Here’s a delightful recipe for creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage—perfect for a cozy fall evening! This fulfilling, comforting dish combines pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and a rich, velvety butternut squash sauce. It’s a fantastic way to celebrate seasonal flavors while enjoying a hearty meal that comes together quicker than you think. Let’s dive in!
Key Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
To craft this delicious Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients, carefully measured for the best results:
- 1 pound gnocchi: (store-bought or homemade, preferably potato gnocchi for best texture)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: (extra virgin, for sautéing)
- 1 pound Italian sausage: (mild or spicy, casings removed and crumbled)
- 1 medium butternut squash: (about 2 pounds, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 medium yellow onion: (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic: (minced)
- ½ cup chicken broth: (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
- ½ cup heavy cream: (or half-and-half for a lighter sauce)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese: (plus more for serving)
- 1 teaspoon fresh sage: (chopped, or ½ teaspoon dried sage)
- ½ teaspoon salt: (or to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: (freshly ground, or to taste)
- Pinch of nutmeg: (optional, enhances squash flavor)
- Fresh parsley or sage leaves: (for garnish, optional)
How to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is a breeze to make, promising a deliciously satisfying meal in under an hour. Its simplicity belies its rich, creamy texture and harmonious blend of savory sausage and sweet butternut squash. This dish is designed for weeknight ease, delivering gourmet comfort with minimal fuss.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Prepare the Gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the gnocchi and cook according to package directions. Gnocchi typically float to the surface when done, which usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once cooked, use a slotted spoon to transfer the gnocchi to a bowl and set aside. Reserve about ½ cup of the gnocchi cooking water.
Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the crumbled Italian sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the sausage from the skillet with a slotted spoon, leaving any rendered fat in the pan. Set the cooked sausage aside.
Sauté Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet with the sausage fat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and chopped fresh sage, and cook for another minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Cook the Butternut Squash: Add the cubed butternut squash to the skillet with the onions and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the squash is tender, about 15-20 minutes. You should be able to easily pierce the squash with a fork.
Create the Creamy Sauce: Once the butternut squash is tender, remove the skillet from the heat. Carefully transfer the cooked squash mixture (onion, garlic, squash, and broth) to a blender or food processor. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the skillet. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved gnocchi cooking water until it reaches your desired consistency. Return the pureed squash sauce to the skillet.
Combine and Finish: Stir the heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and optional pinch of nutmeg into the butternut squash sauce in the skillet. Return the cooked sausage to the skillet. Add the cooked gnocchi to the sauce. Gently toss everything together to coat the gnocchi and sausage evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick at this stage, add a little more of the reserved gnocchi cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your preferred consistency. Heat gently for 2-3 minutes, just until warmed through.
Serve: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Divide the Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe among serving bowls. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese, fresh parsley, or fresh sage leaves, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
You’ll absolutely adore this Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe for its unparalleled comfort and flavor. The main highlight is the luscious, velvety butternut squash sauce, which beautifully coats every pillowy gnocchi and savory piece of Italian sausage, creating a symphony of sweet and spicy notes.
This homemade dish allows for significant cost savings compared to dining out, letting you enjoy a gourmet experience right in your kitchen. Beyond the main components, a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan and fragrant sage leaves elevate this dish, adding a touch of elegance and depth. If you love the hearty nature of our Chicken Sausage and Kale Pasta, you’ll find this recipe to be another perfect addition to your fall cooking repertoire. Get cozy and give this delightful recipe a try tonight!
What to Serve Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe is a meal in itself, but a few complementary sides can elevate the dining experience:
- A Simple Green Salad: A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the gnocchi. Think mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber.
- Crusty Bread: A warm, crusty baguette or focaccia is perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
- Steamed Green Beans or Asparagus: These vegetables offer a fresh, slightly bitter counterpoint to the sweet and savory main dish.
- Dry White Wine: A glass of Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay can nicely complement the flavors of the dish.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
To make your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe truly shine, consider these expert tips:
- Roast the Butternut Squash: For an even deeper, sweeter flavor, try roasting the 1-inch butternut squash cubes before adding them to the skillet. Toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. This step adds an extra layer of complexity to the sauce.
- Don’t Overcook the Gnocchi: Store-bought gnocchi cooks very quickly. As soon as they float to the surface, they’re done. Overcooked gnocchi can become mushy. Immediately remove them with a slotted spoon.
- Adjust Sausage Flavor: If you like heat, use spicy Italian sausage. For a milder dish, sweet or mild Italian sausage works wonderfully. You can also mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle kick.
- Control Sauce Consistency: The squash sauce might be quite thick after blending. Use the reserved gnocchi cooking water sparingly to achieve your desired creamy consistency. This starchy water also helps the sauce adhere better to the gnocchi.
- Fresh Herbs Make a Difference: While dried sage can be used, fresh sage provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor that beautifully complements the butternut squash. Don’t skip the fresh parsley for garnish; it adds color and freshness.
- Ingredient Substitutions:
- Gnocchi: While potato gnocchi is traditional, you can use sweet potato gnocchi for an extra layer of sweetness, or even cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter option.
- Sausage: Ground chicken, turkey, or even a vegetarian sausage substitute can be used if you prefer. Just ensure to season them well.
- Cream: For a lighter sauce, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk, though the richness will be slightly reduced. A dairy-free cream alternative can be used for dietary needs.
- Broth: Vegetable broth works perfectly if you’re aiming for a dish without meat broth.
- Common Mistakes to Avoid:
- Burning the Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly. Add it after the onions have softened and cook for just a minute until fragrant to avoid a bitter taste.
- Too Much Liquid: Add broth and cream gradually when creating the sauce, and remember to use gnocchi cooking water sparingly. It’s easier to add more liquid than to thicken a too-runny sauce.
- Skimping on Seasoning: Butternut squash can be a bit bland on its own, so don’t be shy with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Taste and adjust before serving.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Proper storage and reheating are key to enjoying your Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe leftovers.
- Refrigeration: Once cooled to room temperature, store any leftover gnocchi in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: While gnocchi recipes with creamy sauces can sometimes separate a bit when frozen and thawed, you can still freeze this dish. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating (Stovetop): The best way to reheat is on the stovetop over medium-low heat. Transfer the gnocchi to a skillet and add a splash of milk, broth, or water to help loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out. Stir gently until warmed through.
- Reheating (Microwave): For a quick option, reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of milk or broth, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the gnocchi tough.
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Final Thoughts: Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe FAQs
What kind of gnocchi should I use?
Potato gnocchi, whether store-bought or homemade, works best for its soft, pillowy texture. You can find excellent quality packaged gnocchi in most grocery stores in the pasta aisle.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the Italian sausage and use a plant-based sausage substitute or add extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. Ensure you’re using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?
To thicken the sauce, you can simmer it gently for a few extra minutes, allowing some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water, then stir this slurry into the simmering sauce. To thin the sauce, add more reserved gnocchi cooking water, chicken broth, or heavy cream, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I prepare parts of this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can! You can cook the butternut squash and blend it into a sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. You can also cook the sausage ahead of time. When ready to serve, simply combine and warm everything through.
Is homemade gnocchi worth the effort?
Homemade gnocchi can be a rewarding experience, offering a uniquely tender texture. However, high-quality store-bought gnocchi provides excellent results and significantly cuts down on preparation time, making this a perfect weeknight meal. It truly depends on how much time you have and your passion for making things from scratch!