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

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4.1 from 71 reviews

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is a rich, comforting dish combining tender potato gnocchi with savory Italian sausage, a luscious butternut squash puree, and aromatic fresh herbs. The sauce is creamy and flavorful, perfect for a cozy dinner that comes together quickly in one skillet.

Ingredients

Sausage and Cooking Oil

  • 12 oz Italian sausage, casings removed (about 3 sausage links)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Main Ingredients

  • 10 oz potato gnocchi
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup butternut squash puree
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Herbs and Seasoning

  • 2 tablespoons fresh sage, chopped (divided)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh thyme (divided)
  • Salt and coarsely ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sausage: Remove the casings from the Italian sausage and slice the sausage into pieces suitable for pan cooking.
  2. Heat the Olive Oil: Place a large, high-sided skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil, warming it up evenly across the pan.
  3. Cook the Sausage: Add the sliced sausage to the skillet and cook for approximately 4 minutes on one side without stirring to allow browning. Flip the slices and cook for an additional 2 minutes to ensure they are nicely browned and mostly cooked through.
  4. Add Gnocchi and Liquids: Into the same skillet with sausage, add the uncooked potato gnocchi, 1 cup of heavy cream, and 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
  5. Simmer with Lid: Cover the skillet with a lid and let the gnocchi cook for about 5 minutes on medium heat. This allows the gnocchi to cook while the sauce starts to thicken and bubble.
  6. Add Butternut Squash and Garlic: Stir in 1 cup of butternut squash puree along with 3 cloves of minced garlic. Bring the sauce back to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low-medium.
  7. Finish Cooking Sauce and Gnocchi: Continue cooking for an additional 3 or more minutes, stirring frequently, until the gnocchi are fully cooked, the garlic is softened to your liking, and the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency. Cook longer if a thicker sauce is desired. Remove the skillet from heat.
  8. Add Fresh Herbs and Seasoning: Stir in half of the chopped fresh sage and half of the fresh thyme. Season with salt and freshly ground coarse black pepper to taste, keeping in mind the sausage may already add saltiness.
  9. Serve and Garnish: When plating, sprinkle the remaining fresh sage and thyme over the top as a fragrant and colorful garnish for a fresh herbal finish.

Notes

  • Adjust salt carefully, as Italian sausage can be salty.
  • Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer longer after adding the butternut squash puree.
  • Make sure not to overcook gnocchi to avoid mushiness; they should be tender but hold their shape.

Find it online: https://recipethrive.com/creamy-butternut-squash-gnocchi-with-sausage-sage-and-thyme-recipe/