Pillowy gnocchi, sweet roasted butternut squash, and savory sausage simmer together in a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce that feels like fall comfort in a bowl. Easy Butternut Gnocchi (Sausage Cream) is cozy, satisfying, and ready in just 30 minutes — a one-pan dinner that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Introduction
Few dinners hit the comfort sweet spot like gnocchi in a rich, creamy sauce. Add browned sausage, buttery roasted butternut, and a touch of sage, and suddenly weeknight dinner tastes like a countryside Italian bistro. Every bite is a perfect mix of textures: crisp, golden gnocchi; creamy butternut that melts into the sauce; and flavorful sausage that adds smoky depth.
This one-pan gnocchi is hearty enough to be the main event, but elegant enough for date night. Serve it straight from the skillet, showered with parmesan and a whisper of nutmeg for that final cozy touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & easy — 30 minutes from stovetop to table.
One-pan cleanup — dinner magic, no pile of dishes.
Seasonal perfection — the warmth of butternut squash meets creamy comfort.
Restaurant flavor from simple ingredients.
Customizable — substitute chicken sausage, swap cream for milk, or make it vegetarian by skipping sausage.
What Makes It Special
Italian sausage adds richness and spice that balances the natural sweetness of butternut. Store-bought gnocchi sears beautifully, creating golden edges that hold creamy sauce better than boiled pasta. Heavy cream and parmesan create a luscious coating that’s big on flavor but still light on effort. Add in nutmeg, sage, and garlic, and every bite tastes like a warm fall evening.
Essential Ingredients
1 lb gnocchi (shelf-stable or refrigerated)
1 lb Italian sausage (mild or spicy), removed from casing
2 cups butternut squash, peeled and diced small
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken broth
½ cup grated parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp nutmeg
Fresh sage or thyme, to garnish
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Sausage
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sausage, breaking it into crumbles. Cook 6-7 minutes until browned and crisp, then remove to a plate, leaving a bit of the fat in the pan.
Step 2: Sear the Gnocchi
Melt 2 tbsp butter in the same skillet. Add gnocchi in a single layer and sear 3–4 minutes without stirring — this develops their golden crispness. Stir and cook another 2 minutes, then set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Add diced butternut squash to the skillet with salt and pepper. Sauté 6–8 minutes until tender and starting to caramelize. Stir in minced garlic during the last 30 seconds.
Step 4: Build the Sauce
Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the skillet, scraping up browned bits. Reduce slightly, then stir in cream, nutmeg, and parmesan. Bring to a gentle simmer for 3–4 minutes until thickened.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return sausage and gnocchi to the skillet. Toss to coat in creamy sauce. Simmer 2–3 more minutes on low until everything is heated through. Taste for salt and top with chopped sage or thyme before serving.
Pro Tips for Success
Don’t overcrowd gnocchi when searing or they’ll steam instead of crisp.
Dice butternut small so it softens quickly.
Use freshly grated parmesan for smooth sauce texture.
Go easy on salt at first — sausage and cheese are naturally salty.
For a thinner sauce, add extra broth or a splash of milk.
Variations
Vegetarian — Skip the sausage and add mushrooms or spinach.
Maple Butternut — Add 1 tsp maple syrup to enhance sweetness.
Spicy — Use hot sausage or sprinkle chili flakes.
Vegan — Use coconut milk and vegan sausage alternatives.
Gluten-free — Substitute gluten-free gnocchi.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this creamy gnocchi with a simple green salad or roasted brussels sprouts. Pair with garlic bread to soak up the sauce, and pour a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay alongside. It also works beautifully as a side with roasted chicken or pork tenderloin for larger meals.
Storage Tips
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freeze cooled portions 1 month max; thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.
Why It Works
The magic in this dish lies in how the ingredients balance. Butternut squash provides natural sweetness that mellows the salt of sausage and parmesan. Gnocchi starch thickens the cream sauce naturally, creating velvety coating without flour. Each texture and flavor—soft, crispy, savory, sweet—harmonizes into one skillet of pure cold-weather comfort.
Conclusion
Easy Butternut Gnocchi (Sausage Cream) proves that comfort food doesn’t need to be complicated. Simple ingredients — sausage, squash, cream, and parmesan — come together in perfect unity, delivering cozy richness with minimal effort. This one-pan wonder manages to be decadent and down-to-earth all at once.
Serve it family-style for a hearty dinner or plate it beautifully for date night. Either way, the buttery sauce, golden gnocchi, and bursts of sweet squash make every bite unforgettable. Tonight, let this dish bring creamy, autumn-inspired joy right to your table.
