Craving something cozy and satisfying that’s not your average pasta dish? This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage brings all the fall flavor with minimal effort—and no sacrifice on taste. It’s a one-pan, 30-minute dinner that’s rich, creamy, and packed with the savory goodness of Italian sausage and sweet butternut squash. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a weeknight win, this dish delivers. You’ll love how the tender gnocchi soak up every drop of velvety sauce, while the sausage adds the perfect kick. Let’s break it down, step by step, in true beginner-friendly fashion.
Table of Contents
How This Dish Became a Fall Staple in My Kitchen
The Unexpected Dinner Hit
I’ll be honest—butternut squash gnocchi with sausage wasn’t always in my cooking wheelhouse. It actually started on a chilly October evening when I had one pan, 30 minutes, and two hungry kids staring at me. We’d just come back from a pumpkin patch trip, and I had leftover butternut squash from a soup I forgot to finish. Desperate, I tossed it in with some gnocchi, sausage, and cream. And oh wow—it was a game changer.
The gnocchi turned pillowy and tender, soaking up all that savory-sweet, garlicky sauce. The sausage gave it depth. My daughter Lily called it “pasta that tastes like fall.” And Jonah? He licked the spoon clean.
A One-Pan Dinner for Real Life
That accidental combo quickly became one of our go-to weeknight meals—no chopping onions, no complicated steps. Just comfort food in a skillet, with minimal cleanup and major reward. What I love most about this recipe is how forgiving it is. Swap out the sausage, add spinach or kale, use store-bought squash purée or roast your own—you really can’t mess it up.
Now, this dish shows up every fall in our house, and it always reminds me of the night I stopped overthinking dinner. If you’re a beginner like I was, this is the perfect recipe to dip your toes into real, homemade cooking.
This dish pairs beautifully with sides like these Ham and Cheese Sliders or a warm bowl of Creamy White Chicken Chili if you’re serving a crowd.
Choosing the Right Ingredients for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
What’s the Best Type of Gnocchi to Use?
For this dish, shelf-stable potato gnocchi is your best friend. It’s easy to find, inexpensive, and requires no boiling. Just toss it right into the skillet—yes, seriously. It cooks in the sauce and becomes ultra-tender while soaking up all the creamy, savory flavor. You can also use refrigerated or frozen gnocchi if that’s what you have, just adjust the cook time slightly and check for doneness by texture.
If you’re in the mood to try something new, cauliflower gnocchi or even whole wheat versions work great too. And if homemade is your jam, go for it—though this dish was designed to keep things simple and weeknight-friendly.
Do I Need to Roast My Own Butternut Squash?
Not unless you want to! This recipe works beautifully with store-bought butternut squash purée, saving you time. But if you have fresh squash on hand, just roast it until fork-tender, then blend or mash it into a smooth purée. Roasting brings out a caramelized sweetness that adds another layer of cozy depth.
To roast from scratch:
- Slice squash in half, remove seeds.
- Bake at 400°F for 40–45 minutes.
- Scoop out the flesh and mash or blend until smooth.
If you’re used to making fall dishes like Caramelized Onion Pasta or Buffalo Chicken Pasta Bake, this one will feel just as approachable, with even fewer steps.
What Kind of Sausage Works Best?
This dish shines with Italian sausage—choose spicy for bold flavor or sweet/mild if you’re cooking for kids or don’t love heat. Ground sausage makes things easy, but you can also slice precooked sausage links.
Want to change it up? Try:
- Turkey sausage for a lighter option
- Plant-based sausage for a meatless version
- Or use crumbled bacon or pancetta for a smoky twist
For more sausage ideas, check out our favorite Delicious Beef Sausage Recipes—great for swaps or side dish pairings.
