Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Featured in: Comfort Food Favorites

This comforting bowl blends soft butternut squash with tender gnocchi to create a rich, savory base complemented by aromatic herbs like thyme and sage. The soup is gently pureed to retain texture, then simmered with gnocchi until perfectly tender. A hint of Parmesan and fresh parsley adds depth, while optional spinach brings a fresh finish. Ideal for chilly evenings, it offers a satisfying, heartwarming experience made with simple ingredients and easy preparation steps.

Updated on Sat, 22 Nov 2025 13:48:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of fragrant Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley. Save It
Steaming bowl of fragrant Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, topped with Parmesan and fresh parsley. | zetluna.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 soup on a cold autumn night and my whole family loved the warmth and flavors it brought to the table.

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
Velvety smooth, golden Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, perfect for a cozy, comforting supper. Save It
Velvety smooth, golden Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup, perfect for a cozy, comforting supper. | zetluna.com

This soup quickly became a family favorite perfect for cozy dinners and special occasions alike.

Serving Suggestions

Pair the soup with crusty bread and a glass of Pinot Grigio for a delightful meal.

Variations

Add cooked Italian sausage or shredded rotisserie chicken for a heartier version or swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat in gnocchi and milk in Parmesan cheese Use gluten-free or vegan alternatives as needed.

Hearty and flavorful, this Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup boasts tender vegetables in savory broth. Save It
Hearty and flavorful, this Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi Soup boasts tender vegetables in savory broth. | zetluna.com

This soup is a quick comforting option that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Common Questions About Recipes

Can I prepare this dish vegan?

Yes, swap traditional gnocchi for vegan versions and replace Parmesan with a plant-based alternative to keep it entirely vegan.

What can I use if I don't have fresh parsley?

Dried parsley can be used, but fresh herbs provide a brighter flavor. Alternatively, try chopped basil or chives for garnish.

Is it possible to make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free gnocchi varieties to avoid gluten while keeping the flavor intact.

How should I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve gnocchi texture.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes, add cooked Italian sausage, shredded chicken, or plant-based protein for a heartier variation.

Savory Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Velvety butternut squash and tender gnocchi in a warmly spiced broth, perfect for a cozy meal.

Prep Time
20 mins
Time to Cook
30 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Authored by Clara


Skill Level Required Easy

Cuisine Type Italian-Inspired

Recipe Output 4 Number of Portions

Dietary Needs Veggie-Friendly

The Ingredients You'll Need

Vegetables

01 1 medium butternut squash (about 4.4 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, adjust 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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

Simmer Vegetables: Pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes until the squash is tender.

Step 05

Partially Puree Soup: Using an immersion blender, partially puree the soup directly in the pot, leaving some texture. Alternatively, blend half the soup in a blender then return.

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Adjust Seasoning: Taste the soup and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 09

Serve: Ladle soup into bowls and garnish each serving with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify allergens and consult an expert if needed.
  • Contains wheat (in gnocchi) and milk (in Parmesan cheese). For gluten-free options, use gluten-free gnocchi. For dairy-free or vegan adaptations, select vegan gnocchi and omit or substitute Parmesan cheese.

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Keep in mind these details are for general guidance and shouldn't replace professional advice.
  • Caloric Content: 360
  • Fats: 8 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 65 grams
  • Proteins: 10 grams