Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Dinner Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a hearty, comforting dinner recipe that combines the best of fall flavors with the ease of a weeknight meal. This dish is perfect for those looking to elevate their pasta game with a creative twist on traditional gnocchi. By using butternut squash, we not only add a vibrant color to our plate but also a depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness that pairs beautifully with savory sausage. The best part? This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and requires minimal special ingredients, making it accessible to anyone looking to spice up their meal routine.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of butternut squash, sausage, and a creamy sauce offers a well-rounded flavor profile that is both satisfying and easy to achieve with commonly found ingredients.
• Ease of preparation: Despite its impressive appearance and taste, this dish is relatively simple to prepare. The butternut squash gnocchi can be made ahead of time, and the sausage and cream sauce come together quickly.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: This recipe is perfect for special occasions or dinner parties because it presents beautifully and with a flavor that will impress your guests, all without requiring excessive time or effort in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash (about 2 lbs)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 large egg
• 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• Fresh sage leaves, chopped (for garnish)
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Peel, de-seed, and chop the butternut squash into large pieces. Roast in the oven with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper until tender, about 45 minutes. Let it cool, then mash in a bowl.
2. Step 2: Combine the mashed butternut squash with flour, Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, nutmeg, and egg. Mix well until a dough forms. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth. Wrap in plastic and let rest for 30 minutes.
3. Step 3: Divide the dough into 4 pieces. Roll out each piece into a long rope. Cut into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi. Press the tines of a fork into each piece to create texture.
4. Step 4: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface, about 3-5 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
5. Step 5: In a large skillet, cook the Italian sausage over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
6. Step 6: In the same skillet, add the butter, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent. Add the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and let cook until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Step 7: Add the cooked gnocchi and sausage back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss everything together until the gnocchi are well coated with the sauce and heated through.
8. Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh sage and additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Handy Tips

• For a lighter version, you can use less heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or a non-dairy creamer.
• Always make sure to not overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy.
• Consider using different types of sausage, like spicy Italian sausage for an extra kick.

Heat Control

Heat control is crucial in this recipe, especially when cooking the gnocchi and the sauce. For the gnocchi, a gentle boil is necessary to prevent them from breaking apart. For the sauce, a medium heat is ideal to simmer the cream and broth without burning or boiling over. Always stir the sauce occasionally to ensure even heating and to prevent the formation of a skin on the surface.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish primarily comes from the texture of the gnocchi and any additional toppings you might choose, like toasted pine nuts or crispy sage leaves. To achieve the perfect texture for the gnocchi, make sure they are not overcooked. They should retain a slight firmness in the center. For added crunch, top your dish with toasted nuts or seeds before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• Use a potato ricer to mash the cooked butternut squash for a smoother consistency.
• Don’t overwork the gnocchi dough, as this can make the gnocchi dense and heavy.
• For an extra creamy sauce, add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese and let it melt into the sauce before serving.

Storage Tips

• The uncooked gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day or frozen for up to 3 months. Frozen gnocchi can be cooked directly from the freezer.
• Cooked gnocchi with sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a bit more cream if the sauce seems too thick.
• Consider portioning out individual servings before refrigerating or freezing for easier reheating and meal prep.

Gift Packaging Ideas

If you’re looking to share this dish as a gift, consider packaging the uncooked gnocchi in a decorative jar or airtight container with a recipe card for the sauce. You could also package the cooked dish in microwave-safe containers for a convenient, ready-to-eat meal. Add a touch of elegance with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh sage leaves on top, wrapped in a ribbon or twine around the container.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon to the gnocchi dough for an extra depth of flavor.
• Creative toppings: Top your gnocchi with toasted pine nuts, crispy prosciutto, or a dollop of sour cream for added texture and flavor.
• Ingredient swaps: Use pumpkin or acorn squash instead of butternut squash for a slightly different flavor and texture.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your gnocchi are too dense, it might be due to overworking the dough. If they are too soft, they might have been overcooked.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find butternut squash, you can substitute with other types of squash or even potatoes for a more traditional gnocchi.
• Over/undercooking signs: Gnocchi that are undercooked will be hard in the center, while overcooked gnocchi will be mushy and fall apart easily.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked gnocchi for up to 3 months. Cooked gnocchi with sauce can also be frozen but is best consumed fresh for optimal flavor and texture.
• Is it gluten-free? The gnocchi contain flour, making them not gluten-free. However, you can experiment with gluten-free flours to make a gluten-free version.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings or meal prep. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time of the gnocchi accordingly if cooking in larger batches.

Conclusion

Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a recipe that will become a staple in your kitchen, offering a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of the year. With its unique blend of flavors and textures, it’s sure to impress both family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and toppings to make the dish your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special from everyday ingredients.