How to Cook Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Step-by-Step Instructions for a Creamy, One-Pan Dinner
One of the biggest wins with this dish is how everything cooks in one skillet—no boiling gnocchi, no extra pots. Here’s how to make it happen:
- Brown the Sausage
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add your sausage (casings removed if using links) and break it up as it cooks. Let it brown and caramelize slightly—this adds flavor to the entire dish. - Add Garlic & Seasonings
Once the sausage is cooked through, stir in minced garlic, a pinch of red pepper flakes (optional), and Italian seasoning. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Add Gnocchi, Cream, and Broth
Toss in your gnocchi straight from the package—no boiling needed. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir well to coat the gnocchi and sausage. Let the mixture simmer uncovered for about 5–7 minutes. The gnocchi will soften and the sauce will thicken slightly. - Add Butternut Squash Purée
Once the gnocchi is tender, stir in your butternut squash purée. The sauce will instantly become creamy and golden. Simmer for another 3–5 minutes on low heat, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt or pepper as needed. - Finish with Fresh Herbs or Cheese (Optional)
Top with chopped sage, fresh thyme, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan for added depth. Serve hot!
Tips for Best Results Every Time
- Use a nonstick or enameled skillet to prevent the gnocchi from sticking.
- Don’t rush the simmering—this is where flavor develops.
- If sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.
- Want a veggie boost? Toss in a handful of baby spinach near the end—let it wilt into the sauce.
This skillet dish is incredibly satisfying on its own, but for larger dinners, serve it with something simple like Easy Chicken and Gravy or a big salad and garlic bread from your favorite bakery.
Storage, Serving Ideas & FAQs
How to Store and Reheat Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
This dish stores well and tastes even better the next day. Simply place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but a splash of broth or cream during reheating brings it right back to life.
To reheat:
- Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat in 45-second bursts, stirring in between, until warm.
- Freezing: While possible, it’s best fresh. If you do freeze it, reheat gently and expect slightly softer gnocchi.
This makes a great meal-prep option, especially when paired with sides like Ham and Cheese Sliders or even a crisp side salad.
What to Serve with It
This dish is rich and creamy, so pair it with fresh, crisp, or tangy sides:
- A spinach salad with vinaigrette cuts through the richness
- Toasted garlic bread or a seeded baguette makes it extra comforting
- A light soup like Creamy White Chicken Chili creates a full, cozy spread
And for dessert? A fall favorite like Pumpkin Bars finishes the meal perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use frozen gnocchi for this recipe?
Yes! Just add a few extra minutes to the simmering time and make sure the gnocchi are cooked through. No need to defrost.
Can I make this vegetarian?
Absolutely. Use plant-based sausage and swap chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavor remains cozy and satisfying.
Will this work with sweet potato gnocchi?
Yes—it pairs beautifully with the squash purée and adds even more depth. Just watch the sweetness balance and adjust seasoning.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a creamy result without heavy cream, try half-and-half or add a spoonful of cream cheese for richness.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Fall Skillet Dinner
There’s something so satisfying about a dish that checks every box—comforting, easy, one-pan, and bursting with seasonal flavor. This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage delivers all that and more. Whether it’s your first time working with squash or you’re a gnocchi pro, this meal will quickly earn a spot in your regular dinner rotation.
So grab that skillet, pour a little cream, and get ready for a bowl of fall magic—simple enough for weeknights, delicious enough for guests.
Print
Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage – Creamy, Cozy One-Pan Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage is a cozy, one-pan fall dinner that comes together in 30 minutes—no boiling required!
Ingredients
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
16 oz potato gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 cup butternut squash purée (canned or homemade)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh sage or thyme (optional)
Grated Parmesan (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown sausage until fully cooked.
2. Stir in garlic, red pepper flakes, and Italian seasoning; cook for 1 minute.
3. Add gnocchi, chicken broth, and cream. Stir to coat.
4. Simmer uncovered for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add butternut squash purée and stir until fully incorporated.
6. Reduce heat and let simmer 3–5 more minutes until thickened.
7. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
8. Serve warm, topped with herbs and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Add broth when reheating to loosen sauce.
Use plant-based sausage and veg broth for a vegetarian version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg