Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Featured in: Cozy Dinner Bowls

This comforting dish features tender potato gnocchi nestled in a smooth, savory butternut squash base enriched with aromatic thyme and sage. Lightly sautéed onions, carrots, and celery build a flavorful foundation that's enhanced by crushed garlic and gentle spices. Partially pureed, it retains a pleasant texture, while fresh baby spinach adds brightness. Garnished with grated Parmesan and parsley, it offers warmth and satisfying depth, ideal for chilly evenings or anytime a cozy bowl is desired.

Updated on Sun, 23 Nov 2025 15:43:00 GMT
Close-up of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, showcasing the creamy broth and fluffy gnocchi. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, showcasing the creamy broth and fluffy gnocchi. | lovelyserena.com

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

This soup quickly became a family favorite on cold nights, perfect for cozy dinners.

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.
Beautiful, steaming Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. Save to Pinterest
Beautiful, steaming Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese. | lovelyserena.com

Sharing this soup brings warmth and smiles around our dining table every fall.

Optional Add-ins

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.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this soup with crusty bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio for a complete meal.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

A hearty bowl of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, perfect for a cozy, delicious vegetarian dinner. Save to Pinterest
A hearty bowl of Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, perfect for a cozy, delicious vegetarian dinner. | lovelyserena.com

This soup is an easy go-to that feels both nourishing and indulgent.

Ask About This Recipe

Can I use frozen gnocchi instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen gnocchi can be cooked directly in the simmering broth. Just add a minute or two to the cooking time until they float and become tender.

How can I make this dish vegan?

Use vegan gnocchi and substitute Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative or nutritional yeast. Ensure the broth is vegetable-based and free from animal products.

What is the best way to puree the soup for texture?

Use an immersion blender to partially blend the soup, leaving some vegetable chunks for a rustic feel. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a stand blender and return it to the pot.

Can I add other greens instead of spinach?

Yes, kale, Swiss chard, or baby collards can be substituted. Add them near the end of cooking and simmer briefly to wilt.

Is it possible to make this dish heartier?

For added richness, stir in a splash of cream or coconut milk before serving. Adding cooked sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken also deepens the flavor.

Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Velvety butternut squash with tender gnocchi and herbs in a rich, comforting broth.

Prep Duration
20 minutes
Cook Duration
30 minutes
Overall Time
50 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Italian-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Meat

What You 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 ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
06 ½ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
07 Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnishes

01 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese or vegetarian alternative
02 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

How To Make It

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large soup pot over medium heat. Add 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

Combine Vegetables and Spices: Add cubed butternut squash, dried thyme, dried sage, salt, black pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Stir to evenly coat the vegetables with spices.

Step 04

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

Step 05

Puree Soup: Use an immersion blender to partially puree the soup in the pot, maintaining some texture. Alternatively, transfer half the soup to a blender, puree, and return it to the pot.

Step 06

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

Step 07

Wilt Spinach: Stir in baby spinach and cook for about 1 minute until wilted.

Step 08

Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle into bowls and garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains wheat (in gnocchi) and milk (in Parmesan cheese).
  • For gluten-free: use gluten-free gnocchi.
  • For dairy-free or vegan options: use vegan gnocchi and omit or replace Parmesan with a dairy-free alternative.
  • Always verify ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 360
  • Lipids: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 65 g
  • Proteins: 10 g