Have you ever wanted to create restaurant-quality pasta that combines the earthy sweetness of butternut squash with the savory richness of Italian sausage? This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dinner that showcases homemade gnocchi in a luxurious cream sauce.
Furthermore, the homemade butternut squash gnocchi provides incredible texture while absorbing the flavors of the creamy Parmesan sauce. Additionally, the Italian sausage adds protein and depth that makes this dish satisfying enough for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
What Makes This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Special
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage stands out because it features homemade gnocchi made entirely from butternut squash for authentic flavor and texture. Moreover, the three-component approach allows each element to shine while creating harmonious balance.
Recipe DetailsInformationTotal Time1 hour 45 minutesActive Time45 minutesDifficulty LevelIntermediateServings4-6 portionsStorage2 days refrigerated
The recipe creates four to six generous servings with pillowy gnocchi, rich cream sauce, and flavorful sausage. Additionally, the make-ahead gnocchi option allows for quicker assembly during busy meal preparation times.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Butternut Squash Gnocchi:
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed – Natural sweetness and orange color
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Structure and binding
- 1 egg – Richness and cohesion
- Salt and pepper to taste – Flavor enhancement
Creamy Parmesan Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream – Rich, luxurious base
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty, sharp flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic depth
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter – Silky texture
- Salt and pepper to taste – Seasoning balance
Italian Sausage:
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed – Protein and spice
- 1 onion, finely chopped – Sweet foundation
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Aromatic enhancement
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – Cooking fat
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Subtle heat
Smart Substitutions: Replace Italian sausage with turkey sausage for lighter option. Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories. Substitute sweet potato for butternut squash for different flavor profile.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage
Step 1: Prepare Butternut Squash
Boil cubed butternut squash until tender and easily mashed, approximately 15-20 minutes. Drain thoroughly and let cool completely to prevent gnocchi from becoming sticky.
Step 2: Make Gnocchi Dough
Mash cooled squash into smooth puree without lumps. Add egg, flour, salt, and pepper, mixing until cohesive dough forms. Avoid overworking to maintain tender texture.
Step 3: Shape Gnocchi
Roll dough into long ropes about 3/4-inch thick, then cut into bite-sized pieces. Create ridges using fork tines for sauce adherence and traditional appearance.
Step 4: Cook Gnocchi
Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil. Cook gnocchi in batches until they float to surface, indicating doneness. Remove with slotted spoon and set aside.
Step 5: Prepare Cream Sauce
Melt butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Pour in cream and simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Finish Sauce
Stir Parmesan cheese into cream mixture until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over low heat while preparing sausage.
Step 7: Cook Sausage
Heat olive oil in separate large pan over medium heat. Cook chopped onion until translucent, then add crumbled sausage. Break into small pieces while cooking until browned throughout.
Step 8: Add Aromatics
Stir minced garlic and red pepper flakes into sausage mixture. Cook additional minute until fragrant and well combined.
Step 9: Combine and Serve
Gently toss cooked gnocchi with creamy sauce until well coated. Serve immediately topped with sausage mixture and garnished with fresh herbs and additional Parmesan.
Pro Tip: Don’t overwork gnocchi dough as this creates tough, dense results. Handle minimally for light, pillowy texture.
Assembly and Presentation Guide
Serve gnocchi in shallow bowls or plates to showcase the creamy sauce and colorful sausage topping. The orange gnocchi creates beautiful contrast against the pale sauce.
Arrange sausage mixture generously over each portion and finish with fresh thyme or parsley for color. Light dusting of black pepper enhances visual appeal.
Plating Suggestions: Warm serving dishes briefly in low oven for temperature retention. Provide spoons alongside forks for capturing every bit of creamy sauce. Serve with crusty bread for complete meal.
PrintThe Ultimate Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Recipe
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage combines tender homemade butternut squash gnocchi with a rich Parmesan cream sauce and savory Italian sausage for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 egg
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sausage)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Boil the butternut squash until soft, drain, and let it cool.
- Mash the squash into a smooth puree and transfer to a bowl.
- Add egg, flour, salt, and pepper to form a dough.
- Roll dough into ropes, cut into bite-sized pieces, and shape ridges with a fork.
- Cook gnocchi in boiling salted water until they float, then drain.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Add heavy cream and simmer gently. Stir in Parmesan until thickened. Season with salt and pepper.
- In another pan, heat olive oil over medium heat, cook onion until translucent.
- Add sausage, breaking into crumbles. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes, cooking until browned.
