Autumn Dinner: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage

Introduction

Autumn’s flavors shine brightest in dishes that bring warmth and comfort to the table, and Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage is the ultimate seasonal showstopper. This recipe combines pillowy gnocchi, roasted butternut squash, savory sausage, and aromatic herbs in a luxuriously creamy sauce—a comforting one-pan meal that’s sure to impress during any fall gathering or snug weeknight dinner.

Why Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Is a Fall Favorite

What makes this dish a crowd-pleaser is its irresistible blend of flavors and textures. Sweet, caramelized roasted butternut squash and hearty sausage harmonize with the earthy notes of thyme and sage. When enveloped in a luscious, creamy sauce and tossed with gnocchi, this meal delivers a perfect balance of richness and subtle herbaceousness—the kind of Autumn dinner guests will remember.

How to Prepare the Creamy Squash Sauce

For best results, roast fresh butternut squash until golden and tender, which intensifies its natural sweetness. After browning sausage for depth of flavor, combine the cooked squash with garlic, cream, and broth, blending until silky smooth. Add fresh thyme and sage, then let the sauce simmer to let the flavors meld and deepen—a signature touch for an elegantly simple series of steps.

Assembling the Perfect Autumn Gnocchi Dish

Once your sauce is ready, toss in cooked gnocchi ensuring every pillow is coated in that creamy, herb-laced blend. Add browned sausage and a sprinkle of crispy sage or extra fresh thyme for a beautiful finish. Serve hot for peak comfort—the result is a visually stunning plate that tastes even better than it looks.

Serving Suggestions for a Cozy Autumn Dinner

Complement this dish with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up any extra sauce. A sprinkle of Parmesan or a drizzle of browned butter brings out the nuttiness of the squash. Pair it with a light white wine or sparkling cider for the ultimate Autumn feast.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four generous portions. Each serving typically contains about 500–600 calories, making it a satisfying main course filled with protein, complex carbohydrates from the gnocchi, and a nourishing serving of autumn vegetables.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage (Recap)

It’s the perfect meal for when you want something rustic, hearty, and layered with flavors—ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing special guests during sweater weather.

💡Meal Planning Tip: Save this recipe to automatically generate an organized shopping list with all ingredients sorted by store section—perfect for efficient grocery trips and streamlined Autumn meal planning.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and tender.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the gnocchi. Cook according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large skillet over medium heat, add remaining tablespoon olive oil. Cook sausage, breaking into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Remove sausage with a slotted spoon and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened, 2–3 minutes. Add minced garlic, thyme, and sage, cooking until fragrant, about 1 minute more.
5. Add roasted squash and chicken broth to the skillet. Use a potato masher or transfer to a blender to puree until smooth (for a silkier sauce, blend with the cream).
6. Return puree to skillet (if blended separately), and reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, simmering until thickened, about 3–5 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes.
7. Add cooked gnocchi and sausage to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Heat through, then serve hot topped with extra sage or thyme as desired.

Weekly Meal Planning

This cozy recipe is a fantastic candidate for weekly meal prep and Autumn meal planning. Save and schedule this recipe to see shopping lists auto-populate with only what you need, perfectly consolidated across all your planned recipes.

Planning Benefits:

– Get total ingredient quantities for all your weekly dinners
– Shopping lists organize every item by grocery section for faster trips
– Avoid duplicate ingredient buys and midweek grocery runs
– Enjoy a more relaxing week knowing dinners are sorted in advance

Pro tip: Use CookifyAI to schedule this recipe alongside other Autumn favorites like soups or salads. Overlapping ingredients (like onion or fresh herbs) are automatically combined, so you purchase just enough—no more food waste, and always fresh.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes