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 flair, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. The combination of soft, pillowy gnocchi, rich and creamy butternut squash sauce, and savory sausage will transport your taste buds to the Tuscan countryside. With its ease of preparation and creative use of accessible ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion dinner party.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this dish is unparalleled, with the sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory flavor of the sausage, and the richness of the cream coming together in perfect harmony.
• The ingredients used in this recipe are easily accessible and can be found in most supermarkets, making it a great option for a weeknight dinner.
• Despite its impressive presentation and complex flavors, this recipe is surprisingly easy to prepare and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy home cooks.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and roast in the oven for 30-40 minutes, or until tender and caramelized.
2. Step 2: While the squash is roasting, cook the Italian sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
3. Step 3: In a large pot, combine the roasted butternut squash, cooked sausage, chopped onion, and minced garlic. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Step 4: To make the gnocchi, combine the all-purpose flour, semolina flour, and grated Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Mix in the roasted butternut squash and egg to form a dough. Divide the dough into 4 equal pieces and roll each piece into a long rope. Cut the rope into 1-inch pieces to form the gnocchi.
5. Step 5: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the gnocchi for 3-5 minutes, or until they float to the surface. Remove the gnocchi from the water with a slotted spoon and add them to the skillet with the squash and sausage sauce. Toss the gnocchi in the sauce to coat and serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh sage leaves.

Handy Tips

• To ensure that your gnocchi are light and fluffy, make sure to not overwork the dough when mixing it together.
• If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, although the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
• To add some extra flavor to your dish, try adding some dried or fresh herbs, such as nutmeg or sage, to the sauce.

Heat Control

When cooking the sausage, make sure to cook it over medium-high heat to get a nice brown crust on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy and cooked through. When simmering the sauce, reduce the heat to low to prevent the cream from boiling and separating.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this dish comes from the toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs that you can sprinkle on top of the gnocchi before serving. To add some extra crunch, try adding some crispy prosciutto or toasted breadcrumbs to the dish.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To make your gnocchi more tender and less dense, try adding some ricotta cheese to the dough when mixing it together.
• To get a smooth and creamy sauce, make sure to stir it constantly when simmering it over low heat.
• To add some extra flavor to your dish, try using different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or sweet chorizo.

Storage Tips

• The cooked gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply toss the gnocchi in the sauce and cook over low heat until warmed through.
• The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply simmer the sauce over low heat until warmed through.
• The uncooked gnocchi dough can be frozen for up to 2 months. To cook, simply thaw the dough overnight in the fridge and cook the gnocchi as instructed in the recipe.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe makes a great gift for friends and family, especially during the holiday season. To package the dish as a gift, try placing the cooked gnocchi and sauce in a decorative jar or container, and garnishing with some fresh herbs or edible flowers. You can also include a bag of uncooked gnocchi and a jar of sauce, along with a recipe card and some cooking instructions, for a fun and interactive gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some dried or fresh herbs, such as nutmeg or sage, to the sauce for a unique and aromatic flavor.
• Use different types of sausage, such as spicy Italian sausage or sweet chorizo, to add some heat or smokiness to the dish.
• Add some toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs to the gnocchi for a crunchy and flavorful texture.

Troubleshooting

• If the gnocchi are too dense or heavy, try adding some more flour to the dough or cooking them for a shorter amount of time.
• If the sauce is too thick, try adding some more cream or broth to thin it out. If the sauce is too thin, try simmering it over low heat to reduce it.
• If the dish is too spicy, try adding some more cream or cheese to balance out the heat. If the dish is too bland, try adding some more herbs or spices to give it some flavor.

FAQs

• Can I freeze the cooked gnocchi? Yes, the cooked gnocchi can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply thaw the gnocchi overnight in the fridge and cook them in the sauce over low heat until warmed through.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? No, this recipe contains gluten in the form of all-purpose flour and semolina flour. However, you can try substituting the flours with gluten-free alternatives to make the dish gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply all of the ingredients by two and cook the gnocchi and sauce in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a delicious and impressive dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its rich and creamy sauce, tender and fluffy gnocchi, and savory sausage, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a culinary newbie, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the oohs and aahs from your family and friends!