Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage and Sage

There’s something magical about fall recipes—they wrap you up like your favorite sweater, warm your soul, and bring everyone to the table. I still remember the first time I stirred a bubbling pot of butternut squash gnocchi on a crisp October evening. The scent of sage and garlic filled my kitchen, and with one bite, I knew it would become a seasonal favorite. That dish turned into a tradition—a savory comfort that signals autumn has truly arrived.

Now, this creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage and sage has become one of my go-to fall recipes, especially when I want something simple yet deeply satisfying. It’s a skillet full of warmth—golden gnocchi, tender sausage, velvety squash, and herbaceous layers that make the whole house smell like a harvest feast. If you’re craving cozy dinners that feel like a hug, this one’s for you.

Gather around the table — something delicious is waiting!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-pan meal brings everything we adore about fall recipes—rich flavors, cozy textures, and seasonal ingredients that feel like a warm embrace. If your weeknights are busy but your cravings lean comfort, this recipe delivers.

You’ll love how the pillowy gnocchi soaks up every drop of creamy sauce, making each bite buttery and satisfying. The sausage adds a savory, hearty depth that plays beautifully with the sweetness of the butternut squash—an ingredient we all turn to when it’s time for our favorite fall recipes.

Fresh sage and thyme don’t just bring fragrance; they elevate the whole dish with their earthy, autumnal flavor. Best of all? It’s ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for those evenings when you want fall recipes that are both impressive and practical.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting a dinner with friends, this skillet supper brings comfort with elegance.

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Ingredient Overview

This dish is a true celebration of fall recipes, with every component chosen for warmth and richness.

• Italian Sausage: Brings robust flavor and protein to balance the sweetness of the squash. Choose mild or spicy, depending on your mood.

• Olive Oil: A drizzle to brown the sausage and add depth to the sauce.

• Potato Gnocchi: These tender dumplings are the heart of many fall recipes, perfect for soaking up creamy, savory sauces.

• Heavy Cream + Chicken Broth: The dreamy, velvety base that carries the flavors. Use broth with low sodium so the sausage doesn’t make it too salty.

• Butternut Squash Puree: Silky, sweet, and nutrient-packed—squash is a staple in fall cooking.

• Fresh Garlic: Brings punch and aroma. Three cloves hit the sweet spot.

• Fresh Sage and Thyme: These herbs make the dish unmistakably autumn. They’re stars in most classic fall recipes.

• Salt + Black Pepper: Season to taste, but remember the sausage often adds enough salt on its own.

Quick tip: For a beautiful finish, garnish with whole sage leaves crisped in butter.

Step-by-step Instructions

Step 1: Slice and Sizzle the Sausage

Start by removing the sausage from its casings and slicing it into bite-sized coins. Heat a large, high-sided skillet over medium and add the olive oil. Place the sausage in without stirring—let it sear for about 4 minutes to build that gorgeous golden crust fall recipes are known for. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.

Step 2: Add Gnocchi and Liquids

With the sausage still in the pan, add the uncooked gnocchi, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Stir everything together and bring to a low boil over medium heat. Cover with a lid and let it simmer for 5 minutes. This is one of those fall recipes where the magic happens under cover—gnocchi tenderizing, sauce thickening.

Step 3: Fold in the Flavor

Uncover and stir in the butternut squash puree and minced garlic. The sauce will start turning a rich golden color—exactly what we crave in our cozy fall recipes. Reduce heat slightly and let it bubble gently for 3–4 minutes until thickened.

Step 4: Season and Herb It Up

Add half of your fresh sage and thyme. Stir to combine and taste for salt—remember, the sausage might already be salty enough. Add black pepper to your liking. If you’re feeling fancy, now’s the time to pan-fry a few extra sage leaves for a garnish.

Tip: Don’t rush this part. Letting the sauce simmer just a little longer makes your fall recipes feel like they’ve been slow-cooked all day.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Turn off the heat and let the skillet rest a minute. Top with the remaining herbs and serve directly from the pan for rustic charm. Every bite of this dish brings out the soul of fall recipes—comforting, creamy, and completely satisfying.

Pro Tips

If you love fall recipes, a few thoughtful tweaks can make this dish truly shine in your weekly rotation.

Start by browning your sausage well—those caramelized bits at the bottom of the pan deepen the flavor beautifully. It’s a small detail, but it’s what sets the best fall recipes apart.

Always use fresh herbs if you can. Dried thyme and sage work in a pinch, but fresh herbs bring that garden-kissed brightness that’s so welcome in cooler seasons.

If your sauce feels too thick after adding the squash, just splash in a bit more chicken broth. On the flip side, if it’s too thin, let it bubble uncovered for a few extra minutes. Cream-based fall recipes are forgiving, as long as you taste and adjust.

Make extra butternut squash puree! It freezes beautifully and means you can whip up more fall recipes on short notice—soups, pasta sauces, or even pancakes.

And finally, don’t skip the pan-fried sage garnish. It adds a crispy, fragrant layer that makes your dish feel straight from a restaurant.

For more creamy comfort food ideas like this one, check out this cozy Crockpot Chicken Pot Pie—it’s another one of our most-loved fall recipes!

Variations

What’s so lovely about fall recipes like this one is their flexibility. Let’s look at a few fun variations.

To make this dish vegetarian, skip the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or white beans instead. They add that hearty bite while keeping things plant-based and perfect for chilly nights.

If you’re gluten-free, swap the gnocchi for a certified gluten-free version—there are lots on the market now. This way, you can still enjoy the richness of fall recipes without sacrificing your needs.

Want to add some greens? A handful of baby spinach stirred in at the end wilts down nicely and adds color and nutrients. Kale or Swiss chard would also be fabulous.

For a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes. It brings warmth and balance that complements the sweetness of the squash in many of our favorite fall recipes.

If you’re craving something even more seasonal, this Pumpkin Soup is another silky-smooth variation that pairs beautifully with toasted bread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Serving Suggestions

This skillet dinner shines as the heart of your table, but like all good fall recipes, it loves a little company. Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with apple slices and toasted pecans, or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a deeper autumn vibe.

A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling apple cider makes a crisp contrast to the creamy sauce. And if you’re planning a cozy brunch, this rich main dish pairs surprisingly well with a sweet and spiced Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. The blend of sweet and savory turns any meal into a harvest celebration.

For intimate dinners or big family gatherings, this is one of those fall recipes that invites everyone to linger a little longer, maybe go back for seconds, and ask for the recipe before dessert even lands.

Conclusion

This skillet dinner shines as the heart of your table, but like all good fall recipes, it loves a little company. Serve it alongside a simple arugula salad with apple slices and toasted pecans, or roasted Brussels sprouts with balsamic glaze for a deeper autumn vibe.

A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling apple cider makes a crisp contrast to the creamy sauce. And if you’re planning a cozy brunch, this rich main dish pairs surprisingly well with a sweet and spiced Pumpkin French Toast Casserole. The blend of sweet and savory turns any meal into a harvest celebration.

For intimate dinners or big family gatherings, this is one of those fall recipes that invites everyone to linger a little longer, maybe go back for seconds, and ask for the recipe before dessert even lands.

Enjoyed this recipe? Try it for your next weeknight meal or cozy dinner party. I’d love to hear how it turned out—leave a comment below or tag your dish on Pinterest (opens in new tab) so we can celebrate your version together.

You’ll find even more comforting fall recipes in my recipe archive — open in new tab and stay inspired all season long.