Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a delightful comfort food that brings warmth and richness to your dinner table. This dish combines the sweet, nutty flavor of butternut squash with tender homemade gnocchi and rich Italian sausage, all coated in a creamy sauce that is simply irresistible. Perfect for those chilly evenings or when you want a cozy family meal, this recipe is not only satisfying but also a fantastic way to bring seasonal ingredients to your plate.
What You’ll Need for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
For the Gnocchi:
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed (450 g)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (240 g)
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (50 g)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (60 g)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed (450 g)
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
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Make the gnocchi: Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the butternut squash and cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and let it cool. Once cooled, mash the squash into a smooth puree and place it in a mixing bowl.
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Prepare the dough: Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the squash puree. Mix until a soft dough forms. On a floured surface, roll the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.
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Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil again. Gnocchi is ready when it floats to the surface, which takes about 2-4 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
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Prepare the creamy sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
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Cook the sausage: In a separate frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until it’s translucent. Add in the Italian sausage and crumble it as it cooks. Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
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Combine: In a large bowl, toss the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce and then fold in the sausage mixture to coat everything evenly.
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Serve: Spoon the creamy butternut squash gnocchi onto plates and garnish as desired.
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
For the best presentation, serve your creamy butternut squash gnocchi in shallow bowls. You can boost the dish’s appeal by adding fresh herbs like parsley or thyme on top. Consider serving it with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the gnocchi. A light white wine or sparkling water can complement the flavors beautifully.
Expert Tips for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Make Ahead: You can make the gnocchi in advance and freeze them. Just remember to boil them straight from the freezer without thawing.
- Adjust the Spice: For a milder dish, skip the red pepper flakes, or you can add more if you prefer an extra kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the sausage with a mix of sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a delicious vegetarian version!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage FAQs
Can I use other types of squash?
Yes, you can swap butternut squash for other varieties like pumpkin or acorn squash, but cooking times may vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.
Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
Absolutely! If you want to save time, feel free to use store-bought gnocchi. Just cook it according to the package instructions and then combine it with the creamy sauce and sausage.
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a wonderful dish that balances flavors and textures beautifully. We hope you’ll give this recipe a try! Enjoy the comforting warmth it brings to your table!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the butternut squash and cook until soft, about 15 minutes. Drain and let it cool.
- Once cooled, mash the squash into a smooth puree and place it in a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the squash puree. Mix until a soft dough forms.
- On a floured surface, roll the dough into long ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut into bite-sized pieces, and use a fork to create ridges on each piece for better sauce adherence.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil again. Gnocchi is ready when it floats to the surface, which takes about 2-4 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove them and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, allowing it to simmer for a couple of minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens, then season with salt and pepper.
- In a separate frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until it’s translucent.
- Add in the Italian sausage and crumble it as it cooks.
- Once browned, stir in the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes.
- In a large bowl, toss the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce and then fold in the sausage mixture to coat everything evenly.
- Spoon the creamy butternut squash gnocchi onto plates and garnish as desired.