Ingredients
Scale
- 1 package of fresh or store-bought gnocchi
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed (or pre-cut squash)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ pound spicy Italian sausage (or mild/sweet)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ yellow onion, diced
- Fresh sage or thyme (a few sprigs)
- ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- ¼ to ⅓ cup chicken broth (optional for extra flavor)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss squash cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on a baking sheet for 25–30 minutes until golden and fork-tender.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook sausage until browned and crumbly. Don’t stir too often—let it crisp up. Drain excess fat but keep a little for flavor.
- Push sausage to the side. Sauté diced onion until translucent (3–5 minutes), then add garlic and herbs. Cook until fragrant. Deglaze with a splash of broth or white wine if needed.
- Blend roasted squash with cream and a splash of broth until smooth. Use an immersion blender or regular blender. Return sauce to skillet and mix with sausage and aromatics. Heat gently without boiling.
- Boil gnocchi in salted water. When they float (2–3 minutes), scoop them directly into the sauce. Gently toss to coat everything evenly.
- Stir in Parmesan, taste, and adjust seasoning. Simmer a couple of minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Optional: Top with extra Parmesan, fried sage, and a drizzle of olive oil or brown butter before serving.
Notes
Roast your squash for maximum flavor—don’t boil it. For extra richness, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or ricotta. Sage and Parmesan are key flavor boosters. Great for meal prep or impressing dinner guests.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop + Oven
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 75mg