Name: Delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi Recipe in 45
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 pound butternut squash, peeled and cubed; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 pound gnocchi; 1/2 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage

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Okay, so listen, I’ve gotta tell you about this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe. It’s seriously the *best* combo of sweet and savory, and it’s so easy, even I can’t mess it up (and trust me, that’s saying something!). I actually stumbled upon it when I was trying to use up some leftover butternut squash from Thanksgiving – you know, the kind that’s been hanging out in the fridge for a week? Anyway, I threw it together with some gnocchi and sausage, and BAM! Instant deliciousness. My family went absolutely nuts for it. They beg me to make it now! I’ve tweaked it a bit over the years, but it’s still the same simple, comforting, flavor-packed dish that everyone loves. You seriously have to try it!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Seriously, what’s *not* to love? This isn’t some complicated, all-day affair. This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is about maximum flavor with minimum effort. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone happy, and you won’t be stuck in the kitchen all night. Plus, it’s just so darn tasty!

Quick and Easy Comfort Food

Don’t have hours to spend cooking? No problem! This recipe comes together in under an hour. From start to finish, it’s ready in about 45 minutes. That’s faster than ordering takeout!

Delicious Fall Flavors

The combo of sweet butternut squash, savory sausage, and earthy sage is just *chef’s kiss*. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, perfect for those chilly autumn evenings. You’ll be obsessed, I promise!

Perfect for Weeknight Meals

Busy weeknights are *the worst*, right? This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is your savior! It’s quick, easy and everyone will actually eat it. It’s a total win-win!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe Ingredients

Okay, let’s gather our goodies! You’ll need: 1 pound of butternut squash (peeled, seeded, and cubed – about 1-inch pieces are perfect), 1 tablespoon of olive oil, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. Then grab 1 pound of gnocchi (the shelf-stable kind works great!), ½ pound of Italian sausage (removed from its casing, so easy!), ½ cup of heavy cream, ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh sage. Got it all? Let’s get cooking!

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Alright, buckle up, buttercups! We’re about to make some magic happen. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a seriously amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe in no time. Don’t worry if you mess up – it’ll still taste great, promise!

Roasting the Butternut Squash

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, toss your cubed butternut squash with that olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it out on a baking sheet – don’t overcrowd it! Roast for about 20-25 minutes, until it’s nice and tender. You should be able to easily poke it with a fork. This is key for that creamy texture later!

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Cooking the Gnocchi and Sausage

Now, get your gnocchi going according to the package directions. Don’t forget to reserve about ½ cup of that pasta water *before* you drain it – we might need it later to adjust the sauce. While the gnocchi’s doing its thing, brown that sausage in a big skillet over medium heat. Make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain off any extra grease – nobody wants a greasy Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe!

Making the Creamy Butternut Squash Sauce

Once that roasted squash is cool enough to handle, toss it into a blender or food processor and puree until it’s super smooth. You want it velvety, like a baby’s… well, you get the idea! Then, add that gorgeous butternut squash puree to the skillet with the browned sausage. Pour in the heavy cream, sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, and stir in the chopped fresh sage. Heat it all through, stirring until everything’s melted and creamy. Mmm, smells amazing, right?

Combining the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Okay, almost there! Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce. Toss it all together until the gnocchi is nicely coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little bit of that reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect consistency. Taste and adjust the seasoning if you need to – maybe a little extra salt or pepper? Now, serve it up immediately and prepare for everyone to rave about your cooking skills!

Tips for the Best Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Want to take this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe from “good” to “OMG AMAZING”? Here’s the secret sauce (pun intended!). Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasoning to your liking – a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick! And remember that reserved pasta water? Use it! It’s liquid gold for getting the perfect sauce consistency. Trust me, these little tweaks make all the difference!

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up a bit? Go for it! Instead of regular Italian sausage, try spicy Italian sausage for a little heat. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, use chicken sausage or even chorizo! For herbs, rosemary or thyme would also be delicious instead of sage. Oh! And a sprinkle of nutmeg in the sauce? *Wow*. Don’t be afraid to experiment – it’s your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe now!

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Serving Suggestions for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe ready to go. But what do you serve with it? A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette is always a winner. Or, if you’re feeling fancy, some roasted Brussels sprouts or asparagus would be fantastic! A crusty loaf of bread for soaking up all that delicious sauce? Yes, please!

Frequently Asked Questions About Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe. Don’t be shy – if you have more, leave a comment below!

Can I make this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just skip the sausage. You can add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and texture. Easy peasy!

Can I use frozen butternut squash for this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe?

Sure thing! Just thaw it completely and pat it dry before roasting. It might release a little more water, so keep an eye on the sauce consistency.

How can I store leftovers of Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe?

Let it cool completely, then pop it into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 3-4 days. Reheat gently – don’t overcook it or the gnocchi will get mushy!

How to Store and Reheat Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Okay, so you’ve got leftovers (lucky you!). Let the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe cool down completely before you stash it in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to dive back in, reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if it seems dry. Don’t overcook it, or the gnocchi will get sad and mushy!

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Nutritional Information for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, so please don’t take this as gospel! The nutritional information for this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is just a rough estimate. It can vary *a lot* depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, you know, take it with a grain of salt!

Enjoyed This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe?

Yay! I’m so glad! If you loved it, please leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And hey, sharing is caring – so spread the gnocchi love on social media!