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, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi, sweet roasted butternut squash, and savory sausage, all wrapped in a rich and creamy sauce, will transport your taste buds to Italy. Whether you’re looking for a special occasion meal or just a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and creative use of seasonal ingredients, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves good food.

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 harmonious and satisfying dish.
• The use of accessible ingredients and straightforward cooking methods makes this recipe achievable for cooks of all levels, from beginners to experienced chefs.
• The impressive presentation and gourmet flavors belie the relatively minimal effort required to prepare the dish, making it perfect for entertaining or special occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs), peeled and cubed
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup semolina flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh sage leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• 1 egg, lightly beaten (for egg wash)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Roast the Butternut Squash – Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash 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: Make the Gnocchi Dough – In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, and Parmesan cheese. Add the roasted butternut squash and mix until a dough forms. Gradually add the beaten egg, mixing until the dough comes together in a ball.
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.
4. Step 4: Cook the Gnocchi – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the gnocchi with a slotted spoon and drain off excess water.
5. Step 5: 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 browned and cooked through. Remove the cooked sausage from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, cook the chopped onion until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
6. Step 6: Make the Creamy Sauce – Add the heavy cream to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Bring the cream to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced. Stir in the cooked sausage and season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Combine the Gnocchi and Sauce – Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to combine. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh sage leaves.

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, add 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to the skillet with the heavy cream.
• To freeze the gnocchi, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and put in the freezer until frozen solid. Then, transfer the frozen gnocchi to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Substitute the Italian sausage with other types of sausage, such as chorizo or breakfast sausage, for a different flavor profile.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and onion, make sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning. The ideal temperature for cooking the sausage is medium-high heat, while the onion and garlic should be cooked over medium heat. When simmering the heavy cream, reduce the heat to medium-low to prevent scorching.

Crunch Factor

To add a crunchy texture to the dish, top the gnocchi with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley. You can also add some crispy prosciutto or bacon bits on top for added crunch and flavor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, make sure to dust them with a little bit of flour after shaping.
• Use a potato ricer or food mill to puree the roasted butternut squash for a smoother gnocchi dough.
• For a shortcut, use store-bought gnocchi and focus on making the creamy sauce and cooking the sausage.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the gnocchi in the creamy sauce or with a little bit of olive oil.
• Freeze the cooked gnocchi for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to cook the frozen gnocchi in boiling water for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the surface.
• Store the creamy sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat the sauce over low heat, whisking constantly, until warmed through.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, but it can also be packaged as a gift for friends and family. Consider placing the cooked gnocchi and creamy sauce in a decorative jar or container, topped with chopped fresh sage leaves and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Add a bag of toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley on the side for added crunch and flavor.

Flavor Variations

• Try substituting the butternut squash with other types of winter squash, such as acorn or delicata, for a different flavor and texture.
• Add some heat to the dish by incorporating red pepper flakes or diced jalapenos into the creamy sauce.
• Use different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or ricotta, to add a tangy and creamy element to the sauce.

Troubleshooting

• If the gnocchi are too sticky, try adding a little bit more flour to the dough. If they are too dry, try adding a little bit more egg.
• If the creamy sauce is too thick, try whisking in a little bit more heavy cream. If it’s too thin, try simmering it for an additional 2-3 minutes to reduce the sauce.
• If the sausage is overcooked, try cooking it for a shorter amount of time or using a lower heat. If it’s undercooked, try cooking it for an additional 2-3 minutes or until it reaches an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

FAQs

• Can I freeze the creamy sauce? Yes, the creamy sauce can be frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to whisk constantly over low heat until warmed through.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten due to the presence of all-purpose flour and semolina flour. However, you can try substituting the flours with gluten-free alternatives to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and heat as needed to prevent overcrowding the skillet or pot.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its balance of flavors, ease of preparation, and creative use of seasonal ingredients, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves good food. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavor variations and substitutions to make the recipe your own. And if you have any leftover gnocchi or creamy sauce, consider packaging it as a gift for friends and family to enjoy. Happy cooking!