Description
This recipe combines pillowy gnocchi with savory sausage and creamy butternut squash for a comforting and elegant meal. It’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or entertaining guests, offering a rich balance of sweet squash and warm sausage flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb fresh gnocchi
- 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
- 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread cubed butternut squash on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Roast for about 25 minutes until tender.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the Italian sausage until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Remove sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add diced onion and cook until translucent. Add minced garlic and fresh thyme, stirring for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Transfer roasted butternut squash to the skillet with the onions. Pour in heavy cream and mash the squash into the cream with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
- Return sausage to the skillet and mix well. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cook gnocchi in a separate pot according to package directions until they float.
- Drain cooked gnocchi and add to the skillet with the sauce. Toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh butternut squash and high-quality sausage.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as you cook.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Consider using a pressure cooker for faster squash cooking.
- Involve children in the cooking process.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting and Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: N/A
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: N/A
- Fiber: N/A
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: N/A