Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Are you looking for a dish that combines the warmth of a homemade meal with the excitement of trying something new? Look no further than our Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe. This recipe is perfect for a chilly evening, as it brings together the comforting flavors of butternut squash, the richness of sausage, and the indulgence of creamy sauce, all wrapped up in a package of soft, pillowy gnocchi. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients and is surprisingly easy to prepare, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this dish is unparalleled, with the sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory flavor of the sausage, and the tang of the cream sauce all coming together in perfect harmony.
• The ingredients are easily accessible and likely already stocked in your pantry, making this a convenient option for a last-minute meal.
• Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this recipe requires minimal effort and can be prepared in under an hour, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup semolina flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 large egg
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or sage, chopped (for garnish)
• Olive oil, for cooking

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, de-seed, and chop the butternut squash into large chunks. Place the squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender and easily mashed.
2. Step 2: While the squash is roasting, cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the sausage drippings and cook until it is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Once the squash is done roasting, let it cool slightly, then scoop the flesh into a large mixing bowl. Mash the squash with a fork or potato masher until it is smooth. Add the flour, semolina flour, Parmesan cheese, and egg to the bowl with the mashed squash. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until a dough forms.
5. Step 5: Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it a few times until it comes together. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
6. Step 6: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi in the boiling water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the gnocchi from the water with a slotted spoon and add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Toss the gnocchi in the skillet to coat them in the flavors.
7. Step 7: Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir to combine. Bring the cream to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, until it has thickened slightly. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Step 8: Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with the creamy sausage sauce and garnished with chopped parsley or sage.

Handy Tips

• To ensure your gnocchi are light and fluffy, don’t overmix the dough. Stop mixing as soon as the ingredients come together in a sticky ball.
• If you find your gnocchi are too sticky to roll out, try dusting them with a bit more flour.
• For an extra creamy sauce, add a tablespoon or two of grated butter to the skillet with the heavy cream.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat to get a nice brown on the outside, which adds flavor to the dish. When cooking the gnocchi, a gentle boil is best to prevent them from breaking apart. For the cream sauce, a simmer is ideal to slowly reduce the cream and achieve the right consistency without burning it.

Crunch Factor

This dish is all about textures, from the soft, pillowy gnocchi to the crispy, caramelized sausage. To achieve the perfect crunch, make sure to not overcook the sausage, and consider adding some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top of the dish before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a potato ricer or food mill to mash the cooked squash for an extra smooth texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the gnocchi, as this can cause them to stick together. Cook them in batches if necessary.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought gnocchi and focus on making the creamy sausage sauce from scratch.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave or in boiling water.
• The creamy sausage sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently over low heat.
• Consider freezing the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Cook frozen gnocchi in boiling water for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they float.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, consider gifting the components separately. Package the homemade gnocchi in a decorative jar or bag, and include a jar of the creamy sausage sauce and some fresh parsley for a beautiful and thoughtful gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try using different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or chorizo, for a unique flavor twist.
• Add some diced vegetables, such as bell peppers or mushrooms, to the skillet with the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrition.
• Swap out the heavy cream for a non-dairy alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk, for a vegan version of the dish.

Troubleshooting

• If your gnocchi are too dense or heavy, try adding a bit more flour to the dough or using a higher-quality flour.
• If the creamy sauce is too thick, try adding a bit more heavy cream or broth. If it’s too thin, try simmering it for a few more minutes to reduce it.
• If you find that your sausage is overcooking or burning, try reducing the heat or cooking it for a shorter amount of time.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cooked gnocchi? Yes, but it’s best to freeze them uncooked. Cooked gnocchi can become mushy when thawed.
• Is this dish gluten-free? No, due to the presence of wheat flour in the gnocchi. However, you can try substituting the flour with a gluten-free alternative.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, but be aware that cooking time may increase, especially when cooking the gnocchi in batches.

Conclusion

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a dish that will become a staple in your household, thanks to its comforting flavors and ease of preparation. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor combinations to make the recipe your own. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. So go ahead, get creative, and enjoy the process of cooking a delicious meal from scratch!