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 creativity, using everyday ingredients to create a dish that’s both impressive and easy to make. The combination of soft gnocchi, flavorful sausage, and creamy butternut squash sauce is a match made in heaven, and the best part is that it can be prepared in no time. Whether you’re a busy weeknight cook or a weekend meal planner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The ease of preparation, the balance of flavors, and the creative use of ingredients make this dish a standout, and we’re excited to share it with you.

Why This Works

• The balance of flavors in this recipe is key, with the sweetness of the butternut squash, the savory flavor of the sausage, and the richness of the cream coming together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
• The ease of preparation is another major advantage, as the gnocchi can be cooked quickly and the sauce can be made in just a few minutes, making this a great option for a quick weeknight dinner.
• Despite the simplicity of the recipe, the results are impressive, with the creamy sauce and tender gnocchi making for a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 1 package of gnocchi
• 1 pound of sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 1/2 cup of heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon of dried sage
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, toss with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Step 2: While the squash is roasting, 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. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining the gnocchi.
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: Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
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 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and reduced by about half. Season with dried sage, salt, and pepper to taste.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet, tossing to coat with the creamy butternut squash sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet and toss everything together to combine.
7. Step 7: Serve the gnocchi hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!

Handy Tips

• For an extra creamy sauce, add more heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half or mascarpone cheese.
• To make this recipe more substantial, add some sautéed spinach or kale to the skillet with the garlic and onion.
• Consider using different types of sausage, such as hot Italian sausage or Chorizo, for a spicy kick.

Heat Control

When cooking the Italian sausage, make sure to break it up into small pieces so that it cooks evenly and quickly. Also, be careful not to overcook the gnocchi, as they can become mushy and unappetizing. The ideal internal temperature for cooked sausage is 160°F (71°C), and the gnocchi should be cooked until they float to the surface of the boiling water.

Crunch Factor

The crunch factor in this recipe comes from the toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh parsley added on top of the gnocchi. You can also add some crispy prosciutto or bacon bits for extra texture and flavor. To achieve the perfect crunch, simply chop the nuts or parsley finely and sprinkle them on top of the dish before serving.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• To prevent the gnocchi from sticking together, make sure to cook them in plenty of salted water and reserve some of the pasta water to add to the sauce if needed.
• For an extra rich and creamy sauce, add a tablespoon or two of unsalted butter to the skillet with the garlic and onion.
• Consider using a high-quality store-bought gnocchi to save time on preparation, or make your own gnocchi from scratch for a more authentic Italian experience.

Storage Tips

• Leftover gnocchi can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the gnocchi in the microwave or on the stovetop with a bit of cream or pasta water to restore their creamy texture.
• The creamy butternut squash sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Simply reheat the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop, whisking in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to restore its creamy texture.

Gift Packaging Ideas

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends, but it can also be packaged and gifted to loved ones. Consider packaging the cooked gnocchi and creamy sauce in a beautiful ceramic bowl or a decorative glass jar, topped with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and a few fresh parsley leaves. You can also add a bag of store-bought or homemade gnocchi and a jar of creamy sauce to a gift basket, along with some crusty bread and a bottle of wine for a complete Italian-themed gift.

Flavor Variations

• Try adding some dried or fresh basil to the sauce for a more Italian-inspired flavor.
• For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the skillet with the garlic and onion.
• Consider using different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a tangy and creamy sauce.

Troubleshooting

• If the sauce becomes too thick, simply whisk in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to restore its creamy texture.
• If the gnocchi are overcooked and mushy, try adding some reserved pasta water to the sauce to thin it out and restore the gnocchi’s texture.
• If the sausage is undercooked, simply cook it for a few more minutes until it reaches the ideal internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).

FAQs

• Can I freeze the creamy butternut squash sauce? Yes, the sauce can be frozen for up to 2 months. Simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop, whisking in a bit of heavy cream or half-and-half to restore its creamy texture.
• Is this recipe gluten-free? The gnocchi typically contain gluten, but you can substitute them with gluten-free gnocchi or make your own gluten-free gnocchi from scratch.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, the recipe can be easily doubled or tripled to feed a larger crowd. Simply multiply the ingredients and cook the gnocchi and sauce in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dinner recipe is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for a cozy night in with family and friends. With its creamy sauce, tender gnocchi, and flavorful sausage, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients and flavor variations to make the recipe your own, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or need further assistance. Happy cooking!