Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage recipe is a game-changer for a quick and delicious dinner that combines the comfort of gnocchi with the sweetness of butternut squash and the savory flavor of sausage. It’s a creative way to use everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. With just a few simple steps, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. The best part? It’s perfect for any time of the year, especially during the fall and winter months when butternut squash is in season.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors between the sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory flavor of the sausage, and the creaminess of the sauce creates a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
• The ingredients are easily accessible and can be found in most supermarkets, making it a practical choice for a weeknight dinner.
• The preparation is straightforward, and with a few shortcuts like using store-bought gnocchi, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 package of gnocchi (about 16 oz)
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 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: 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 olive oil. Roast 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: Cook the Gnocchi – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to the package instructions until they float to the surface. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
3. Step 3: Prepare the Sausage and Sauce – In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage 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. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Then, add the chicken broth, heavy cream, and roasted butternut squash puree. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for a few minutes until the sauce has slightly thickened. Season with dried sage, salt, and pepper.
4. Step 4: Combine and Serve – Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet with the sauce and toss everything together, adding some of the reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and stir to combine. Serve hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley if desired.

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, add more heavy cream or substitute it with half-and-half.
• Use homemade gnocchi for an even more authentic Italian experience, but store-bought works perfectly fine for a quicker meal.
• Don’t overcook the gnocchi; they should be tender but still retain some bite.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage, make sure to break it up into small pieces so it cooks evenly. The ideal temperature for cooking sausage is medium-high heat, where it can get a nice brown on the outside while cooking through. For the sauce, a simmer is all you need; high heat can cause it to boil over or thicken too quickly.

Crunch Factor

The crunch in this dish comes from the toasted pine nuts or chopped parsley you can add on top. For an extra crunch, you could also sprinkle some crispy bacon bits or toasted breadcrumbs over the gnocchi before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, toss them with a little olive oil after draining.
• For a lighter version, you can use less heavy cream or substitute it with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a similar richness without the extra calories.
• Cooking the sausage in advance and refrigerating or freezing it can save time on busy days.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra cream or broth to restore the sauce.
• The roasted butternut squash puree can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for up to 3 months.
• Cooked sausage can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to give this dish as a gift, consider packaging the components separately. You could give a jar of homemade butternut squash puree, a package of gnocchi, and some Italian sausage with a recipe card. Alternatively, a gift basket filled with the ingredients and a bottle of wine could make a lovely present for any food enthusiast.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding different spices like nutmeg or cinnamon to the butternut squash puree for a unique twist.
• Use various types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or Chorizo, for a different flavor profile.
• Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra nutrients and flavor.

Troubleshooting

• If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more chicken broth or cream. If it’s too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes or add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.
• If the gnocchi are overcooked, they might become mushy. Try cooking them for a minute less next time.
• If you find the dish too rich, reduce the amount of heavy cream or add more chicken broth.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cooked gnocchi? Yes, but it’s best to freeze them uncooked. Cooked gnocchi can become mushy when thawed.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The gnocchi typically contain gluten, but you can find gluten-free alternatives in most supermarkets.
• Can I double the recipe? Absolutely, just keep an eye on the sauce as it might need a bit more simmering time to thicken properly with double the ingredients.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage recipe is a perfect blend of comfort food and gourmet flavors, making it ideal for both family dinners and special occasions. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and savory sausage, it’s sure to become a favorite. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients and spices to make it your own, and don’t hesitate to share your creations with friends and family. Happy cooking!