Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage: A Flavor Fiesta!

Alright, mis amigos! Let me tell you about a flavor revelation that hit me like a Cuban summer breeze: Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage. I had been wrestling with how to make a hearty pasta dish that still felt light and vibrant. I wanted big flavor, but I didn’t want to be weighed down. After some testing and trying, I realized I could deliver it all with a Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!

The sweetness of the squash, the savory sausage, the pillowy gnocchi – BAM! It’s a flavor fiesta in your mouth! This isn’t your grandma’s gnocchi. We’re talking about a flavor explosion that perfectly embodies the Cuba Queen spirit: bold, unexpected, and utterly unforgettable. I first made it for some friends, and the sound of appreciation after the first bite… I knew it was time to share this recipe with my tribe.

Get ready, flavor adventurers, because this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is about to become your new obsession. Let’s turn up the heat and make some magic! If your kids love this, they’ll go crazy for Egg Muffins with Spinach and Feta!

Ingredients You Need

This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage ingredient list is SHORT but mighty! Don’t let the simplicity fool you – each ingredient is a flavor powerhouse. Consider this recipe for Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage, Thyme, and Sage, for some inspiration.

• 1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds): The star of our show! Look for one that feels heavy for its size.
• 1 pound Italian sausage (sweet or hot, your call): I like hot for that extra kick, but sweet works great too. The important part is the flavor of the Italian sausage.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting: You might need a little extra depending on the squash.
• 1 large egg: Binds everything together and adds richness.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty, savory note.
• 4 tablespoons butter: For the glorious sage butter sauce!
• 1/4 cup fresh sage leaves: The earthy, aromatic counterpoint to the sweetness of the squash.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t be shy!

The secret to epic Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is using fresh sage instead of dried. It makes a WORLD of difference. Trust me! You will find the best ingredients for this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage at your local farmer’s market. Especially the herbs and fresh squash.

Splurge on good quality Parmesan cheese. It is worth the price when making Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage – trust me. For a budget-friendly alternative, use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter (but still delicious) sauce. I love using olive oil to toss the homemade gnocchi sausage in! You can roast the butternut squash a day or two ahead to save time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Let’s get cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to dive into the deliciousness? Here’s how to make this incredible Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage! We’ll turn you into a gnocchi pro with this Sausage and Kale Butternut Squash Gnocchi recipe.

1. Roast the squash: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Halve the butternut squash, scoop out the seeds, and drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place cut-side down on a baking sheet and roast for 45-60 minutes, or until fork-tender. This can take up to an hour, but trust me, this is a flavor worth waiting for to make Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage.
2. Make the sausage: While the squash is roasting, remove the sausage from its casings and cook it in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Drain off any excess grease. Set aside the Italian sausage gnocchi recipe.
3. Puree the squash: Once the squash is cool enough to handle, scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor or blender until smooth. Measure out 1 cup of puree and set aside. Your Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage should look and smell amazing already!
4. Make the gnocchi dough: In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash puree, flour, egg, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until a dough forms. Don’t overmix! The dough should be slightly sticky, but not too wet.
5. Shape the gnocchi: Lightly flour a clean surface. Divide the dough into several portions. Roll each portion into a long rope about 1/2 inch thick. Cut the ropes into 1-inch pieces. This easy gnocchi recipe is coming to life.
6. Cook the gnocchi: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Drop the gnocchi in batches into the boiling water. Cook until they float to the surface, about 2-3 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and set aside.
7. Make the sage butter sauce: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sage leaves and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Add the cooked gnocchi to the skillet and toss to coat.
8. Combine and serve: Add the cooked sausage to the gnocchi and toss everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately and prepare for flavor fireworks with this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage!

Pro tip for Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage perfection: Don’t overcrowd the pot when boiling the gnocchi. Work in batches for best results. Here’s where most people mess up their Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage – but not you! While your Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is working its magic, grab your camera – this is Instagram gold!

Presentation

Presentation is everything, mis amigos! You can have the most delicious Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage in the world, but if it doesn’t look good, it won’t taste as good!

Serve this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage immediately in a beautiful bowl. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh sage leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil for extra shine. People absolutely lose their minds when I serve this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage at dinner parties!

This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage absolutely slays at dinner parties! Pair this dish with a crisp white wine or a light-bodied red. A simple salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be a perfect complement. For more sanity-saving dinner ideas, check out One Skillet Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Italian Sausage and other great recipes.

If you have any leftover Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage (which is rare!), toss it with some extra veggies and bake it into a casserole. You can even add some cream and make a delicious soup. This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage dish would be perfect for Thanksgiving, or a cozy night in the fall!

FAQs

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making this amazing Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage:

• Can I make this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage spicier?
  Absolutely! Use hot Italian sausage, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or drizzle with some chili oil before serving. I’m a huge fan of spice, and this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage really shines with a little heat.
• What if I don’t have Parmesan cheese?
  Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Or, if you’re dairy-free, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
• Can I use pre-made gnocchi?
  You can, but the homemade gnocchi really makes this dish special. It’s worth the effort!
• How do I know when the gnocchi is perfectly done?
  They’ll float to the surface when they’re cooked through. Don’t overcook them, or they’ll become mushy. I’ve found that this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage takes around 2-3 minutes when boiling.
• Can I make this dish ahead of time?
  You can roast the squash and make the gnocchi dough ahead of time. But it’s best to cook the gnocchi and assemble the dish just before serving. I’ve even pre-cooked the homemade gnocchi sausage.
• What if my gnocchi dough is too sticky?
  Add a little more flour, a tablespoon at a time, until it comes together.
• Can I freeze the gnocchi?
  Yes! Spread the uncooked gnocchi on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time. This easy gnocchi recipe can be made and frozen!

Conclusion

This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavor adventure! It represents everything Cuba Queen stands for: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a whole lotta love. I knew this Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage would be a hit!

My Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage Power Tips:

• Roast, don’t boil: Roasting the squash brings out its natural sweetness and adds depth of flavor.
• Fresh is best: Use fresh sage for the most aromatic sauce.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the dough will result in tough gnocchi.

Here are a few variations I’ve created and loved:

• Brown Butter Sage Gnocchi For an extra nutty and savory flavor
• Creamy Pesto Gnocchi Perfect for spring and summer
• Spicy Chorizo Gnocchi For a fiery kick.

The sage butter sauce gnocchi always get the biggest reactions! I’m confident that your Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage will be amazing!

Don’t forget to share your results with me! I can’t wait to see your creations and hear about your flavor adventures. Let’s create some Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage memories! 🔥🌮✨

Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

This Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy autumn evening. Tender butternut squash gnocchi are tossed with savory sausage and a light sauce for a satisfying meal.

• Author: Quinn
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 package (16 ounces) butternut squash gnocchi
• 1 pound Italian sausage, removed from casing
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried sage
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
2. Add onion and garlic to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, then stir in dried sage. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Meanwhile, cook gnocchi according to package directions. Drain and add to the skillet with the sausage sauce.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese and toss to coat the gnocchi. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

For an extra touch of richness, add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce at the end. You can also use different types of sausage, such as sweet Italian or spicy Italian, to customize the flavor.