Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Featured in: Weeknight Spoonfuls

This comforting dish combines velvety butternut squash with tender gnocchi and fragrant herbs in a savory broth. Sautéed aromatics and gentle simmering create a rich base, partially pureed for texture. Gnocchi cooks to a delicate softness, while optional spinach adds vibrant greens. Finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley, it offers a cozy and satisfying meal perfect for chilly days.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 13:23:00 GMT
A steaming bowl of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Save
A steaming bowl of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, garnished with Parmesan and fresh parsley. | cookinget.com

A comforting soup featuring pillowy gnocchi, velvety butternut squash, and aromatic herbs in a savory broth—perfect for chilly evenings.

I first served this savory butternut squash gnocchi soup on a cold fall night and it quickly became a family favorite.

Ingredients

  • Vegetables: 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 lbs) peeled seeded and cubed, 1 medium yellow onion finely chopped, 2 cloves garlic minced, 2 medium carrots diced, 2 celery stalks diced, 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
  • Gnocchi: 1 lb (450 g) potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)
  • Broth & Seasonings: 6 cups vegetable broth (low-sodium), 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried thyme, 1 tsp dried sage, 1/2 tsp ground black pepper, 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste), Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Garnishes: 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (or vegetarian alternative), 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped

Instructions

Step 1:
Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add onion carrots and celery. Sauté 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2:
Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 3:
Add butternut squash thyme sage salt pepper and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to coat vegetables in spices.
Step 4:
Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until squash is tender.
Step 5:
Use a stick blender to partially puree the soup in the pot (or transfer half to a blender and return) leaving some texture.
Step 6:
Add gnocchi and simmer for 3–4 minutes or until gnocchi are floating and cooked through.
Step 7:
Stir in baby spinach until wilted (about 1 minute).
Step 8:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 9:
Ladle soup into bowls. Top each serving with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Close-up of creamy Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, with visible gnocchi and tender squash pieces. Save
Close-up of creamy Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, with visible gnocchi and tender squash pieces. | cookinget.com

This soup has brought my family together many cozy nights sharing warmth and comfort.

Notes

For extra richness stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving. Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier meal (not vegetarian). Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard if desired. Pair with crusty bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio.

Required Tools

Large soup pot, Chefs knife, Cutting board, Wooden spoon, Immersion blender or stand blender, Ladle

Nutritional Information

Calories 360, Total Fat 8 g, Carbohydrates 65 g, Protein 10 g (per serving)

Cozy, warm serving of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup – perfect for a comforting dinner. Save
Cozy, warm serving of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup – perfect for a comforting dinner. | cookinget.com

This soup is simple to prepare yet impressively flavorful, perfect for a comforting meal any day.

Recipe FAQs

What type of gnocchi works best here?

Potato gnocchi, either store-bought or homemade, works well, providing a tender texture that complements the squash.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Using gluten-free gnocchi ensures the dish accommodates gluten-free diets without compromising flavor.

How can I adjust the thickness of the soup?

Partially pureeing some of the squash and vegetables creates a creamy texture while keeping some chunks for body.

What herbs enhance the flavor?

Dried thyme and sage infuse warm, earthy notes that complement the sweetness of butternut squash.

Are there simple garnishes to finish this dish?

Freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley add a savory finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Can I add leafy greens to this preparation?

Baby spinach can be stirred in at the end to wilt gently, adding freshness and nutrition.

Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Warm, flavorful blend of butternut squash, soft gnocchi, and fresh herbs in a rich broth.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Time to Cook
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Recipe by Sophie Daniels


Skill Difficulty Easy

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Output 4 Portion Count

Diet Preferences Vegetarian Option

What You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium butternut squash (approximately 2 lbs), peeled, seeded, and cubed
02 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
03 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 2 medium carrots, diced
05 2 celery stalks, diced
06 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

Gnocchi

01 1 lb potato gnocchi (store-bought or homemade)

Broth & Seasonings

01 6 cups low-sodium vegetable broth
02 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 1 teaspoon dried thyme
04 1 teaspoon dried sage
05 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
06 1/2 teaspoon salt, to taste
07 Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

01 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegetarian alternative
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add chopped onion, carrots, and celery. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened.

Step 02

Add Garlic: Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 03

Incorporate Squash and Herbs: Add cubed butternut squash, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir to evenly coat vegetables with spices.

Step 04

Simmer Vegetables: Pour in vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until squash is tender.

Step 05

Puree Soup: Using an immersion blender or by transferring half the soup to a blender, partially puree to create a creamy texture while retaining some chunkiness.

Step 06

Cook Gnocchi: Add potato gnocchi to the pot and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until gnocchi float to the surface and are cooked through.

Step 07

Wilt Spinach: Add baby spinach and stir until wilted, about 1 minute.

Step 08

Season and Serve: Adjust seasoning to taste. Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Essential Tools

  • Large soup pot
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon
  • Immersion blender or stand blender
  • Ladle

Allergy Details

Review all ingredients for allergens. Ask a medical expert when uncertain.
  • Contains wheat (in gnocchi) and milk (in Parmesan cheese).
  • For gluten-free options, use gluten-free gnocchi.
  • For dairy-free or vegan diets, substitute vegan gnocchi and omit or replace Parmesan cheese with a dairy-free alternative.
  • Always verify product labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition Facts (per portion)

These numbers offer reference only, not medical guidance.
  • Energy Value: 360
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Proteins: 10 g