Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a perfect blend of comfort food and autumnal flavors, combining the softness of homemade gnocchi with the richness of butternut squash and the savory taste of sausage. It’s a dish that’s both impressive and accessible, using everyday ingredients in a creative way to produce a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easier than you think to make, requiring minimal effort for the maximum flavor and texture payoff. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is a great way to explore the world of homemade pasta and creamy sauces.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory taste of the sausage, and the creaminess of the sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
• The accessibility of the ingredients means you can easily find everything you need in your local grocery store, without having to hunt down specialty items.
• The ease of preparation is a major plus, as the steps are straightforward and the cooking time is relatively short, making it a great option for weeknight dinners or special occasions alike.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh sage
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the Butternut Squash – Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cut the butternut squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Place it on a baking sheet, cut side up, and drizzle with olive oil. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the flesh is tender. Let it cool, then scoop out the flesh and puree it in a blender or food processor until smooth.
2. Step 2: Make the Gnocchi Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until a dough forms. Add the pureed butternut squash and mix until the dough is smooth and well combined. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes elastic. Wrap it in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Roll Out the Gnocchi – Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces. Roll out each piece into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi. Press the tines of a fork into each gnocchi to create a textured surface.
4. Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi and Sausage – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Meanwhile, cook the sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, then add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Step 5: Make the Creamy Sauce – Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook for about 5 minutes, or until slightly reduced. Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Combine and Serve – Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together until the gnocchi are well coated. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Handy Tips

• Make sure to not overwork the gnocchi dough, as this can make the gnocchi tough.
• Use a light touch when pressing the fork into the gnocchi to create the texture, as you don’t want to compress the dough too much.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when cooking the gnocchi, as this can cause them to stick together. Cook them in batches if necessary.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and making the creamy sauce, it’s important to control the heat to prevent burning or scorching. Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the sausage, while medium heat is better for simmering the sauce. Keep an eye on the sauce as it reduces, stirring occasionally, to ensure it doesn’t become too thick or stick to the bottom of the pan.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish is primarily soft and creamy, thanks to the gnocchi and the sauce. However, the slight crunch from the cooked sausage and the freshness from the parsley garnish add nice contrasts. To enhance the crunch factor, you could also top the dish with some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh sage.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To ensure the gnocchi hold their shape and don’t fall apart during cooking, make sure the water is at a rolling boil before adding them, and don’t overcrowd the pot.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter to the skillet with the onion and garlic, as the fat content will enrich the sauce.
• Consider making the gnocchi dough a day in advance and letting it rest in the refrigerator overnight, as this can help the flour absorb the liquid ingredients more evenly, resulting in a better texture.

Storage Tips

• The cooked gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them by sautéing in a little butter or oil until warmed through.
• The creamy sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.
• For longer storage, consider freezing the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. Cook frozen gnocchi directly in boiling water without thawing.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe isn’t typically considered a gift item, but if you’re looking to share some of the elements as gifts, consider packaging the homemade gnocchi in decorative jars or bags, or bottling the creamy sauce in elegant glass jars. You could also prepare the entire dish and deliver it to a friend or family member in a nicely wrapped container, perfect for a comforting meal.

Flavor Variations

• Try substituting the sweet Italian sausage with spicy sausage for an added kick, or use chorizo for a smoky flavor.
• Experiment with different types of cheese in the sauce, such as Gruyère or Goat Cheese, for unique flavor profiles.
• Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for added nutrients and flavor contrasts.

Troubleshooting

• If your gnocchi are too dense, it might be because the dough was overworked. Try to mix the ingredients just until they come together, then let the dough rest.
• If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it slightly.
• Watch the sausage while it’s cooking, as it can quickly go from perfectly browned to burnt. Stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cooked gnocchi? Yes, but it’s best to freeze them uncooked. Cooked gnocchi can become mushy when thawed and reheated.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, due to the all-purpose flour in the gnocchi dough. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to adapt the recipe.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, simply multiply all the ingredients by two. Keep in mind that cooking time might be slightly longer for larger quantities of gnocchi.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a true delight, offering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its accessible ingredients, straightforward preparation, and impressive results, it’s a great choice for both beginners and experienced cooks. Feel free to experiment with the recipe, trying out different flavor variations and substitutions to make it your own. And don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family, as the joy of cooking is often best experienced when shared with others. Happy cooking!