Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a warm, comforting dinner that combines the sweetness of butternut squash, the savory flavor of sausage, and the creaminess of a rich sauce, all tied together with the soft, pillowy texture of homemade gnocchi. This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a creative and delicious way to enjoy a hearty, comforting meal using everyday ingredients. It’s perfect for a chilly evening or a special occasion, and the best part is that it’s easier to make than you might think. With a few simple steps and some readily available ingredients, you can create a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: This recipe strikes a perfect balance between sweet, savory, and creamy flavors, using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this dish is relatively simple to prepare, with each component building on the last to create a cohesive and delicious whole.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The combination of homemade gnocchi, roasted butternut squash, and spicy sausage in a creamy sauce is sure to impress, and the fact that it can be made with minimal fuss makes it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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 butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley or sage, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Roast 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 a little bit of olive oil. Roast in the oven for about 45 minutes, or until the squash is tender when pierced with a fork. 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 – In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until a dough forms, then turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for 30 minutes. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece out into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
3. Step 3: Cook the Sausage and Onion – In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage 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 and add the chopped onion. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Step 4: Combine Everything and Serve – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. While the gnocchi are cooking, add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let cook until it has reduced slightly, about 5 minutes. Stir in the pureed butternut squash and cook until heated through. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet and stir to combine. Drain the cooked gnocchi and add them to the skillet, tossing everything together until the gnocchi are well coated with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or sage.

Handy Tips

• Use a high-quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
• Don’t overwork the gnocchi dough, or the gnocchi will be tough.
• Use a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream for a rich and creamy sauce.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and onion, make sure to cook over medium-high heat to get a good brown on the sausage, but reduce the heat to medium-low when adding the garlic to prevent burning. When cooking the gnocchi, make sure the water is at a rolling boil, but not so hot that it’s splashing everywhere. When combining everything in the skillet, simmer the sauce over medium-low heat to prevent scorching.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the browned sausage and the toasted sage. To get a good brown on the sausage, cook it over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. To toast the sage, simply heat a little bit of olive oil in a pan over medium heat and add the chopped sage. Cook, stirring frequently, until the sage is crispy and fragrant.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a potato ricer to get the right texture for the gnocchi.
• Add a little bit of nutmeg to the sauce for extra depth of flavor.
• Use a high-quality Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.

Storage Tips

• Store leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• Reheat the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly, until heated through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This dish is perfect for a special occasion or holiday meal, and can be packaged in a beautiful way to give as a gift. Simply cook the gnocchi and sauce, then package them in a decorative container or jar. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh sage leaves on top, and you’ll have a beautiful and delicious gift to give to friends and family.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some diced apple or pear to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor combination.
• Use different types of sausage, such as chorizo or kale sausage, for a spicy kick.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil, to the sauce for a bright and fresh flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the gnocchi are too dense or heavy, try adding a little bit more flour to the dough.
• If the sauce is too thick, try adding a little bit more chicken broth or heavy cream.
• If the sausage is too spicy, try adding a little bit more cream or cheese to the sauce to balance out the heat.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the gnocchi? Yes, you can freeze the gnocchi for up to 3 months. Simply cook the gnocchi, then let them cool completely before freezing.
• Is this dish gluten-free? No, this dish is not gluten-free due to the presence of wheat flour in the gnocchi. However, you can try substituting the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all of the ingredients by two and cook the gnocchi and sauce in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening or special occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, soft and pillowy gnocchi, and savory sausage, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the warm and comforting flavors of this delicious recipe!