Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe

why make this recipe

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for any occasion. The unique combination of tender gnocchi, rich sauce, and savory sausage makes it a meal that is both satisfying and delicious. It’s a great way to enjoy the flavors of autumn while providing a warm and filling dinner for family and 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 it into a smooth puree and place it in a mixing bowl.
2. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper; mix until a dough forms. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut them into bite-sized pieces; use a fork to create ridges on the gnocchi.
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 it; 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 the creamy butternut squash gnocchi warm from the stove. You can garnish with some extra grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added flavor. Pair it with a simple green salad or some warm bread for 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 up in a pan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. For longer storage, you can freeze the gnocchi before cooking them. Place uncooked gnocchi in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze, and then transfer to a bag or container once solid.

tips to make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

• Make sure to properly mash the butternut squash to avoid lumps in the gnocchi.
• Use a light hand when mixing the dough to keep the gnocchi tender.
• If you find the dough too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much.
• If you like a spicier flavor, consider adding more red pepper flakes.

variation

You can change it up by using different types of sausage, like turkey or chicken sausage, for a lighter version. Additionally, you can add spinach or kale to the creamy sauce for an extra boost of nutrients.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen butternut squash?
Yes, you can use frozen butternut squash. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess moisture before mashing.

2. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, simply omit the sausage and add sautéed mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables in the sauce instead.

3. Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the gnocchi ahead of time and freeze them. Just cook them straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

A comforting dish that combines tender gnocchi, rich sauce, and savory sausage, perfect for autumn meals.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Italian

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Gnocchi

• 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 large 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 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

 

Make the Gnocchi

1. Boil the butternut squash until soft; drain and cool.
2. Mash it into a smooth puree and place it in 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 them into bite-sized pieces; use a fork to create ridges on the gnocchi.
5. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; cook gnocchi until they float to the surface.
6. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
2. Pour in heavy cream and simmer; stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens.
3. Season with salt and pepper.

Cook the Sausage

1. In a separate pan over medium heat, warm olive oil; add onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add sausage and crumble it; add garlic and red pepper flakes; cook until browned through.

Combine

1. Toss the gnocchi with the creamy sauce; add sausage mixture and toss to coat.

Serve

1. Serve the creamy butternut squash gnocchi warm from the stove.
2. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

Notes

Make sure to properly mash the butternut squash to avoid lumps in the gnocchi. Use a light hand when mixing the dough to keep the gnocchi tender. If you find the dough too sticky, add a little more flour, but be careful not to add too much. If you like a spicier flavor, consider adding more red pepper flakes.