This butternut squash gnocchi is one of those cozy, made from scratch dishes we love to make as a team when the weather turns cool. Turning sweet squash into pillowy homemade gnocchi and pairing it with a creamy sauce and savory sausage feels like a treat, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Turkey Sausage is the ultimate cozy, comforting meal. Sweet butternut squash is turned into tender, pillowy homemade gnocchi, then tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce and topped with savory, lightly spiced turkey sausage. It takes a little effort, but this homemade butternut squash gnocchi rewards you with a warm, satisfying dish that tastes like fall in a bowl.
What makes this butternut squash gnocchi so comforting is the contrast of textures and flavors. Tender, pillowy homemade gnocchi made from sweet squash are tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce, then topped with savory, lightly spiced turkey sausage for a cozy, satisfying meal.
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Watch how this butternut squash gnocchi comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Butternut Squash Gnocchi
- Cozy comfort food. Pillowy gnocchi in a creamy sauce is the ultimate comforting meal.
- Homemade gnocchi. Tender, made from scratch gnocchi taste far better than store bought.
- Sweet and savory. Sweet squash and savory sausage balance each other beautifully.
- Rich Parmesan sauce. A silky cream sauce ties the whole dish together.
- Perfect for fall. Butternut squash makes this a cozy seasonal favorite.
What Makes This Butternut Squash Gnocchi So Good
The star of this dish is the homemade butternut squash gnocchi. Sweet, cooked squash is mashed and mixed with egg and flour into a soft dough, then shaped into tender, pillowy dumplings that cook in just minutes.
A rich Parmesan cream sauce coats every piece of gnocchi. Butter and garlic are simmered with heavy cream and Parmesan until silky and thick, creating a luxurious base for the dish.
Savory turkey sausage, lightly spiced with red pepper flakes, adds the perfect contrast. Its hearty, slightly spicy flavor balances the sweetness of the squash and the richness of the cream sauce.
This dish puts a seasonal spin on gnocchi, the soft, pillowy Italian dumplings traditionally made from potato, flour, or semolina.
Optional Pro Tip: Perfect Pillowy Gnocchi
Let the cooked squash cool and drain off excess moisture before making the dough. A drier puree means you need less flour, which keeps the gnocchi light and pillowy instead of dense.
Add the flour gradually and handle the dough as little as possible. Overworking it develops too much gluten and makes the gnocchi tough, so mix just until a soft dough forms.
Tips for the Best Butternut Squash Gnocchi
- Drain the squash well. Less moisture means lighter, less dense gnocchi.
- Add flour gradually. Use just enough so the dough is soft but not sticky.
- Do not overwork the dough. Handle it gently to keep the gnocchi tender.
- Watch for floating. Gnocchi are done as soon as they rise to the surface.
- Use a fork for ridges. The ridges help the creamy sauce cling to each piece.
- Simmer the sauce gently. Low heat keeps the cream sauce smooth and silky.
- Brown the sausage well. A good sear adds savory, deep flavor.
- Roast for more flavor. Roasting the squash instead of boiling deepens its sweetness.
Variations and Add Ins
This butternut squash gnocchi is easy to adapt to your taste.
- Use store bought gnocchi. Save time with packaged gnocchi and just make the sauce.
- Add greens. Stir in spinach or kale for color and extra nutrition.
- Try a sage brown butter. Swap the cream sauce for sage brown butter for a classic pairing.
- Use Italian sausage. Swap turkey sausage for chicken Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
- Make it vegetarian. Skip the sausage and add sauteed mushrooms instead.
- Add nutmeg. A pinch of nutmeg enhances the sweet, autumnal flavor.
- Top with sage. Crispy fried sage leaves add a beautiful finish.
- Make it lighter. Use half and half in place of some of the heavy cream.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep in mind the cream sauce will thicken as it chills.
To reheat, warm the gnocchi gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Uncooked shaped gnocchi can also be frozen on a tray, then transferred to a bag and boiled straight from frozen.
Serving Suggestions for Butternut Squash Gnocchi
This rich butternut squash gnocchi is a satisfying meal on its own, but a few simple sides make it complete. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette cuts through the creamy sauce beautifully.
Warm, crusty bread or garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any extra Parmesan cream sauce. A simple green salad rounds it out nicely.
For a fall dinner, serve it as a hearty main course alongside roasted vegetables such as Brussels sprouts or green beans. It also makes an impressive, comforting dish for guests.
- With a green salad. A light salad balances the rich sauce.
- With crusty bread. Perfect for soaking up the cream sauce.
- With roasted vegetables. Brussels sprouts or green beans add a fall touch.
- With a green salad. A crisp salad balances the creamy dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I make butternut squash gnocchi?
Cook and mash butternut squash, then mix it with egg, flour, salt, and pepper to form a soft dough. Roll the dough into ropes, cut it into pieces, shape ridges with a fork, and boil until the gnocchi float.
Why are my gnocchi dense or tough?
This usually happens from too much moisture or overworking the dough. Drain the squash well, add flour gradually, and handle the dough as little as possible to keep the gnocchi light.
How do I know when gnocchi are done?
Gnocchi are cooked as soon as they float to the surface of the boiling water, which usually takes just a couple of minutes. Drain them right away to avoid overcooking.
Can I use store bought gnocchi?
Yes. To save time, use packaged gnocchi and simply prepare the Parmesan cream sauce and turkey sausage as directed.
Can I roast the squash instead of boiling it?
Absolutely. Roasting deepens the squash flavor and reduces moisture, which can make for even better gnocchi. Just roast until tender, then mash.
What sausage works best?
Turkey sausage keeps the dish lighter, but chicken Italian sausage adds a richer flavor. Use mild or spicy sausage depending on your preference.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes. Simply leave out the turkey sausage and add sauteed mushrooms or extra vegetables for a hearty meatless version.
Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes. Shape the gnocchi and freeze them on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Boil them straight from frozen when ready to serve.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk, as the sauce thickens when chilled.
What can I serve with butternut squash gnocchi?
A green salad, crusty bread, and roasted vegetables all pair well with this rich, cozy dish.
Cozy, Creamy Fall Comfort
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with turkey sausage is the kind of cozy, made from scratch dish that feels like a warm hug. Tender homemade gnocchi, a silky Parmesan cream sauce, and savory sausage come together for the ultimate fall comfort food.
It takes a little love and effort, but the pillowy gnocchi and rich, satisfying flavors are well worth it. Once you make this homemade butternut squash gnocchi, it is sure to become a cool weather favorite.
Craving more cozy Italian comfort? Our chicken piccata is another simple, satisfying favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Turkey Sausage
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil the butternut squash until it is soft and easily mashed, then drain and let it cool.
- Mash the butternut squash into a smooth puree and transfer it to a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the puree and mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into long ropes, cut them into bite sized pieces, and create ridges on each gnocchi using a fork.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, then drain and set them aside.
- In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, add the minced garlic, and saute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer, then stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat, add the chopped onion, and cook until translucent.
- Add the turkey sausage and break it into crumbles as it cooks, stirring in the red pepper flakes, until the sausage is browned and cooked through.
- Combine the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve the creamy butternut squash gnocchi on individual plates, topping each serving with the savory sausage.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
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