Name: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
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

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why make this recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting dish perfect for any meal. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi with a rich, creamy sauce and flavorful sausage makes it a heartwarming choice. It’s easy to make and brings a delightful mix of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Plus, it’s a great way to enjoy seasonal butternut squash!

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:

Make the gnocchi: Boil the butternut squash in water until soft. Drain it and let it cool. Mash the squash into a smooth puree and place it in a mixing bowl.
Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl; mix everything until a dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on each gnocchi piece.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in the boiling water until they float to the surface, then drain and set them aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the sausage: In a separate pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent. Add the sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Then add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until the sausage is browned through.
Combine everything: Toss the cooked gnocchi with the creamy sauce. Add the sausage mixture and gently toss to coat the gnocchi well.
Serve the dish warm and garnish as desired.

how to serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Serve this delicious gnocchi warm, and you can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for added flavor. A little chopped parsley or sage can also make a nice garnish. Pair it with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for a complete meal.

how to store Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

If you have leftovers, store the gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use a microwave or a skillet over low heat. If the sauce is too thick after storage, add a little extra cream or water to loosen it up.

tips to make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Ensure the butternut squash is cooked well so it mashes easily.
Don’t over mix the gnocchi dough; just combine ingredients until they come together.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, add more heavy cream until you reach the desired consistency.
Feel free to adjust the level of heat by adding more or less red pepper flakes based on your preference.

variation

You can swap the Italian sausage for turkey sausage or even a vegetarian sausage for a lighter or meat-free option. Also, adding spinach or kale to the sausage mixture can boost the nutritional value and add a nice color contrast.

FAQs

How long does it take to make this dish?
It takes about 30-45 minutes to prepare and cook the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage.

Can I freeze the gnocchi?
Yes, you can freeze uncooked gnocchi. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook them straight from frozen; just add a minute or two to the cooking time.

What can I serve with gnocchi?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. You can also enjoy it with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Author: alhaouil
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Pescatarian

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Description

A comforting dish combining soft gnocchi with a rich creamy sauce and flavorful sausage, perfect for impressing family and friends.

Instructions

Boil the butternut squash in water until soft, then drain and let cool. Mash into a smooth puree.
Mix the mashed squash with egg, flour, salt, and pepper until a dough forms. Roll into ropes and cut into pieces, creating ridges with a fork.
Cook the gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float, then drain and set aside.
In a saucepan, melt butter, add garlic and sauté until fragrant. Pour in cream, simmer, then stir in Parmesan until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
In a separate pan, heat olive oil, sauté onion until translucent, then add the sausage and cook until browned. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, then mix.
Toss gnocchi with creamy sauce and sausage mixture until well coated. Serve warm, garnishing with extra Parmesan and herbs if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat using a microwave or a skillet; add cream or water to loosen if necessary.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Boiling and sautéing
Cuisine: Italian