Irresistible Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi: The Perfect Fall Dinner

As the leaves begin to turn and a chill fills the air, there is nothing more comforting than a warm, hearty bowl of pasta. This **Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi** recipe is the epitome of autumn comfort food, combining tender, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, velvety butternut squash sauce. It’s a dish that feels both incredibly decadent and surprisingly simple to prepare, making it the perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal.

The natural sweetness of the butternut squash is balanced by savory notes of garlic and fresh sage, creating a complex and deeply satisfying flavor profile. If you’re looking for an **easy butternut squash gnocchi recipe** that will quickly become a family favorite, you’ve come to the right place. This dish perfectly encapsulates the warm and inviting spirit of fall.

Making gnocchi from scratch can be a rewarding experience, but for a truly **quick recipe**, using store-bought gnocchi works beautifully and saves a significant amount of time. The star of this dish is truly the sauce. Roasting the butternut squash brings out its natural sugars and deepens its flavor, which is then blended into a luscious sauce that clings to every piece of gnocchi.

This is a versatile recipe that can be adapted to various tastes. For those who prefer a meatless meal, this is a fantastic **vegan butternut squash gnocchi** option with a few simple substitutions. The pairing of **gnocchi with butternut squash and sage** is a classic combination for a reason—the aromatic sage perfectly complements the sweet and earthy squash. It’s a sophisticated yet approachable dish that will impress anyone you serve it to.

Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

The beauty of this **creamy butternut squash gnocchi** lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Using fresh, seasonal produce like butternut squash and sage ensures the best flavor. For a shortcut, you can also use pre-cut squash from the grocery store.

This recipe is designed to be flexible, so feel free to use your preferred type of gnocchi, whether it’s classic potato gnocchi or even a **butternut squash ricotta gnocchi** you’ve made yourself. For the creamiest results, whole milk or a non-dairy alternative can be used.

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 3 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup vegetable broth or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk for a **vegan butternut squash gnocchi**
• 1 pound potato gnocchi
• 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
• 8-10 fresh sage leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (omit for vegan)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Creating this delicious **gnocchi with butternut squash sauce** is a straightforward process that breaks down into a few easy steps. The most important part is getting that butternut squash perfectly tender so it blends into a smooth, creamy sauce. By following these steps, you’ll have a delightful and impressive meal on the table in under an hour. This **butternut squash gnocchi recipe** is a perfect example of a high-reward, low-effort dish.

1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Spread it in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Sauté Aromatics: While the squash is roasting, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 5-7 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Create the Sauce: Transfer the roasted butternut squash to the pot with the onions and garlic. Add the vegetable broth. Use an immersion blender to carefully blend the mixture until it is completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a regular blender and blend in batches. Return the smooth sauce to the pot. Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut milk) and season with more salt and pepper to taste. Keep the sauce warm over low heat.
4. Cook the Gnocchi: While the sauce is simmering, cook the gnocchi according to package directions. Gnocchi usually cooks very quickly—it’s done once it floats to the surface of the boiling water. Drain the gnocchi and set aside.
5. Sauté the Gnocchi and Sage: In a separate large skillet, melt the butter (or heat olive oil) over medium-high heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and cook for 1-2 minutes until they become crispy. Add the cooked gnocchi to the pan and toss for 2-3 minutes to lightly brown them. This step adds a wonderful texture and flavor to the **butternut squash and potato gnocchi recipe**.
6. Combine and Serve: Add the browned gnocchi and crispy sage to the butternut squash sauce. Toss gently until every piece of gnocchi is well coated. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese just before serving. Garnish with additional fresh sage and cheese if desired. This makes the perfect **gnocchi with butternut squash and sage**. For a delicious side, consider a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette.

The Science of a Smooth and Creamy Sauce

Achieving a smooth, creamy sauce for your **Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi** is all about technique and a little bit of food science. Roasting the squash first is a crucial step because it caramelizes the natural sugars, creating a deeper, more concentrated flavor that a simple boil or steam can’t replicate. When you blend the roasted squash, you are breaking down its cellular structure, which releases moisture and starches.

The addition of vegetable broth helps to thin the puree to a manageable consistency while adding a savory base. The final touch of heavy cream or coconut milk emulsifies with the squash puree, creating that luxurious, velvety texture that clings to the gnocchi. It’s the perfect way to transform humble ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. You can also explore different ways to cook the gnocchi, for example, a **butternut squash gnocchi traybake** can give you a different texture, making the gnocchi slightly crispier.

Tips & Variations

This **butternut squash gnocchi recipe** is incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking. The basic **gnocchi with butternut squash sauce** can be a starting point for a variety of creative culinary explorations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Protein: For a heartier meal, you can add some crumbled Italian sausage, roasted chicken, or even chickpeas to the sauce. This makes for a more substantial dinner.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne pepper can add a nice kick to the sauce, balancing the sweetness of the squash.
• Herb Variations: If you don’t have sage, other herbs like thyme or rosemary also pair wonderfully with butternut squash.
• Add a Savory Twist: For a different flavor profile, consider making a **butternut squash gnocchi tomato sauce** by adding a few tablespoons of tomato paste to the sauce mixture before blending.
• Make it Vegan: To make this a truly **vegan butternut squash gnocchi** recipe, simply use a plant-based butter or olive oil for sautéing the sage, and substitute the heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk and the Parmesan cheese with a vegan Parmesan alternative.
• Butternut Squash and Potato Gnocchi: If you’re feeling ambitious, you can make your own gnocchi from scratch using a combination of roasted butternut squash and potatoes. A great resource for making fresh pasta from scratch is a site like Food & Wine Magazine, which has many recipes and guides for homemade pasta.

FAQs About Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Can I make the butternut squash sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can. The butternut squash sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat it gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water if it seems too thick. This makes a quick and easy butternut squash gnocchi recipe for busy weeknights.

What if my gnocchi sauce is too thin or too thick?

If your **gnocchi with butternut squash sauce** is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce and thicken. If it’s too thick, simply whisk in a tablespoon of broth or water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use different types of squash?

Absolutely. While butternut squash is a classic choice, this **creamy butternut squash gnocchi** recipe would also work well with other sweet, winter squashes like acorn squash or even pumpkin. Just be sure to roast it first to bring out the best flavor.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Leftovers of this **creamy butternut squash gnocchi** should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit upon cooling, so you may need to add a small amount of liquid when reheating on the stove or in the microwave.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

This recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using gluten-free gnocchi. Many brands now offer gluten-free gnocchi made from rice flour or a blend of gluten-free flours, making it a simple substitute for your **butternut squash gnocchi recipe**.

Can I freeze the gnocchi with butternut squash sauce?

Yes, you can freeze the sauce on its own for up to 3 months. However, freezing the cooked gnocchi with the sauce is not recommended, as the gnocchi’s texture can become mushy upon thawing. It is best to freeze the sauce and cook the gnocchi fresh when you are ready to serve this **butternut squash and potato gnocchi recipe**.

Conclusion

This **Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi** is a celebration of seasonal flavors and a testament to how simple, wholesome ingredients can come together to create a truly luxurious meal. The smooth, savory sauce pairs perfectly with the tender gnocchi, and the hint of sage adds an aromatic complexity that elevates the entire dish. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook looking for a new fall favorite, this **easy butternut squash gnocchi recipe** is a must-try. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to create a meal that is both comforting and incredibly delicious. Enjoy the taste of autumn in every single bite!