Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a masterclass in comfort food, combining the warmth of roasted butternut squash, the richness of a creamy sauce, and the savory flavor of sausage. It’s a dish that feels like a big hug on a chilly evening, and the best part is that it’s surprisingly easy to make using everyday ingredients. The creativity of this recipe shines through in its balance of flavors and textures, making it a standout for any meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to delight with its ease, flavor, and the impressive results you can achieve with minimal effort.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butternut squash, sausage, and a creamy sauce offers a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and rich flavors, all made possible with easily accessible ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its sophisticated taste, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. The steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are readily available in most supermarkets.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The presentation and taste of this dish are impressive, making it perfect for special occasions or dinner parties, all achieved with less fuss than you might expect.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh sage leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Homemade or store-bought gnocchi (about 1 pound)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, de-seed, and chop the butternut squash into cubes. Toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until the squash is tender and lightly caramelized.
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 no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon and set aside on a plate. Leave the drippings in the skillet.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if necessary, then add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent and starting to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Step 4: To make the gnocchi, combine the roasted butternut squash, flour, egg, and Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix until a dough forms. On a floured surface, roll out the dough to about 1 inch thickness. Cut into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi. Cook the gnocchi in boiling, salted water for about 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
5. Step 5: To make the creamy sauce, add the heavy cream to the skillet with the onion and garlic mixture. Bring the cream to a simmer and let cook until it starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Add the cooked sausage back into the skillet, stirring to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sausage and creamy sauce. Toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh sage leaves.

Handy Tips

• For a shortcut, use store-bought gnocchi and pre-cut butternut squash to save on preparation time.
• Don’t overmix the gnocchi dough, as it can become tough.
• Adjust the amount of garlic and onion to your taste, and feel free to add other spices or herbs to the sauce for extra flavor.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and the creamy sauce, it’s essential to maintain a medium to medium-high heat to achieve a nice browning on the sausage and to prevent the cream from boiling over. For the roasted butternut squash, a steady 400°F (200°C) ensures even roasting and caramelization.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish should be creamy and soft from the gnocchi and the sauce, with a slight crunch from the caramelized onions and the freshness of the sage. To achieve this, make sure not to overcook the gnocchi, and reserve some of the roasted squash to add on top as a garnish for extra texture.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a potato ricer to mash the roasted butternut squash for a smoother gnocchi dough.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when cooking the sausage to ensure even browning.
• Save the pasta water to adjust the consistency of the creamy sauce.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little cream or butter to revive the dish.
• The roasted butternut squash can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Consider using glass containers with tight-fitting lids for storing leftovers to keep them fresh.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re considering gifting this dish, perhaps for a dinner party or as a care package, consider packaging the cooked gnocchi and sauce separately in microwave-safe containers. Add a bag of fresh sage and a wedge of Parmesan cheese on the side. Wrap the containers in a thermal bag or a cozy kitchen towel to keep everything warm during transport.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the gnocchi dough for a unique twist.
• Creative toppings: Top the dish with toasted pine nuts, crispy bacon, or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and texture.
• Ingredient swaps: Use other types of winter squash like acorn or pumpkin, or substitute the sausage with bacon or ham for a different flavor profile.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the gnocchi are too dense, it might be due to overmixing the dough. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more cream or pasta water.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find butternut squash, other types of squash or even sweet potatoes could work as substitutes in a pinch.
• Over/undercooking signs: Gnocchi that are overcooked will be mushy and fall apart. Undercooked gnocchi will be hard in the center. Adjust cooking time as needed.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the gnocchi after they are cooked and the sauce separately. Reheat gently when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of flour used for the gnocchi, this dish might not be gluten-free. Consider using gluten-free flour as a substitute.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings. Just be sure to have enough pots and skillets to accommodate the increased quantity.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a true delight, offering a comforting, flavorful, and visually appealing dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its accessible ingredients, easy preparation, and impressive results, it’s a recipe that’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to adapt and share it, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or for further variations. Happy cooking, and enjoy the warmth and comfort this dish brings to your table!