Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a delightful dish that combines the warmth of homemade gnocchi with the richness of butternut squash and savory Italian sausage. This recipe is a perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or when you want to indulge in something special. Gnocchi is a traditional Italian pasta made from potatoes, but in this version, we use butternut squash for a unique twist. The creamy sauce complements the tender gnocchi and adds depth to the dish. With the right ingredients and steps, you can easily bring this restaurant-quality meal to your kitchen.
Why Make This Recipe
Making Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a rewarding experience. First, it gives you a chance to create something delicious from scratch. Many people think making gnocchi is difficult, but this recipe is surprisingly simple. You will find the process fun and satisfying.
Using butternut squash instead of potatoes not only adds a beautiful color but also enhances the flavor. Butternut squash is naturally sweet and pairs wonderfully with the savory sausage and creamy sauce. Moreover, this dish is filling and comforting, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
Also, making homemade gnocchi is a fun activity that you can do with loved ones. It can be a great way to bring everyone together in the kitchen. Plus, this dish is perfect for impressing guests or serving for special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout meal.
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients
To make this delicious dish, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Directions
Boil the Butternut Squash: Start by placing the cubed butternut squash in a pot of boiling water. Cook it until it becomes soft, which should take about 15 to 20 minutes. Once it is done, drain the squash and mash it into a smooth puree.
Make the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the squash puree with one egg, two cups of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until a dough forms. The dough should be soft but not too sticky. If it is too sticky, add a little more flour.
Shape the Gnocchi: Lightly flour a clean surface. Divide the dough into smaller portions. Roll each portion into long, thin ropes about 1/2 inch thick. Cut these ropes into small pieces, about an inch long. To create ridges, use a fork to gently press down on each piece.
Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook them until they float to the top, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes. Once they float, remove them with a slotted spoon and set them aside.
Prepare the Sauce: In a saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Then, add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce thickens.
Cook the Sausage and Onions: In another pan, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Then, add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until the sausage is browned. After that, stir in the sautéed garlic and red pepper flakes.
Combine Everything: Toss the cooked gnocchi into the sausage and onion mixture. Pour the creamy sauce over the top and mix gently to coat. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.
Serve Hot: Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates. You can garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese for added flavor. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!
How to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
This dish is best served hot right after cooking. For a beautiful presentation, you can place the gnocchi in shallow bowls. Drizzle some of the sauce over the top and sprinkle with extra grated Parmesan cheese. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can add a pop of color and freshness. You can also serve it alongside a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Pair it with a nice white wine or a light red for an even better dining experience.
How to Store Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
If you have leftovers, you can store the gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or a little water to loosen the sauce, and heat it gently on the stove until warmed through. Avoid reheating it in the microwave if possible, as it can change the texture and make it gummy.
For long-term storage, you can freeze the uncooked gnocchi. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be cooked directly from frozen in boiling salted water; just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Tips to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- Choose the Right Squash: Look for a firm butternut squash with a smooth skin. It should feel heavy for its size. Fresh squash has a sweet flavor that will enhance your dish.
- Don’t Overwork the Dough: When mixing the dough, be gentle. Overworking can make the gnocchi tough.
- Test the Dough: Before you shape all the gnocchi, cook a small piece of dough in boiling water to see how it holds up. If it falls apart, you may need to add more flour.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the gnocchi in advance and freeze them. This way, they are ready to cook whenever you feel like having a delicious meal.
Variation
If you want to change things up a bit, there are several variations you can try with this recipe. For a vegetarian version, you can omit the Italian sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach instead. You can also experiment with different cheeses, like goat cheese or ricotta, to add a different flavor profile to the sauce. For an added crunch, consider topping it with toasted pine nuts or breadcrumbs.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen butternut squash for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well so it doesn’t add excess moisture to your dough.
2. How do I know when the gnocchi is cooked?
Gnocchi is done when it floats to the surface of the boiling water. This usually takes about 2 to 3 minutes.
3. Can I replace the heavy cream?
If you want a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream. The texture and flavor might change slightly but it will still be delicious.
With this guide, you are ready to make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage and enjoy a delightful culinary experience at home. Happy cooking!
Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Ingredients
Method
- Place the cubed butternut squash in a pot of boiling water and cook until soft, about 15 to 20 minutes. Drain and mash into a smooth puree.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine squash puree with one egg, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until a soft but not sticky dough forms.
- Lightly flour a clean surface, divide the dough into portions, roll into ropes about 1/2 inch thick, and cut into pieces about an inch long. Use a fork to create ridges.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi in batches, cooking until they float to the top, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon.
- Melt unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
- In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, add chopped onion and cook until translucent. Add Italian sausage, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Stir in the sautéed garlic and red pepper flakes.
- Toss the cooked gnocchi with the sausage and onion mixture, pour the creamy sauce over the top, and mix gently to coat. Cook for an additional minute to heat through.
- Transfer the gnocchi to serving plates, garnish with fresh herbs or extra cheese if desired.