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 gourmet flavors, all made easily with everyday ingredients. The combination of roasted butternut squash, soft gnocchi, and savory sausage in a rich and creamy sauce is not only delicious but also surprisingly easy to prepare. It’s a dish that will impress your family and friends without requiring you to spend hours in the kitchen. With its balance of flavors and textures, it’s an ideal meal for a chilly evening or a special occasion.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The sweetness of the butternut squash pairs perfectly with the savory flavor of the sausage, while the gnocchi adds a delightful texture. All the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its gourmet appeal, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. The butternut squash can be roasted ahead of time, and store-bought gnocchi makes the recipe even quicker.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The creamy sauce brings all the flavors together, making the dish feel luxurious without requiring extensive culinary skills.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 package of gnocchi (about 16 oz)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, de-seed, and chop the butternut squash into 1-inch cubes. Place the squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with a little olive oil, and 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 gnocchi according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll want to boil them in salted water until they float to the surface. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until it’s 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.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, heavy cream, and dried sage. Stir to combine, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked gnocchi and sausage back into the skillet, tossing everything together until the gnocchi is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Step 6: Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and garnished with chopped fresh parsley.

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add more heavy cream or a spoonful of mascarpone cheese.
• Consider using different types of sausage, like spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick or chorizo for a smoky flavor.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but still retain a bit of firmness in the center.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up well so it cooks evenly. The ideal internal temperature for cooked sausage is at least 160°F (71°C). For the sauce, a simmer is what you’re aiming for – it should be gently bubbling, not boiling vigorously. This helps prevent the cream from splitting and ensures a smooth, creamy texture.

Crunch Factor

The texture of this dish is primarily soft and creamy, thanks to the gnocchi and the sauce. However, you can add a crunchy element by topping it with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley. The slight crunch provides a nice contrast to the softness of the gnocchi and sauce.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, toss them with a little olive oil after cooking.
• For a shortcut, use pre-cut butternut squash or Frozen gnocchi to save on prep time.
• Clean as you go to avoid a big mess at the end. Washing utensils and pans immediately after use can save a lot of time and effort.

Storage Tips

• The roasted butternut squash can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator! for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Cooked gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a day. Reheat them by sautéing in a pan with a little butter or oil until warmed through.
• The creamy sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to a day. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.

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 roasted butternut squash in decorative jars or containers as a healthy snack, or gift a batch of homemade gnocchi with a jar of your favorite sauce.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the sauce for a warm, autumnal flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the gnocchi with toasted pumpkin seeds, crispy bacon, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Use sweet potatoes instead of butternut squash for a slightly sweeter dish, or substitute the sausage with mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a bit of chicken broth or pasta water. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or add a spoonful of cream cheese.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find butternut squash, acorn squash or even carrots could be used as substitutes in a pinch.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure the sausage is cooked through and the gnocchi are tender but not mushy. The sauce should be creamy and lightly simmering, not boiling hard.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi and the sauce separately for up to 3 months. Reheat the sauce gently and combine with the thawed gnocchi.
• Is it gluten-free? Depending on the type of gnocchi used, this dish may not be gluten-free. Look for gluten-free gnocchi to make it accessible to those with gluten intolerance.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just keep an eye on the sauce as it simmers to ensure it doesn’t become too thick or thin with the increased quantity.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a versatile and delicious meal that can be adapted to suit various tastes and dietary needs. With its comforting flavors and easy preparation, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further substitutions or variations. Happy cooking!