Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Warm Up with This Delightful Dish
Imagine a bowl of creamy gnocchi, perfectly coated in a savory sauce, with a hint of spice from Italian sausage. Sound delicious? That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe! It’s a cozy, one-pan meal that’s not only satisfying but also super quick to make. If you’re looking for comfort food that smells as good as it tastes, you’ve hit the jackpot!
Why Make This Recipe
Why should this dish be on your dinner table? Here are a few reasons that might just convince you:
- Easy cleanup: Who doesn’t love a delicious meal that doesn’t require an army of pots and pans?
- Affordable and filling: You’ll get a hearty meal without breaking the bank. Plus, your family will leave the table happy and full!
- Impressive but simple: This dish looks and tastes like you’ve slaved away in the kitchen, but it’s actually quite the straightforward recipe. Your friends will think you’re a culinary genius! 😉
Ingredients
You don’t need fancy stuff — just these basics!
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
- Make the gnocchi: Boil the butternut squash until soft, then drain and cool. Mash into a smooth puree and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to create those cute little ridges!
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer, stirring in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook the sausage: In a separate pan over medium heat, warm olive oil; add onion and cook until translucent. Add sausage and crumble; stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until browned through.
- Combine: Toss the gnocchi with the creamy sauce, then add the sausage mixture and toss to coat everything beautifully.
- Serve: Plate it up and garnish if you desire!
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe (Overview)
Let’s break it down! Start by making the gnocchi from scratch — trust me, it’s worth it! After boiling and mashing the squash, mix in the egg, flour, and seasonings to craft a lovely dough. Roll and cut the gnocchi with a fork for that classic look. While those little bites cook in salted water, whip up a creamy sauce in a separate pan, letting garlic shine in melted butter. Finish by cooking the sausage with onions, and then blend all the goodness together. Pro tip: Don’t skip toasting the garlic — it makes all the difference!
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
When it comes to serving, the options are limitless! Present the dish in a stunning bowl, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or additional Parmesan. Pair it with a crispy side salad for that extra crunch, or maybe some garlic bread to soak up all that creamy goodness. The warm hues of butternut squash and the golden-brown sausage create a visual feast, while the aroma will have everyone flocking to the dinner table!
How to Store Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Planning to save some for later? This dish keeps well! Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Want even longer-lasting flavors? Freeze it! Just remember to reheat gradually in the oven or on the stovetop for the best texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
Here are some insider tricks:
- Timing is key: Don’t let the gnocchi sit too long in water after cooking; they’ll turn mushy.
- Flour as needed: Depending on the moisture of your squash, you may need a little extra flour when forming the dough.
- Sausage swaps: Try turkey or chicken sausage for a lighter option.
- If you love spice, don’t hold back on the red pepper flakes!
Variation
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some spinach or kale for a pop of color and nutrients. Want it vegan? Swap the heavy cream with coconut milk and the sausage with your favorite plant-based protein!
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the gnocchi and sauce in advance and store them separately in the fridge.
Can I freeze the gnocchi?
Yes! Just freeze your uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen when ready!
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even a cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
📌 Pin this recipe for your next cozy dinner night!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Boil the butternut squash until soft, then drain and cool.
- Mash into a smooth puree and transfer to a mixing bowl.
- Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms.
- Roll the dough into long ropes and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Use a fork to create ridges in the gnocchi.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface.
- Drain and set aside.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer, stirring in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a separate pan over medium heat, warm olive oil; add onion and cook until translucent.
- Add sausage and crumble; stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until browned through.
- Toss the gnocchi with the creamy sauce, then add the sausage mixture and toss to coat everything beautifully.
- Plate it up and garnish if you desire!