- Toss gnocchi with creamy sauce.
- Serve with sausage mixture on top. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- You can prepare the gnocchi dough in advance and refrigerate it before boiling.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Use gluten-free flour to make the recipe gluten-free.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Gnocchi Preparation:
Shaped gnocchi can be frozen on baking sheets, then stored in freezer bags up to 3 months. Cook directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to cooking time.
Complete Dish Storage:
Store assembled dish covered in refrigerator up to 2 days. Reheat gently with splash of cream to restore consistency.
Component Preparation:
Prepare sauce and sausage ahead, then reheat gently while cooking fresh gnocchi for optimal texture and temperature.
Advanced Planning: Make gnocchi up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate covered. Cook just before serving for best texture and flavor combination.
Creative Recipe Variations
Sage Brown Butter Version
Replace cream sauce with brown butter and fresh sage for more traditional Italian preparation. Add toasted pine nuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.
Mushroom Addition
Sauté mixed mushrooms with onions and add to sausage mixture. The earthy flavors complement butternut squash beautifully while adding nutritional value.
Lighter Cream Sauce
Use half-and-half and Greek yogurt mixture instead of heavy cream. Add extra Parmesan for flavor while reducing overall calorie content.
Vegetarian Alternative
Replace sausage with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, cranberries, and toasted walnuts. Maintain protein with extra Parmesan and pine nuts.
Dietary Note: Each variation preserves the essential butternut squash gnocchi character while accommodating different preferences and dietary requirements.
Nutritional Benefits and Health Information
NutrientPer ServingDaily ValueCalories52026%Protein22g44%Carbohydrates48g16%Fat28g43%Fiber4g16%Vitamin A8400 IU168%Calcium280mg28%
Butternut squash provides exceptional vitamin A content for eye health and immune function. Moreover, the vegetable contributes fiber, potassium, and antioxidants for overall wellness.
The combination of protein from sausage and complex carbohydrates from gnocchi creates satisfying meal that provides sustained energy and satiety.
Expert Tips for Success
Squash Preparation: Ensure squash is completely cooked and well-drained to prevent gummy gnocchi texture. Excess moisture creates sticky, difficult-to-handle dough.
Flour Amount: Add flour gradually as butternut squash moisture content varies. Start with less and add as needed for workable dough consistency.
Cooking Temperature: Keep cream sauce at gentle simmer to prevent breaking. High heat causes separation and grainy texture in finished sauce.
Timing Coordination: Have all components ready before final assembly as gnocchi and cream sauce are best served immediately while hot.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Dense Gnocchi: Overworked dough or too much flour creates density. Handle minimally and add flour gradually for light texture.
Broken Cream Sauce: Excessive heat or acidic ingredients cause breaking. Keep temperature low and add acidic elements off heat.
Sticky Gnocchi: Excess moisture in squash or insufficient flour creates stickiness. Ensure squash is well-drained and adjust flour as needed.
Bland Flavor: Insufficient seasoning or under-rendered sausage reduces flavor impact. Season each component adequately and brown sausage thoroughly.
Conclusion
This Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage elevates homemade pasta to restaurant quality through careful technique and quality ingredients. The combination of sweet squash gnocchi with savory sausage creates memorable dining experiences.
Moreover, mastering homemade gnocchi opens possibilities for countless variations while the impressive presentation makes this dish perfect for entertaining or special family meals.
Share photos of your beautiful Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage creations in the comments below and tag friends who appreciate homemade pasta and seasonal cooking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use store-bought gnocchi instead of homemade?
Yes, but butternut squash gnocchi may be hard to find. Regular potato gnocchi works, though you’ll lose the sweet squash flavor that makes this dish special.
How do I know when the gnocchi are done cooking?
Fresh gnocchi are done when they float to the surface of boiling water. This typically takes 2-3 minutes for homemade gnocchi.
Can I make the gnocchi ahead of time?
Yes, shaped gnocchi freeze excellently. Freeze on baking sheets, then store in bags. Cook directly from frozen when needed.
What if my cream sauce breaks?
Remove from heat and whisk in cold butter or cream gradually. Alternatively, blend briefly with immersion blender to re-emulsify.
Can I use a different type of sausage?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage, chicken sausage, or even vegetarian sausage work well. Adjust cooking times as needed for different products.
How do I prevent gnocchi from sticking together?
Dust shaped gnocchi lightly with flour and don’t overcrowd when cooking. Stir gently during boiling to prevent sticking.