Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a delicious, creamy, and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make. The combination of butternut squash gnocchi, savory sausage, and a rich, creamy sauce is a match made in heaven. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home, and it’s perfect 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 richness of the creamy sauce all coming together to create a truly unforgettable taste experience.
• This recipe is also incredibly easy to prepare, requiring minimal effort and time in the kitchen. The gnocchi can be made ahead of time, and the sauce can be whipped up in just a few minutes, making it a great option for busy weeknights.
• Despite its simplicity, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its creamy, comforting goodness. The presentation is also stunning, with the vibrant orange color of the butternut squash gnocchi and the rich, creamy sauce making for a beautiful and appetizing dish.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Step 2: In a large pot of boiling, salted water, cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the roasted butternut squash, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked sausage to the skillet. Stir to combine and let simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and chopped sage.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to combine with the sauce and adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or sage.

Handy Tips

• To make this recipe ahead of time, you can roast the butternut squash and cook the sausage up to a day in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator until ready to use.
• If you can’t find sweet Italian sausage, you can substitute it with other types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage.
• To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can sprinkle some grated nutmeg or cinnamon over the butternut squash before roasting it.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up with a spoon as it cooks to prevent it from forming clumps. Also, be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as it can become mushy and unappetizing. The ideal internal temperature for cooked sausage is 160°F (71°C), and the gnocchi should be cooked until it floats to the surface of the boiling water.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the caramelized onion and the toasted sage. To achieve a nice crunch on the onion, cook it over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s lightly browned and crispy. You can also add some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts to the dish for extra crunch.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make the sauce extra creamy, you can add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter to the skillet with the heavy cream.
• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, make sure to toss them with a little bit of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese after cooking.
• To add some extra flavor to the dish, you can use homemade chicken or vegetable broth instead of water to cook the gnocchi.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or cream until warmed through.
• Cooked sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
• The creamy sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or cream until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe is perfect for gifting to friends and family, especially during the holiday season. You can package the cooked gnocchi, sausage, and creamy sauce in a beautiful ceramic bowl or a decorative jar, and garnish it with some chopped parsley or sage. You can also include a few slices of crusty bread or some toasted breadcrumbs on the side for a complete gift.

Flavor Variations

• You can add some diced ham or bacon to the skillet with the sausage for extra smoky flavor.
• You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
• You can add some grated carrots or zucchini to the skillet with the onion and garlic for extra flavor and nutrients.

Troubleshooting

• If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water or cream.
• If the gnocchi becomes too sticky, you can toss it with a little bit of olive oil and grated Parmesan cheese.
• If the sausage becomes too dry, you can add a little bit of water or broth to the skillet to moisten it.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the gnocchi? Yes, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi for up to 3 months. Simply place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer. Reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of water or cream until warmed through.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe is not gluten-free due to the presence of all-purpose flour in the gnocchi. However, you can substitute the flour with gluten-free flour to make it gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all the ingredients by two and cook the gnocchi and sausage in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage dinner recipe is a game-changer for anyone looking to impress their family and friends with a delicious, creamy, and flavorful dish. With its perfect balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and impressive presentation, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooohs and ahhhs from your loved ones as you serve it up with a sprinkle of parsley and a side of crusty bread.