Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

The aroma of fresh butternut squash always reminds me of cozy nights in the kitchen. Working with this vibrant ingredient transforms simple meals into something magical. The idea of making butternut squash gnocchi first sparked when I noticed my friends raving about it at a local restaurant. Inspired, I decided to recreate this delightful dish at home.

Each step in making this creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage fills the space with warmth and comfort. The blending of flavors—creamy sauce and savory sausage—ensures every bite brings joy. Gnocchi, with its rich texture paired with the hearty sausage and a luscious creamy sauce, creates a perfect dinner that is sure to please everyone around the table.

As we explore this recipe, know that every ingredient plays a vital role in creating a meal that nourishes the soul. Embrace this culinary journey where flavors come together, and home cooking takes center stage. Let’s dive into making this delicious dish that combines comfort, flavor, and a little touch of love.

Part 1 — Butternut Squash Gnocchi

Fundamentals

Creating homemade gnocchi might seem daunting, but it’s a fun adventure to take on. The main star here is butternut squash, a sweet and nutty squash that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces. When boiled and mashed, it brings a wonderful sweetness to the gnocchi, making it a perfect canvas for savory toppings.

The first step involves selecting a ripe butternut squash. Look for one that’s heavy for its size, with a smooth skin and minimal blemishes. This will ensure your gnocchi has the best flavor and texture. Paying attention to these details sets the foundation for a delicious meal.

Preparation/setup

Start by peeling and cubing the butternut squash. Once prep is complete, boil the squash until it becomes soft, then cool it slightly before mashing it into a smooth puree. This process creates the base for your gnocchi dough.

After mashing, transfer the puree to a mixing bowl and mix in the egg, all-purpose flour, salt, and pepper. This combination will form a soft dough that you can easily handle. Rolling the dough into long ropes and cutting it into bite-sized pieces creates the gnocchi’s signature shape and texture.

Ingredients

• 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Boil the butternut squash until soft; drain and cool.
2. Mash into a smooth puree and transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces; create ridges on the gnocchi with a fork.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook gnocchi until they float to the surface; drain and set aside.

Part 2 — Creamy Sauce

Technique

The creamy sauce brings the gnocchi to life with its rich and comforting flavor profile. Start by melting unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The butter adds a luxurious base to the sauce. When you add minced garlic, the entire kitchen will fill with a delightful aroma, setting the stage for a truly comforting dish.

Pour in the heavy cream to create a luscious texture, then stir in grated Parmesan cheese. As the cheese melts, it thickens the sauce, making it a perfect complement to the gnocchi. The key here is to let the sauce simmer gently; this allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Tips/tricks

Make sure to taste the sauce as you go. Season with salt and pepper to your liking, adjusting the flavors to suit your palate. A pinch of freshly ground black pepper can elevate the dish, adding a subtle kick to the creaminess.

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving. This can brighten the dish and add a touch of freshness that balances out the richness.

Part 3 — Sausage Preparation

Perfecting results

To complete this dish, cook Italian sausage in a separate pan. Remove the casings and crumble the sausage. The beautiful thing about using Italian sausage is its blend of spices; this step deepens the dish’s flavor.

Sautéing chopped onion until translucent enhances the overall taste and aroma. Then, add garlic and red pepper flakes to develop flavor. The combination of ingredients creates a savory base that perfectly complements the creamy gnocchi.

Troubleshooting/variations

If you find the sausage too greasy, try draining some of the fat before adding the garlic. This will help achieve a balanced flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Feel free to customize the sausage to your preference. If you like a bit of spice, opt for hot Italian sausage. Alternatively, use mild sausage for a gentler flavor. You can also add spinach or kale to the mixture for extra nutrition and color.

Part 4 — Bringing It All Together

Serving/presentation

Toss the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce and sausage mixture. This step ensures every piece of gnocchi gets coated in the luscious, velvety sauce. For an added touch, serve it warm with a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top. This adds color and brings a fresh note to your plate.

When it comes to presentation, using a beautiful serving dish can elevate the meal. A rustic bowl or a simple white plate highlights the vibrant colors of the dish, making it even more inviting.

Pairings/storage

While pairing isn’t the focus here, consider serving this dish alongside a fresh green salad or garlic bread. These options complement the richness of the gnocchi and sausage without competing with their flavors.

For storage, keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage recipe embodies comfort and flavor, perfect for any occasion. Crafting such a delightful dish at home allows you to share warmth and joy with family and friends, making it a true celebration of culinary artistry. Enjoy each moment spent in the kitchen and the delicious results that follow.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

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• Author: emma
• Total Time: 60 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

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Description

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage blends rich flavors and comforting textures, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1/2 onion, chopped
• Red pepper flakes to taste
• Fresh herbs for garnish (basil or parsley)

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Instructions

1. Boil the butternut squash until soft; drain and cool.
2. Mash the squash into a smooth puree and transfer to a mixing bowl.
3. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms.
4. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces; create ridges on the gnocchi with a fork.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook gnocchi until they float to the surface; drain and set aside.
6. In a saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat.
7. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
8. Pour in the heavy cream and stir in grated Parmesan cheese; let simmer until thickened.
9. In a separate pan, cook crumbled Italian sausage until browned; add chopped onion and sauté until translucent.
10. Add garlic and red pepper flakes to sausage and onion mixture; combine well.
11. Toss the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce and sausage mixture.
12. Serve warm, garnished with fresh herbs.

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs just before serving. Adjust the seasoning of the sauce as per taste.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Boiling and Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: butternut squash, gnocchi, creamy sauce, sausage, Italian recipe