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Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi

Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi
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Creamy Butternut Squash & Sausage Gnocchi is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender potato gnocchi, sweet roasted butternut squash, and savory Italian sausage in a luscious creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners or entertaining, it offers balanced flavors, a rich texture, and quick preparation in under 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb soft potato gnocchi
  • 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 12 oz Italian sausage (mild or spicy)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1–2 tbsp fresh sage or thyme, chopped
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Roast the Butternut Squash: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread it evenly on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and caramelized at the edges, enhancing its natural sweetness and nuttiness.
  2. Cook the Sausage: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage, breaking it into small pieces until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the pan and set aside, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add butter to the skillet with the sausage fat, then sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until soft and fragrant, creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
  4. Cook the Gnocchi: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the gnocchi and cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Drain the gnocchi, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.
  5. Combine and Simmer: Add the roasted butternut squash, cooked sausage, and gnocchi to the skillet with the aromatics. Pour in the heavy cream and a splash of reserved gnocchi water to loosen the sauce. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats all ingredients evenly.
  6. Finish with Cheese and Herbs: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh sage or thyme. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and serve hot for the best indulgence.

Notes

  • Roast squash in a single layer to ensure caramelization rather than steaming.
  • Using fresh gnocchi yields a softer, more tender texture.
  • Retain sausage fat after cooking to build a rich, flavorful sauce base.
  • Add reserved gnocchi water gradually to control sauce consistency as desired.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their vibrant color and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Butternut Squash, Sausage, Gnocchi, Creamy Pasta, Comfort Food, Quick Dinner, Italian

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/creamy-butternut-squash-sausage-gnocchi/