Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Imagine a warm, comforting dish that combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the savory flavor of sausage, all wrapped up in a creamy sauce and served with soft, pillowy gnocchi. This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is not only a treat for the taste buds, but it’s also surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s made with everyday ingredients that you might already have in your pantry, allowing you to get creative and experiment with different flavors and textures.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butternut squash, sausage, and gnocchi provides a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and comforting flavors, while using ingredients that are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance and taste, this recipe is relatively simple to prepare, requiring only a few steps and minimal cooking time.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The creamy sauce and tender gnocchi make for a dish that looks and tastes like it was made in a professional kitchen, but can be achieved with minimal fuss and effort.

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 or sage, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the 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, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and roast in the oven for about 30-40 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Step 2: Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in salted water for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
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 browned and cooked through, 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.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the onion is translucent and starting to caramelize, about 8-10 minutes.
5. Step 5: Add the roasted butternut squash, chicken broth, and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for about 5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Season with dried sage, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked gnocchi and browned sausage back into the skillet, tossing everything together to combine. Let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Step 7: Serve the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley or sage if desired.

Handy Tips

• To make this recipe ahead of time, you can roast the butternut squash and cook the sausage a day in advance. Store them in separate containers in the refrigerator and then combine everything on the day of serving.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add more heavy cream or substitute some of it with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Consider using different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or Chorizo, to give the dish an extra kick of flavor.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage and simmering the sauce, it’s essential to control the heat to prevent burning or overcooking. Medium-high heat is ideal for browning the sausage, while medium heat is better for cooking the onion and simmering the sauce. Make sure to stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a gentle simmer.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley added on top. To achieve a nice crunch, simply toast some pine nuts in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until fragrant and lightly browned. Alternatively, you can use chopped fresh parsley or sage for a fresher, more herbaceous flavor.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, make sure to cook them in plenty of salted water and stir gently as they cook. Also, add a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water to help prevent sticking.
• For an extra creamy sauce, you can add a spoonful of mascarpone cheese or crème fraîche towards the end of cooking time. This will give the sauce a rich, velvety texture.
• Consider using a high-quality chicken broth for added depth of flavor in the sauce. You can also make your own chicken broth from scratch for the best results.

Storage Tips

• Leftover Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much.
• For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
• When reheating, make sure to stir occasionally and adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or sticking.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While this dish is best served fresh, you can consider gifting the components separately, such as a jar of homemade chicken broth, a package of gnocchi, or a bag of roasted butternut squash. Simply package each component in an airtight container or bag and attach a gift tag with cooking instructions and a personal message.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, or cayenne pepper to the sauce for added depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top the dish with toasted pine nuts, chopped fresh parsley, or grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Substitute the sausage with cooked bacon, ham, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. You can also use different types of squash, such as acorn or kabocha, for a varying flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a splash of chicken broth or cream to thin it out. If the gnocchi becomes too sticky, try adding a tablespoon of olive oil to the cooking water or stirring in some grated Parmesan cheese.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find butternut squash, you can substitute it with other types of squash or even sweet potatoes. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free gnocchi or substitute with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Over/undercooking signs: Make sure to cook the sausage until browned and cooked through, and the gnocchi until they float to the surface. If the sauce becomes too thick or sticky, it may be a sign of overcooking.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the cooked gnocchi and sauce separately for up to 2 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat as needed.
• Is it gluten-free? Not necessarily, as traditional gnocchi contains gluten. However, you can use gluten-free gnocchi or substitute with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a gluten-free option.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a true showstopper, with its vibrant colors, comforting flavors, and satisfying textures. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress. So go ahead, get creative, and experiment with different flavors and ingredients to make this dish your own. And don’t forget to share your creations with friends and family, as this recipe is perfect for sharing and enjoying together.