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Creamy Butternut Squash Gnocchi with Sausage

A cozy dish featuring sweet butternut squash, creamy sauce, and savory sausage, perfect for fall.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

For the Gnocchi
  • 1 lb butternut squash, peeled and cubed Make sure it is fully cooked and mashed well.
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and sour cream.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Use freshly grated for better flavor.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
For the Sausage
  • 1 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Adjust to taste for spiciness.

Method
 

Make the gnocchi
  1. Boil the butternut squash until soft. Drain and let it cool.
  2. Mash the squash into a smooth puree and place it in a mixing bowl.
  3. Add the egg, flour, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix until a dough forms.
  4. Roll the dough into long ropes and cut it into bite-sized pieces. Use a fork to create ridges on the gnocchi.
  5. Bring salted water to a boil in a large pot. Cook the gnocchi until they float to the surface. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the creamy sauce
  1. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
Cook the sausage
  1. In a separate pan over medium heat, warm the olive oil.
  2. Add the chopped onion and cook until soft.
  3. Add the sausage, crumbling it as it cooks. Stir in the garlic and red pepper flakes until the sausage is browned.
Combine the ingredients
  1. Toss the gnocchi in the creamy sauce, then add the sausage mixture and mix well to coat everything.

Notes

Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs. Pairs well with a green salad or garlic bread.