Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

why make this recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a delicious and comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the heartiness of Italian sausage, all enveloped in a velvety creamy sauce. This recipe is not only flavorful but also fun to make, especially if you’re looking to try your hand at making gnocchi from scratch. The combination of textures and flavors makes it a delightful meal for family dinners or gatherings with friends.

how to make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Ingredients

For the Gnocchi:

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

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sausage:

• 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Directions

1. Make the gnocchi: Boil the butternut squash until soft; drain and cool. Mash into a smooth puree and transfer to a mixing bowl.
2. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms. Roll dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces; create ridges on the gnocchi with a fork.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook gnocchi until they float to the surface; drain and set aside.
4. Prepare the creamy sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and simmer; stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Cook the sausage: In a separate pan over medium heat, warm olive oil; add onion and cook until translucent. Add sausage and crumble; add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until browned through.
6. Combine: Toss the gnocchi with the creamy sauce; add sausage mixture and toss to coat.
7. Serve with garnish as desired.

how to serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage hot from the stove. You can sprinkle extra grated Parmesan on top or add fresh herbs like basil or parsley for color and flavor. A fresh salad or garlic bread would complement this dish nicely, making it a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

tips to make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

1. Freshness Matters: Use fresh butternut squash for the best flavor. You can roast it for added sweetness if you prefer.
2. Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the gnocchi dough, handle it gently to keep them light and fluffy.
3. Taste as You Go: Season the sauce and sausage mixture to your preference; you can always add more salt or spices.

variation

You can make this dish vegetarian by omitting the sausage and using sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead. You could also add other vegetables like peas or bell peppers for added color and nutrition.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought gnocchi?
   Yes, you can use store-bought gnocchi to save time. Just prepare the creamy sauce and sausage as directed.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the gnocchi and sauce ahead of time. Just cook everything when ready to serve.

3. What can I use instead of heavy cream?
   You can use half and half or a dairy-free cream alternative if you want a lighter version.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

This hearty and comforting dish features tender butternut squash gnocchi tossed with savory sausage in a rich, creamy sauce. It's a perfect meal for a cozy evening.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings 4 people

Calories 650 kcal

Equipment

• large skillet
• large pot

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 16 ounces butternut squash gnocchi
• 1 pound Italian sausage mild or hot, casing removed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 shallot finely minced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.5 cup Parmesan cheese grated, plus more for serving
• 6 fresh sage leaves finely chopped
• 0.5 cup chicken broth
• salt
• black pepper

Garnish (Optional)

• fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

• large skillet
• large pot

Instructions

 

Cooking Instructions

• Cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage and drain excess fat.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the butternut squash gnocchi according to package directions; drain and set aside.
• In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced shallot until softened. Add minced garlic and chopped sage, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly.
• Return the cooked sausage and drained gnocchi to the skillet. Toss everything gently to coat with the creamy sauce.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately. Garnish with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, you can roast the butternut squash gnocchi before adding it to the sauce for a crispier texture. Adjust the spiciness by using mild or hot Italian sausage.