Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: The Ultimate Fall Dinner 🍂🧀🌟
1. Introduction
Welcome to a cozy and delicious dinner recipe that combines the velvety richness of butternut squash gnocchi with savory sausage in a creamy sauce. This dish is perfect for autumn evenings when you crave comfort food that is both hearty and elegant. The sweet notes of roasted butternut squash harmonize beautifully with the smoky sausage, creating a flavor profile that is irresistible. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this butternut squash gnocchi recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
2. Ingredients for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 packet of fresh or store-bought gnocchi
- 1 lb (450g) sausage (Italian or breakfast sausage works well)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh sage or thyme for garnish (optional)
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Roast the Butternut Squash
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 25-30 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized. Once cooled, mash or purée the roasted squash until smooth.
Prepare the Gnocchi
If you’re using store-bought gnocchi, set it aside. For homemade, you can find various recipes online, but for simplicity, store-bought options work perfectly in this dish.
Cook the Sausage
In a large skillet, cook the sausage over medium heat until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Remove excess fat if necessary, and set the sausage aside.
Make the Creamy Sauce
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute. Stir in the mashed butternut squash, heavy cream, and season with salt and pepper. Let simmer for a few minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Cook Gnocchi and Combine
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the gnocchi according to package instructions, usually 2-3 minutes until they float. Drain and add them to the skillet with the sauce and sausage. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to meld the flavors.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Gnocchi Dish
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce.
5. Serving Suggestions
This creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. Garnish with fresh sage or thyme for an added aromatic touch. For an extra protein boost, consider topping with grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze.
6. FAQs about Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Can I substitute the sausage?
Yes, you can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or vegetarian sausage for a different flavor profile or dietary preference.
What are some dietary tips for this dish?
You can make this recipe vegan by using plant-based sausage and dairy-free cream alternatives. Additionally, to reduce calories, opt for light cream or omit the heavy cream altogether.
How long does it take to prepare?
Overall preparation and cooking time is approximately 40-45 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying dinner option.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make chopping and preparing vegetables easy and efficient, perfect for roasting or sautéing.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensures even cooking for your sauces and sautés, making cleanup a breeze.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Keep leftover sauces and drinks chilled to preserve freshness.
Investing in quality kitchen tools can significantly enhance your cooking experience and make every step effortless.
8. Related Recipes You May Love
9. Conclusion
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dish is a perfect example of comforting fall dinner that balances sweetness, spice, and creaminess in every bite. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and ideal for a cozy night in with family or friends. Give this recipe a try and bring the tastes of autumn to your dinner table today!
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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Creamy butternut squash gnocchi with sausage, seasoned with herbs and served in a rich sauce, perfect for a comforting dinner.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium butternut squash
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound sausage links, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh sage or herbs for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven and roast the butternut squash until tender, then peel and mash.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mashed squash, flour, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix until a dough forms.
- Divide the dough and roll into ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook sausage slices until browned, then set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant, add cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add gnocchi to the sauce, cook until they float, then mix in sausage.
- Garnish with herbs and serve hot.
Notes
- Roast the squash for richer flavor.
- Do not overmix dough to keep gnocchi light.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Method: Baking, boiling, sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
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