Potato Gnocchi in a Sage Sausage Butter Sauce

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dish that feels indulgent, comforting, and a little fancy all at once, this Potato Gnocchi in a Sage Sausage Butter Sauce is going to make your taste buds sing. Imagine pillowy soft potato gnocchi melting in your mouth, coated in a golden, buttery sauce with the rich, aromatic flavors of sage sausage, garlic, and butter. Every bite is a little bit decadent, a little bit earthy, and absolutely satisfying. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been making gnocchi at home all along.

Recipe Origin

Gnocchi is a classic Italian comfort food, traditionally made with potatoes, flour, and eggs, giving it that soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture. This version is paired with a sage sausage butter sauce, inspired by Italian-American flavors. The sage adds an earthy, fragrant note, while the butter and garlic provide richness that hugs every gnocchi pillow perfectly. It’s a perfect dish for cozy nights in or impressing guests without feeling overwhelmed by complicated steps.

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

For this recipe, you’ll need a large pot for boiling the gnocchi, a skillet or sauté pan for the sage sausage butter sauce, a fork or potato ricer for mashing the potatoes, and a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring the sauce. A cutting board and knife will help prep the onion and garlic, and a colander or slotted spoon will be handy for draining the gnocchi once cooked.

Why You Will Love Potato Gnocchi in a Sage Sausage Butter Sauce

This recipe is comfort food at its finest, yet elegant enough for a special dinner.

Versatile: Serve it as a cozy weeknight dinner or as a centerpiece for a dinner party. It’s hearty enough to satisfy but feels special enough for guests.

Budget-Friendly: Uses simple pantry ingredients and everyday proteins like sausage, potatoes, and butter to create layers of flavor that feel luxurious.

Quick and Easy: While it feels gourmet, the steps are approachable. Making gnocchi is easier than you think, and the sauce comes together while the gnocchi cooks.

Customizable: Love bold flavors? Add extra sage or garlic. Want something milder? Reduce the seasonings to suit your taste.

Crowd-Pleasing: Soft, buttery gnocchi paired with savory, fragrant sausage is always a hit. It’s a dish that satisfies both kids and adults alike.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Use starchy potatoes like russet or baking potatoes—they make the gnocchi light and fluffy. Avoid overworking the dough, or the gnocchi can become dense. Let the gnocchi rest on a lightly floured surface before boiling to keep them from sticking. Taste and adjust the seasoning in your sauce as it simmers, adding more salt or pepper if needed.

Ingredients in Potato Gnocchi in a Sage Sausage Butter Sauce

Here’s what makes this dish so special.

Baking Potatoes: The base of the gnocchi, cooked until soft and fluffy for the perfect texture.

Egg: Acts as a binder, helping the gnocchi hold together without weighing them down.

All-Purpose Flour: Gives structure to the gnocchi while keeping them tender.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors, in both the dough and the boiling water.

Sage Flavored Sausage: The star of the sauce, bringing savory, aromatic flavor with each bite.

Onion: Adds a sweet, aromatic layer to the sauce.

Butter: Creates a rich, golden base that coats each gnocchi pillow in flavor.

Ground Sage: Intensifies the earthy, herby notes of the sausage and butter sauce.

Garlic: Brings warmth and depth to the sauce.

Garlic and Herb Seasoning: Optional, for an extra flavor boost.

Vegetable Broth: Adds moisture and body to the sauce, helping it cling to the gnocchi.

Fresh Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a subtle kick and rounds out the flavors.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s get cooking and make this comforting masterpiece.

Preheat Your Equipment: If using a skillet or sauté pan, have it ready on medium heat before adding butter and sausage. This ensures even cooking and prevents burning.

Prepare the Gnocchi Dough: Mash the cooked, peeled potatoes until smooth. Stir in salt and the egg, then gradually add flour until the dough is soft but not sticky. Avoid overmixing to keep the gnocchi light.

Shape the Gnocchi: On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough into ropes about 1 inch thick. Cut into small pieces and press lightly with a fork to create ridges that hold sauce.

Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop gnocchi in batches and cook until they float to the surface. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.

Prepare the Sage Sausage Butter Sauce: In a skillet over medium heat, cook sausage until browned. Remove sausage and set aside, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Add diced onion and cook until soft. Add butter, ground sage, and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.

Combine Sauce and Gnocchi: Return the sausage to the pan, pour in vegetable broth, and bring to a simmer. Add cooked gnocchi and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and optional garlic and herb seasoning.

Finishing Touches: Let the gnocchi simmer in the sauce for a few minutes to absorb flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serve and Enjoy: Plate the gnocchi warm, spooning extra sauce over each serving. Garnish with fresh sage leaves or a sprinkle of grated cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

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How to Serve Potato Gnocchi in a Sage Sausage Butter Sauce

Serve this dish as a main course with a variety of sides or enjoy it on its own.

Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the rich gnocchi.

Bread: Serve with crusty bread to soak up the buttery sauce.

Roasted Vegetables: Carrots, zucchini, or asparagus add color and nutrition.

As a Comfort Meal: Sometimes, the gnocchi and sauce are rich enough to stand alone for a cozy dinner.

Presentation tip: Serve in a wide bowl, drizzle with a little extra sauce, and sprinkle cracked black pepper for a rustic, inviting look.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Prep Ahead: You can make the gnocchi dough ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before boiling.

Storage Tips: Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with sauce.

Freeze for Later: Boil gnocchi until just cooked, cool, and freeze in a single layer. Reheat in sauce when ready to eat.

Variations to Try

Cheese: Add grated Parmesan or Pecorino to the sauce for extra richness.

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the sauce for subtle heat.

Vegetarian Option: Omit sausage and add mushrooms or roasted vegetables instead.

Herb Variation: Fresh rosemary or thyme pairs beautifully with the butter sauce.

Additional Tips

Do Not Overwork Dough: Keeps gnocchi light and fluffy.

Use Starchy Potatoes: Russet or baking potatoes give the best texture.

Press with Fork: Helps sauce cling to gnocchi perfectly.

Taste and Adjust: Always season to taste, especially with butter and broth.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make gnocchi without eggs?
A1: Yes, but eggs help bind the dough. You may need slightly more flour.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare gnocchi and sauce separately. Reheat gently before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in sauce.

Q4: Can I freeze gnocchi?
A4: Yes, freeze before cooking or after boiling for later use.

Q5: Can I use a different type of sausage?
A5: Yes, Italian sausage or breakfast sausage works well.

Q6: Can I make the sauce without butter?
A6: Olive oil can be used, though butter adds richness.

Q7: Can I make this gluten-free?
A7: Use gluten-free flour for the gnocchi dough.

Q8: Can I add more vegetables?
A8: Yes, sautéed spinach or mushrooms are excellent additions.

Q9: How do I prevent gnocchi from sticking?
A9: Lightly flour surfaces and stir gently while cooking.

Q10: What cheese pairs well with this dish?
A10: Parmesan, Pecorino, or a sprinkle of fresh ricotta adds flavor and creaminess.

Conclusion

Potato Gnocchi in a Sage Sausage Butter Sauce is the perfect combination of soft, tender gnocchi and rich, savory sauce. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party yet comforting enough for a cozy night in. With the flavors of sage, garlic, and butter complementing the pillowy gnocchi, this dish is guaranteed to impress anyone you serve it to. Make it for a family dinner, a special occasion, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary and homemade. Once you try this, gnocchi night may become a regular event in your kitchen.

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