aromatic finish, making this dish a delicious and wholesome dinner option for any night of the week.

Ingredients:

• 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (about 3 sausage links)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 10 oz potato gnocchi
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup butternut squash puree
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme
• Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper according to your preference.

Instructions:

1. Cook the Sausage:
   • In a spacious pot or Dutch oven, warm the olive oil on medium heat.
   • Add the Italian sausage, breaking it up into small crumbles with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the sausage is browned and fully cooked.
2. Prepare the Gnocchi:
   • In the same skillet, add the gnocchi. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the gnocchi is golden brown and slightly crisp on the edges. Transfer the gnocchi to the plate with the sausage.
3. Make the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce:
   • In the skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Add the butternut squash puree and heavy cream, stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
4. Add Herbs and Season:
   • Stir in the chopped sage and thyme, then season with salt and coarsely ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Combine and Serve:
   • Return the cooked sausage and gnocchi to the skillet, tossing them in the creamy butternut squash sauce until well coated. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes to heat everything through. Serve immediately, garnished with extra sage or thyme if desired.

Conclusion:

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage is a perfect blend of rich, hearty flavors and smooth, comforting textures. The savory sausage pairs beautifully with the velvety butternut squash sauce, while the gnocchi adds the perfect bite to this indulgent dish. Fresh sage and thyme elevate the flavors, making this an ideal recipe for fall or winter dinners. Simple to prepare yet deeply satisfying, this meal will quickly become a family favorite!