The Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe is an absolute celebration of cozy, comforting flavors wrapped up in one delightful dish. Imagine tender gnocchi swimming in a luscious blend of sweet roasted butternut squash, savory Italian sausage, and vibrant kale, all mingling with fragrant herbs and a touch of heat. This recipe effortlessly combines hearty textures and autumnal colors into a satisfying meal that feels both rustic and refined. Whether you’re craving a weeknight winner or a soul-soothing dish to impress guests, this recipe promises a memorable dish that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

A close-up view of a white deep pan filled with a cooked dish made of small, yellow gnocchi shaped with ridges, chunks of orange butternut squash, green leafy kale pieces, and brown crumbled sausage mixed throughout. The gnocchi are soft and plump, the squash pieces are cubed and tender, and the kale is wilted with a slight shine. The sausage is browned and crumbly, blending well with the other ingredients. Tiny red pepper flakes are sprinkled evenly on top, adding small red spots for contrast. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with soft lighting highlighting the textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients that each bring their own magic to the plate. From the earthy sweetness of butternut squash to the spicy warmth of Italian sausage, every component plays a vital role in crafting a perfect balance of texture, color, and flavor.

1 pound hot Italian sausage (or mild): Adds savory depth and a little spicy kick, which you can adjust to your liking.
3 tablespoons olive oil: The base for sautéing that brings richness and a silky texture.
2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds creaminess and helps carry the flavors of the herbs.
1 small butternut squash (peeled, seeds removed, diced ~2½ cups): Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color to the dish.
1 tablespoon freshly chopped sage leaves: Offers a woodsy, aromatic lift that complements the sausage perfectly.
½ tablespoon freshly chopped thyme leaves: Adds a subtle earthiness for depth.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional plus more for serving): For those who love a little heat, these flakes brighten the dish.
¼ teaspoon Kosher salt: To season and highlight all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a gentle spice and complexity.
3 tablespoons minced shallot: Brings a mild, sweet onion flavor.
4 cloves garlic (minced): Gives a savory punch that lingers delightfully.
1 bunch lacinato kale (stem removed, chopped ~3 cups): Provides a wonderful bitter contrast and a beautiful dark green color.
1 pound shelf-stable gnocchi: The pillowy base for this hearty dish.
1 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a subtle savory richness to bring everything together.
Freshly grated parmesan: To serve and add a salty, nutty finish.

How to Make Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Sausage to Perfection

Start by heating olive oil in a dutch oven or a skillet over medium-high heat. Add your Italian sausage and break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown fully to develop those rich, meaty flavors. Once cooked through, use a slotted spoon to scoop out the sausage, leaving behind all those fragrant sausage-infused oils that will form the base of your dish.

Step 2: Sauté the Butternut Squash and Herbs

Turn the heat to medium and melt the unsalted butter in the remaining oil. Toss in the diced butternut squash along with fresh thyme, sage, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Sauté gently for about 4 minutes until the squash begins to soften and the herbs release their aromas. Then, add minced shallot and garlic, cooking for an additional minute to meld all those irresistible flavors.

Step 3: Add Kale, Sausage, and Gnocchi

Next, stir in the chopped kale, making sure it’s well incorporated and slightly wilted. Return the cooked sausage to the pan, then add the gnocchi on top. These tender gnocchi pieces soak up the flavors of the squash and sausage beautifully, giving you bursts of comfort in every bite.

Step 4: Pour in Chicken Broth and Cook the Gnocchi

Pour the chicken broth over the mixture and bring to a gentle boil. Lower the heat, cover the pan, and let it simmer for about 8 minutes. Stir occasionally so the gnocchi cook evenly and soak up that savory broth, while the kale softens just enough without losing its vibrant color.

Step 5: Final Taste and Serve

After 8 minutes, give everything a taste to ensure the gnocchi are tender and the seasoning is just right. Adjust salt, pepper, or red pepper flakes to your liking. Then, serve immediately with a generous sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe

The image shows a white saucepan filled with a colorful mix of food layers. The bottom layer has shiny golden-yellow gnocchi pieces with ridged patterns. Mixed evenly throughout are small bright orange cubes of cooked squash, dark green wilted kale leaves, and light brown crumbled cooked sausage bits. The top is sprinkled with fine white grated cheese and red chili flakes, adding a bit of texture and color contrast. Around the pan are fresh green sage leaves on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing elevates this dish quite like the simple addition of a few garnishes. Freshly grated parmesan adds a salty richness that melts into the warm gnocchi, while a pinch of extra red pepper flakes can bring in a lively burst of heat. You could also scatter a few crisp sage leaves fried in butter for a beautiful, crunchy contrast.

Side Dishes

This hearty and flavorful gnocchi dish pairs wonderfully with lighter, fresh sides to balance the meal. Consider a crisp arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted Brussels sprouts for a double dose of green goodness. A crusty loaf of garlic bread would complement this meal perfectly, soaking up every last flavorful bit left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re making the Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe for guests, presentation can add a special touch. Serve it in shallow bowls to show off the colors, maybe sprinkle edible flowers or microgreens on top for a pop of freshness. Drizzling a little extra virgin olive oil or a lemony gremolata across the top can brighten the whole dish visually and flavor-wise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making it just as delicious (if not better) the next day. Make sure to cool the dish completely before refrigeration to keep textures intact.

Freezing

If you want to save this dish for longer, freeze it in portions inside airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. While gnocchi can sometimes change texture after freezing, it generally holds up well especially with the hearty vegetables and sausage. Freeze for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe is gently on the stovetop over medium heat. Add a splash of broth or water to revive the saucy mixture, stirring frequently until warmed through. This prevents the gnocchi from sticking or drying out and helps restore all those delicious textures and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use sweet Italian sausage instead of hot?

Absolutely! The hot Italian sausage adds a nice spicy kick, but if you prefer milder flavors, sweet sausage works perfectly. You can also adjust by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes to suit your taste buds.

Is it necessary to use fresh herbs?

Fresh herbs like sage and thyme are recommended for their fragrant aroma and bright flavor, but if you only have dried, you can substitute about one-third of the fresh amount. The dish will still be delightful, just a bit less vibrant.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Simply omit the sausage and increase the butter or olive oil slightly. To add protein, consider sautéed mushrooms or smoky tempeh for a comparable texture and umami punch.

What type of gnocchi is best for this recipe?

Shelf-stable gnocchi works very well here for convenience. However, fresh gnocchi is an excellent upgrade if you have access to it and want a pillowy, melt-in-the-mouth texture.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?

You can dice the butternut squash and chop kale a day ahead to save time. Also, cooking the sausage in advance and refrigerating it helps speed up the final cooking process. Just combine everything fresh right before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Butternut Squash, Sausage, and Kale Gnocchi Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a vibrant mix of textures and flavors that’s surprisingly simple to make but unforgettable to taste. Once you try it, it might just become your go-to comfort meal that you want to share again and again.